Debt-Free Journey: 7 Tips | Paying off $120K of Debt in Under 3 Years

I share how my husband and I paid off $120,000 of debt in under 3 years and the 7 tips that helped us in our debt-free journey. If you are someone who is also on your debt-free journey or trying to build financial literacy, I hope this video motivates and encourages you!
If you haven’t yet, please LIKE this video. It really helps the KZbin algorithm as I’m growing my channel!
Thank you so much for watching.
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What's Next? 5 Steps We Took After Becoming Debt-Free • What's Next? 5 Steps W...
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0:13 - why I decided to make this video
2:44 - our money situation
5:05 - 7 things that helped us in our debt free journey
5:15 - track what you spend
6:30 - pay above monthly minimums and use the snowball method
9:04 - live below your means
10:53 - control the content you consume
12:35 - increase your income
13:41 - don’t give up!!!
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Resources mentioned:
- Aja Dang: bit.ly/3dOW8xU
- The Financial Diet: bit.ly/3fYWeWj
- CNBC Make it:bit.ly/3mzmMP6
- Refinery 29 Money Diaries: r29.co/3mypfJA
- Graham Stephan: bit.ly/3dUjy4M
- Dave Ramsey: bit.ly/3d1AUNX
- Reddit r/personalfinance: bit.ly/39Zzm5c
- Reddit r/fire: bit.ly/321CCIV
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Personal Instagram: coffeeandhoneycomb
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Tags:
debt free, debt free journey, debt free scream, debt free now what, debt to income ratio, debt free millennial, debt free living, debt free Dave Ramsey, debt free Aja dang, millennial money, millennial money graham stephan, millennial money moves, financial literacy, financial education, financial freedom, financial diet, should I pay off my debt or invest, should I pay off my credit card, should I pay off student loans, should I pay off debt early, how to get out of debt, how to get out of debt fast, what should I do with my money, what should I do with 1000 dollars, what should I do with 10k, generational wealth, Korean American, aapi, api, Asian American

[@This.Is.30-Mandie]

I had to come back and comment bc this is one of the only videos that’s not full of fluff but actual advice and it is appreciated.

[@JennyPark]

Oh my gawwwwshhhh. 🥰 thank you for coming back to say this.

[@williamshart6228]

Got funded my grant thanks to andrew_garcia7142

[@justwait9822]

The thing that motivated me the most to not buy bs stuff while getting rid of debt was the mentality that youre paying more for everything you buy while holding high interest cc debt. Each dollar you spend is a dollar you arent using to pay down that 30% interest card, so essentially youre paying an extra premium on everything until you clear the debt. Also the longer the debt persists, youre losing the ability to invest those dollars and the compound interest they could earn so it becomes an even bigger loss.

[@JennyPark]

OOOO love that

[@imanjones3807]

Im African American. My parents were not wealthy but we had everything that we needed as My parents worked really hard and had decent jobs as compared to others in our inner city neighborhood. My parents did not get an education past high school, however they encouraged my sister and I to do so. Long story short, my debt is mainly college debt, however I dint regret it because if not I wouldn't have the career that I have today. However, I'm learning that it's not about your career or job but about your creativity in what you can do outside of your job. My daughter is 11, and I'm teaching her now about financial matters. This week I will include her in our actual budget. I want her financially literate by 13.

[@tigerbarksdale6899]

I can't wait to be debt free. Debt is no fun. Congratulations to you and the family.

[@JennyPark]

Wishing all the best to u!!!! It’s life changing

[@SugarMamma]

Paying off an incredible amount of debt in 3 years take so much savvy strategy. Love that you are advocating for an approach beyond consumption discipline and scarcity.

[@JennyPark]

Ooo “beyond consumption discipline and scarcity” - I hadn’t thought of it that way but that’s such a great way to put it. 💛 Thank you!

[@davidblane8222]

2 years after you posted and THIS is exactly what I needed to kickstart my Get Out of Debt Journey! Thank you.

[@bujin5455]

6:50. The snowball method is not based off of the payment size, it's based off of the principle size. So let's say you have a $3,000 debt, a $10,000 debt, and a $50,000 debt. You pay minimums on the $10k and $50k debts, and put everything you have toward paying off the $3,000 debt first, regardless of what its payment size is. Once it's paid off, you then take the amount you're saving from the first debt, plus the extra you had, and then add it to what your minimum is on your next largest debt, and pay it off. Rinse wash and repeat. You do it like this because you will be able to pay off the lowest principle amount the fastest, thereby increasing your total extra monthly cashflow sooner. In this way, the payment size is snowballing.

[@JennyPark]

I want to PIN this comment. Thank you for explaining it so much more clearly. I love your distinction of principle versus payment size. I struggled a bit on how to communicate this simply (and relied on easy mental math LOL).

[@WellBehavedWallet]

Great tips! Especially appreciate the idea of watching the content you're consuming. SO important to be a part of the right conversations!

[@augustaborn9034]

Thank you for the snowballing thing. I currently have debt spread across 6 credit cards. I will use this strategy to begin paying them off.

[@JennyPark]

Yesss it makes it way more manageable and you get the momentum. Try googling snowball method debt worksheet and I bet there’s templates you can use to make it even easier! Visualization is huge.

[@WelcomeToMyHead]

I love how articulate you are! Thanks for making this video!

[@rolande6342]

Glad I stumbled on your channel. I appreciate this video so much. Thank you!

[@janicexchoi]

Wowwww these tips are gold ✨

[@worldofaishah]

Thankyou for providing your tips! They’re very useful.

[@JennyPark]

Aw thank you! I’ve been slacking on my KZbin content but I have more tips on TikTok! Same handle name

[@maisonandme]

Love this! Can't wait to see more!

[@misanthropicleo]

Stacey Flowers is a woman who shared her debt free journey on youtube, and it was so inspiring to me. I am glad to see another woman on here because, like you said, we're few and far between.

[@BudgetsWithELMA]

Great video! You explained everything very well!

[@skoopqueen.]

For years I struggled with outstanding debts, bills and my children's school fees. I was at a point where I wanted to give up. I came across every KZbin channel about how to make and multiply your income through passive income. Fortunately, I had saved some money and decided to start an investment, bought my second house already, earn on a monthly through passive income and got 4 out of 5 goals, just hope it encourages someone that it doesn’t in investing.

[@eadad4371]

Not quite long I started investing. I'm very curious and need help on how to enhance and increase my returns. Any good investment tips would be appreciated

[@skoopqueen]

@@eadad4371

[@skoopqueen]

[@eadad4371]

@@skoopqueen That’s great , your investment advisor must be really good,I have seen testimonies of people using the help of investment advisors in making them more financial stable. Do you mind sharing more info on this person?

[@emeldcentor1474]

@@eadad4371 I have had the intentions of starting investing. But I always thought it was late and I think I need to stop procrastinating. I will definitely 🔍 Regina Louise Collaro and see what she can advise .Thanks a lot . This was of so much help to me .

[@cherylcuthbertson5406]

Thank you. Extremely good advice.

[@Mydesktable]

👑 you dropped this. Thank you so much for making this video!!!!

[@itsthemintbunny]

This was so motivating ♥️ Thank you for this! You are so helpful!

[@TheGabeeOShow]

I loved this video from the beginning! Thank you for this content.

[@JennyPark]

🥺🥺 TY

[@WealthySocialWorker82]

Thanks for the suggestions. This information was very informational and helpful.

[@JennyPark]

Aw thank you for watching and sharing that. That means a lot and so glad to hear it was helpful. Lmk if you have any other topics or questions you’d like me to make a video on!

[@JoshIsOnAMission]

ok, but this is AMAZING. congrats!

[@JennyPark]

Thank you!!!

[@kellywairimudavis9873]

Love this video! Thank you!

[@debbiecho2762]

Enjoyed your video and looking forward to your future content!

[@JennyPark]

That means so much! 💛 it was my first one so trying to test and learn!

[@gissellplasencia3690]

Thank you so much for sharing, it is definitely helpful

[@JennyPark]

Thanks so much for watching and glad to hear it was helpful. ❤️

[@TaureanDreams]

Thanks for the video!

[@timothymcknight9080]

thank you for this help and really just I can get out of debt but I just have to believe and just move forward in the journey

[@JennyPark]

Yes believe and keep moving forward!

[@GinaSherman-gc2cx]

Love how u explain everything ,

[@joseyclaudio9927]

Wow!! Enjoy all the counted of you Video!! It's very motivating!! Keep up !!

[@JennyPark]

[@elzroman]

Love this!

[@davidwoodford6894]

Its quicker to get into debt than get out of it. It's only when you realize. Things have got to change and that's the same with everyone. Unfortunately

[@JennyPark]

10000%

[@vimz100]

OMG! you just read my mind, same for me nobody ever taught me finances, including my parents!

[@besongtataw9864]

this was really helpful!

[@misseyespy1]

Hi Jenny thanks looking forward to getting more motivated thank you

[@christinahumtsoe1262]

Thank you so much for sharing! Looking forward to more ❤️

[@JennyPark]

That means so much. Appreciate you watching!

[@Maariu01]

I liked how you were open about your parents providing/sheltered you it means alot and the fact that your right about women and money advise

[@JennyPark]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@slgtherapeuticservices-ove9776]

Same motivation, great video

[@breezybre2670]

So glad there is no back ground music. Thanks!!!

[@BUCTHA4]

Quite an informative video. Love the content

[@JennyPark]

Much appreciated!

[@fromthekims]

Feeling inspired by this! Thank you for this.

[@JennyPark]

Yay! You got this! Thanks for watching

[@bredgethardison7372]

New subscriber!!! Love your transparency!! Keep it up!!

[@JennyPark]

Aw thank you! You’re inspiring me to make another video!

[@KimC-eq8rb]

Thanks so much, Jenny for your insight. I totally agree with you on Dave Ramsey, I think his advice is good in addressing mindsets that we might have to adjust so it is a good start. Im so excited to see a young couple taking control of your finances early. Keep it up.

[@JamiesRealisticLife]

Hi there just came across your channel and I subscribed, I love how honest you are in this video.

[@JennyPark]

That means so much to me

[@user-bc8fy1tc9b]

I agree that watching utube videos about debt free is very motivating. I’ve added the cash envelope program to my schedule. It’s a lot of fun that I can do and see my progress.

[@amysho2192]

Thank you!! Love this. New subscriber.

[@JennyPark]

YAYYY

[@acas6551]

Love this

[@jessicaburnett243]

Great video!!

[@frankc3080]

thanks jenny, appreciated

[@jane0711kr]

My favorite part was the intro 😁 I thought you'd get more into the nitty gritty of the amount of debts/income levels, etc. but found this video helpful regardless! Thank you for sharing - just seeing all the recommended videos following this and their demographics shows the importance of the addition of an asian american immigrant voice on financial advice.

[@JennyPark]

Thank you for the feedback and watching!

[@KO-im6sm]

Great points

[@kodanight]

Loved your video and second the Ramsey comment, I appreciate you acknowledging how problematic he is

[@rice_blossoms]

Thanks for sharing Jenny!! So sad we didnt get to meet up in the Bay Area:/

[@JennyPark]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Hopefully we can one day in the future hehe

[@RebeccaEvans]

Your intro was excellent and sadly so accurate.

[@noggasaki_x]

I'm an asian american women as well, and my parents never talked about money. They just mainly told me to work! So my money habits has been better within the last two years. I paid off $32K off in one year which was debt free journey part one. NOW I'm focusing on student loans which is $108k!.

[@JennyPark]

So impressive! Keep on! 👏 Hope you have moments to celebrate and enjoy

[@adrian3747_]

omg that’s a lot of debt 😭 congrats on paying of the $32K that’s no joke. I’ve been picking up extra shits to pay off my car loan 💀

[@noggasaki_x]

@@adrian3747_ keep at it!

[@druidsongevergreens]

Congratulations! Did you have to work 4 jobs? Or was it mainly strategy?

[@JennyPark]

Ah good luck! Hope you’re able to squeeze in moments to rest and enjoy yourself ❤️❤️ @_adrian2727

[@STILLPHENOM]

My problem is getting my wife excited and nervous on this journey as much as I am. Together we make about 140k but then together we have about 130k debt.

[@JennyPark]

Congrats on the dual income! Honestly I didn’t prioritize debt-free for the first few years of my marriage even though my husband mentioned it. I wanted to enjoy my discretionary income! I feel grateful that I wasn’t forced but happened to find motivation when I was ready. It is definitely tricky when only one person wants to prioritize and I empathize with both sides! I think having a lot of open and safe convos about money was really helpful to eventually build a shared mindset.

[@jakstew8168]

Do you mind if I give you two some advice on how to pay it off?

[@dkrosecot]

Great video, would love to see more on this topic💓

[@JennyPark]

Thank you! I plan to share another video soon about what we did post debt journey + money moved to make in your 20’s. Lmk if you’re interested in something else!

[@m1kek1m]

Really like graham stephen. Nice video!

[@lfuentes4098]

My husband and I did the debt snowball first then after we paid off that first car we went to the highest apr. Once we paid the credit cards off we snowballed our car payment. I know Dave recommends selling the car and buying a beater but we didn’t want to do that. 😂 I still use credit cards but it’s only for points. We pay off cards monthly. It would be easy enough to switch to just using a debit card but we felt there were more protections when using a credit card instead. 🤷‍♀️ It’s a good feeling to not have debt and live within your means.

[@Shabudgets]

Great video ❤

[@Mar6579]

Watching the first minute and I’m already like I love you 😂

[@JennyPark]

Ok you just made my day 🥰

[@joycesalaver3623]

so many good nuggets! the struggle of "generational wealth"...esp for first-gen american families... is REAL. literally never heard the term growing up. so inspired by this!

[@jeanne.y758]

Yay!! Thank you for tackling these topics!

[@JennyPark]

Thanks for watching! 💛

[@choosetoshine2610]

Excellent content and delivery! Can we talk about that chair? Its fabulous. New subscriber.

[@JennyPark]

Omg you’re fabulous. The chair is from article! I think it’s supposed to be for outdoors but we use it indoors ;) thank you for watching and subscribing!

[@choosetoshine2610]

@@JennyPark That chair looks really good in your space. More of these financial education vids please. Stay beautiful! Blessings. ❤

[@emiliaornelas6824]

Girl preach! Here from an immigrant household 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Amayahblanca]

Step #6, I'm going to go to my boss and ask for a raise! I wish it was that easy

[@katresealexander1311]

New subbie. Great video 👍

[@JennyPark]

Thanks for subbing. Made my day. 🥰🥰

[@ruchikachauhan9697]

I was extremely sheltered by my parents and grew up prosperous. I was naive about finances . I’ve spent a large part of my 20s and early 30s being irresponsible with my personal finances. In 2019 I made a switch. It’s given me so much self efficacy and confidence. I also tracked our household carbon footprint. I made it fun and a learning tool for my family.

[@JennyPark]

That’s amazing. I love your awareness and self motivation. It’s so true how much confidence we gain from being more in control of our finances. Tracking household carbon is what I aspire to! 🙌

[@inea-fijourney22]

lifestyle creep has been my biggest fault. But at least Ive awaken. 25% consumer debt eliminated in one year! Need to up my game... goal is to be consumer debt free in 2 yrs.

[@JennyPark]

Wow that’s amazing! I love it. I need to relook at my budget again because as the real world is opening up again and we’re trying to travel for weddings and family visits, life gets expensive! So trying to find a new balance of enjoying life while also being financially responsible. In it together.

[@beth3535]

Very personable young lady. Well worth following g.

[@JennyPark]

💓💓

[@Maariu01]

Didnt know there was a name for the snowball effect method i came up with that on my own! just paid my car off and im using that money i usually pay for it to go towards my orthodontist bill

[@JennyPark]

Yesss sounds like it was intuitive for you

[@Bond_MrsBond]

Omg, I feel like allll I watch is personal finance content! And your right, it has normalized in my mind that this is a way of life that I want to have forever

[@aimeelim2754]

Husband nodding his head along with the tip to be aware of the type of content you expose yourself to 😂

[@JennyPark]

Hahaha unsubscribe girl. (But never to me)

[@JennyPark]

@Hezekiah Mekhi Oo I’ve never heard of this before gotta check it out

[@NaturallyPrettyBrownK26]

Great video the same reasons you stated is why I’m doing the Debt Snowball method ❤

[@kristyokokok]

It's so inspiring to learn about your debt free journey!! Thank you!!

[@JAH-iu3yh]

Uhhh I def didn’t grow up learning about Roth IRAs either haha You’re the first person I’ve heard say watch this type of content! 😅 Other than extreme anxiety over a low paying job & growing credit card debt… Gail Vaz Oxlade on a random “Til Debt Do Us Part” video that popped up on my KZbin feed 6 months ago has changed everything for me!!!

[@KateKaden]

Yasss!!!

[@danikeebler1662]

I was not from immigrant family. My parents were 1950s Midwest parents who came from nothing and retired wealthy because they started at 18 and 21. They never pulled me aside and told me, this is how you do finances. Like so many people nowadays, I have never been married or had children. I never had the accountability to budget and work together to build anything. I am so obsessed with youtube finance channels to normalize and level up.. I am partial to " vivian your BFF" I now wished i had had a partner to call me out for YOLO BS finances. Budgeting to plan where money needs to go and tracking it to make sure it got there.. if not...why not??? That was a game changer. Thanks for the video.

[@MichelleFairburn]

Well done! Super inspiring. You're totally right about male vs female advice.

[@JennyPark]

I see that changing more and more tho which is incredible.

[@MichelleFairburn]

@@JennyPark me too! Lots of changes in the personal finance community and I’m here for them!

[@JennyPark]

🙌 thx so much for commenting and watching btw!!!

[@danikeebler1662]

Increase passive income in higher yield savings, roths and other sources. You cant save your way to retirement alone and there arent enough hours in a day to work. Money doesnt sleep.

[@roquemarinho4756]

I found this to be a real personal and honest video. Very helpful because it is how so many of us feel. Thank you for sharing!

[@JennyPark]

Thank you for commenting and sharing that with me. That makes me happy to hear. 💕

[@angesoie]

i found christina mychas to be super motivating on youtube

[@JennyPark]

Thanks for the reco!

[@kaitdavi]

Great video - thanks so much for sharing your story AND for linking resources in what to consume. I’ve removed myself from social media because of how impressionable I can be to spend money but I like that you didn’t and removed folks you followed. Then added folks to follow so you were surrounded more by people paying off debt and giving financial advice. That was my #1 take away from your video!

[@priscatanis5750]

New subs here! 🥰

[@JennyPark]

Welcome! Thx for joining 🤗 I’m on a bit of a posting lull but hope to create new vids soon

[@benesss]

Thank you so much for sharing with so much honesty and congratulations for the great achievement 🥳

[@JennyPark]

Thank u! I appreciate u watching ❤️

[@kristinehovemoen7888]

Excellent video and explanation, thank you so much, really motivating too listen too and informative!

[@jamesorona9726]

Conquer up to 20k credit card debt!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJXZdZ9tj76mpZI major help!

[@kana_onishi]

THANK YOU!!! I'm on my debt-free journey and I needed this boost of encouragement.

[@JennyPark]

Aww yes!!! Keep at it. You can do it. But also don’t beat yourself up if it takes longer than planned. ✨💛

[@Jovoni.]

This was so honest and inspiring! I started my debt free journey last year, almost two years in and you can such good advice! It’s hard but the end goal is so worth it! ♥️

[@JennyPark]

Ah congrats to YOU for being on your journey and cheering you on virtually! ✨✨✨ It can feel lonely at times when people around you aren’t talking about their debt but you’re so right that the end goal is worth it.

[@mslildebby]

Thank you Jenny, you're a great speaker and I loved this video! My hubby and I just turned 50 and NO retirement saved.....(I love to shop) and live way above our means (and only work pt)....I'm motivated now! I also LOVE the way you broke down your videos for reference.

[@JennyPark]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I totally share in your love for shopping! I believe in living a life that is enjoyable and sustainable. I hope you and your hubby can continue to find balance (which is different for everyone)!

[@madelinerobbins4193]

I needed this in my life. I am literally going to implement step 1 -7 in my life right now.

[@JennyPark]

😂👏 get it

[@site_is_down]

Very inspiring journey and I've learned a lot from this video 😊 New subscriber here 👋🏻

[@JennyPark]

YAY thanks for joining! I create more videos on tiktok (@mohaewithjennypark)

[@ic9172]

Congrats to you and your husband! Thanks for sharing these tips. It's really inspiring me to continue on my debt free journey.

[@JennyPark]

Thank you so much! It feels good to be done but also know that it’s okay if it takes longer than planned Bc we’re balancing so much in life. Keep on in your journey ✨

[@joziewales1965]

You indirectly bang on Dave Ramsey for being a conservative christian but had an epiphany while attending a seminar about his get out of debt methods. Never once have I heard DR mention anything about race.

[@JennyPark]

I’m not knocking on his religion - I’m Christian as well. I think his method of the baby step program is very effective. What I do disagree with and want to separate are some of his other values and teachings.

[@JennyPark]

I think it might be irresponsible of me to promote his program that worked for me without making a disclaimer / watch out of some other things you may find if you choose to follow him.

[@arvindchaudhary3236]

Video starts 5:13

[@pinkforeverlove1]

I loved this. You were candid, gave background on your money relationship via your family’s background. Gave insight into your situations and thoughts behind your decision. I’m proud of you and grateful for you to be sharing this Knowledge!

[@JennyPark]

Thank you soooo much for your kind words and feedback.

[@_Cheyenne]

this is a great video, you articulate yourself so well and as a woman who is on her financial journey i really was hooked after you talked about the differences between how men and women are marketed to on our financial journeys xo

[@JennyPark]

Thank you so much for the kind words and taking time to review. 💜 I’ve been sharing more tips on TikTok but want to also post more on YT later this year!

[@kritika91]

What do you do for a living ? Not sure if you shared your job unless I missed it.

[@LoveTheJaspers]

Such a great teacher and motivator! Love the conversation at the beginning about not being taught money literacy!

[@JennyPark]

That’s so kind and honestly motivating for me to hear to make more! ❤️❤️

[@docdoctme]

Thank you for this video. Dave Ramsey has to be given props for the revival of the debt free mindset and steps to achieve these goals. However, there is an arrogance in his approach and a toxic political platform. No matter what race, gender or political preferences, people need help in navigating money management. It’s just this simple. Thanks so much for sharing your story in a balanced and practical way.

[@allthings_erio]

Absolutely agree! I 100% agree with her and your perspective on Dave Ramsey!

[@xterra4hire]

Dave doesn’t deny assistance to anyone based on anything.

[@JulieChasen]

I am 50k In debt from student loans. I need to pay it off asap. 17k In interest rates