Personal Finance blog readers are inundated with posts on everything from: saving money, investing, debt, student loans, and the list goes on. Blogs (including mine) will talk about side hustles, cutting down expenses, and again the list goes on. For those of you who are trying to get out of debt and take control of your personal financial life it can become an uncomfortable and confusing jumble of information, advice, and declarations of “My way is right!”
The reality is this: your debt repayment process doesn’t matter…as long as you have one! When I tried to pay my debts before I really didn’t know how to begin. I was confused by the idea of paying the card off with the highest interest, debt snowballs, and debt avalanches. I’ve begun paying off my debt and have found that the key to being successful at this was deciding that I wanted to be successful at paying off my debt. Then, I created a hybrid payment process that worked for ME. It might not work for you and that’s ok. Who am I to tell you that your way is the wrong way to do things if you’re experiencing success in meeting your goals?
Read a NOOK Book about paying off debt.
What does it matter that you stopped shopping, are still shopping, aren’t traveling, are still traveling? If you bring lunch, don’t bring lunch (to work) You get the picture. Each one of us has a different reality. Our reality affects how we approach our financial lives. In the end, when I read personal finance blogs I am looking for posts that resonate with me. I am looking for posts written by real people with real lives that are complex and ever changing. I am looking for inspiration, ideas, and support. I’m not looking for someone to tell me why I’m wrong. I am looking for someone to lend me a hand and help me up while I’m down.
Your debt repayment process really doesn’t matter as long as you’ve discovered a process that works for you. I don’t care how you pay off your debts as long as you are enthusiastic, committed, and actually getting results. At the end of the day who I am I to judge what you’re doing? Maybe your process won’t work for me and that’s ok.
Personally, I’m not going to stop buying coffee, drinking Perrier, or give up on snowboarding. I’m not buying cards at dollar stores when I could go to Papyrus. I’m going to do what I’m going to do because it’s my life. However, I will do what is comfortable for me and push myself to pay off my debts-my way.
I love reading about other people’s debt repayment journeys. Thank you for inspiring me, pushing me, and making me enthusiastic about doing something that is mentally grueling. To the personal finance bloggers who are reading this-a HUGE thank you! You have inspired me. To my readers who are on a similar journey to the one I’m on I know that you can do it! Don’t get stuck on the how. Get focused on the result. If you’re getting results keep doing what you’re doing and when it stops working for you then make adjustments. Good luck! Go kick some a@@!!
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I agree that it’s just about getting the job done however you can. Too often we can get caught up in trying to be perfect lil pf bloggers who do everything right 100% of the time.
I just find that a lot people end up treading water trying to find the perfect formula of debt repayment. They are treading water because get so caught up in the minutiae of percentages and other bullsh$t. If I’m getting it done, what does it matter?
I love this post!
It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. Finding what works for you and sticking to it. If you find success, keep doing it. If you find yourself failing, change it! Pretty silly how we over complicate simple things in life. 🙂
Oh… and I LOVE Papyrus cards too! 😀
I think I got stuck for a long time because I was trying to find the perfect way to do things. I should have just started and made adjustments along the way.
Love this! I am always get caught up in the numbers and planning part of paying off my debt. As long as it is getting done, why does it matter?
I assume that this rearranging and planning is just me trying to distract myself from the fact that my debt payoff will take awhile. Good for you for figuring out what works best for you! 🙂
Erin, I love the numbers I just hate getting stuck on details that are irrelevant. If I’m paying my bills down then I’m meeting the goal that I’ve set for myself-isn’t that enough? Also, I don’t want to tell someone that their way is wrong-for them. It might be wrong for me and that’s ok!
Love this motivational post! I agree that just because it works for someone one way, doesn’t mean it’s “the” way. I think if you’re constantly progressing, then it’s all good. I do admit to having a penchant for Papyrus products, too. 🙂
I LOVE Papyrus and my friends actually fuss at me if they don’t get a cool card for the birthday or for a holiday! I am just trying to stay focused and get things done. Boom!
Bravo Michelle Bravo 🙂
Hehe! Trying to kick a@@ and get things done.
Love this post, Michelle! I completely agree with you, it really doesn’t matter what you do or don’t do to become debt free, as long as it gets you there that’s all that matters.
Gracias! Can’t wait until I kick this debt out of my life. How I do it-as long as it’s legal…is totally irrelevant!
Absolutely! Doesn’t matter how you get it done as long as you get it done. It’s easy to get stuck in “dos” and “don’ts” and lose track of the end goal.
I know it’s fun to argue or discuss the merits of one way over another. But for a lot of people it’s an easy way to get stuck instead of moving forward in the process.
I agree. Planning is not given much credit for success!
I try to plan but really it’s the action that’s important.
It’s a second-level fix so it eventually matters, but when you’re just getting started you’re right. There’s no need to be very confused when you start paying off debt — the most important thing is getting started.
I find that getting started was the hardest part. Then, I think most people figure out the “way” to the higher level fix.
LOVE this, Michelle! Way to say it. 🙂
I don’t know why people get so stuck on nuances. Just figure out a process that actually works for you and work the plan! I lost a lot of time repaying my debt because I got stuck before I began. Now, I just make extra money and throw it at the bills. No deep thinking, just get it done.