My Financial Story | The Good, The Bad & The Ugly $

[@wingmangut1]

Thank you for sharing! I am 21, never had debt, i plan to move out at the end of this year, i live at home, work full time. I save 40% of my checks i see my older siblings struggling with car payments and debt and i am so thankful i learned dave's principles in time! Their payments is more or less what i am able to save and that is money in my name!

[@KeaIrene23]

That’s one thing I loved about my school. They offered a whole class on money budgeting jobs responsibilities after high school (rent car payments etc) it was so nice! You had a “job” if you didn’t go to school you didn’t get “paid” and had to figure it all out. Thank you so much for sharing! Really helped me. ☺️❤️

[@evietowe]

I watched this while preparing my monthly budget for next month. My husband and I filed bankruptcy at just around the same time. It was a very humbling experience, but I don't beleive that we learned a whole lot from it at the time, because it kind of felt like a "get out of jail free card." We did learn later after not being able to obtain credit, buying a brand new car with a 12% interest rate because we really didn't have any choice at the time. Now, we're following Dave Ramsey's plan to pay off car debt, student loans, and our mortgage. We do have one small credit card with $1500 balance and a few medical bills from having had a baby in June. I just wanted to thank you for your realness in this video. The experience is very sobering at the time and I felt you did a great job of explaining those feelings of regret/remorse when having to "face the music" so-to-speak. Sorry to hear about your car accident and crazy chiropractor. Love the sweatshirt!

[@TheTinyHerd]

I so so much appreciate you sharing this. I am 23 and am going through a major professional and life change right now and in that process I've accrued credit card debt since it really wasn't expected and I had just started learning about the baby steps. This video has made me stop and have some perspective and give me confidence that I can do it. It's a marathon not a sprint! My goal is to be debt free, fully funded emergency, and bought/saving for a house by 30!

[@staceymaurstad6930]

Emily, things happen for a reason...your story made you a stronger 'life planner' including the backbone of strong financial planning...KZbin is your vehicle for helping others...i hope your ownership is rewarding because it is a real life, down to earth inspiration to all of us...thank you for sharing! I'm happy and proud of you! This is catapulting your future in many ways ! Doors are open ....

[@naomiking2442]

I really enjoyed this video! You're doing an amazing job and it's wonderful to hear all of your success! I know you're inspiring a lot of people with your story.

[@ceciliajohnson8812]

I came across your channel today, and I just had to subscribe! I totally relate to your story - I'm a born spender as well; I spent my allowance as soon as I could as a child, and things continued the same way once I was old enough to be approved for credit cards - It felt to me like I was getting stuff for free whenever I Swiped that card! I was not taught about finances growing up, either - it was such a taboo topic. I feel like I'm now finally Growing Up and I'm so thankful to Dave Ramsey, Gail v Oxlade and other financial writers who I've discovered in my journey - and people like you, and various others on KZbin, who help keep me motivated and have such great personalities that it's a pleasure listening and learning. xx

[@planandteachwithme1891]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to put yourself out there but I am in my late 20's and I want to really get myself in a good place with saving and budgeting and your videos for budgeting help me out so much. This video gives me motivation and hope that I can do it too! So thank you for being so brave to put this up on the internet!

[@JamieRoubinek]

I LOVE this video. I graduated in 99, too. :) And, I filed bankruptcy, as well, although not until 2012. your story about going to court is exactly how I recall my experience. Wish I had never had to do it but I learned so much! Now, like you, I'm laser focused on staying in control of our finances. It feels good to have a plan in place. thanks for a great video!

[@bcsweetascandy]

Thank you for sharing your story! I had a similar financial background, and am now getting serious about kicking my bad financial habits and saving. I believe we are close in age, so it's nice to see someone in my age demographic come through a financial struggle. It's very inspiring and motivating!

[@lanikmcintire1107]

Thanks so much for sharing your story!! I used to work as a mortgage loan officer and had to educate a lot of borrowers regarding their credit scores along with the importance of healthy credit. It taught me so much as well and have begun to use my monthly spread and notes to budget. I'm still working on my 6 month reserves as my home is pretty expensive living near Washington DC. Keep inspiring others and love watching your PWM.

[@MissVBeauty02]

Wow I didn't realize you went through so much! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been a little unmotivated lately. I'm on baby step 2 and it's starting to feel like I will never finish.

[@ashleyrothberg8450]

That was really brave of you to share. I know finances are such a personal thing so I appreciate you taking the time to share yours with us.

[@MsRNdiva]

Thanks for being transparent!! This really helps! Keep up the good work.

[@ashleyschounard6578]

Thank you for sharing your story! I feel so relatable to you and your story! I found Dave Ramsey through you and has been the best decision I've made. I've learned so much and it makes a hard subject (budgets and money) seem like they can be tackled! I grew up just like you, I made money.. then I spent it right away.. then at 18 I maxed out plenty of cards not realizing the damage it would do. Now at 30 I'm paying for it and it sucks!! It helps knowing I'm not alone and that things can turn around!! :D

[@av5054]

Thank you for your transparency! Life isn't always perfect and not everyone is!!! Thank you!!!

[@beckaybeckay]

Using someone else's bad circumstances as a positive in your life-- I feel like this is the flip side of comparing our lives to others and feeling like we're missing out or feeling jealous. Maybe instead of feeling bad or good because of what someone else does, it's better to frame it as 'inspiration' from others....? Thanks for sharing!

[@TripTillFall]

I am about to upload my financial story this week. We must be very similar in age, I graduated in 2001. I have the same feeling about getting to $0 the fastest. Dave Ramsey has changed my life and my families. Love your Vlogs and channel. Been a subscriber for awhile, first-time commenter!

[@sonyaewagner]

I really want to thank you posting this. I am 30 and going through some financial problems. I have always admired your financial videos so its good to know it can get better!!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Sonya Wagner so glad you enjoyed the video! I am not perfect and we all make mistakes. But we can always change our behaviors to make positive changes to get out of bad financial situations. Good luck on your financial journey.

[@clnanddrty]

absolutely love it! saw that you ordered and was lurking around a bit. absolutely love your energy and your positivity. i racked up 3k in credit card debt at 20 years old and it was CATASTROPHIC! we are in a good financial place right now, but i would like to get a little tighter reign on it. i think your videos will be helping me!

[@miakaw1]

thank you for sharing - it's such a personal matter but glad you are comfortable to share a little with us

[@Krys.T]

Thank you for being so honest about your history. Motivation to stick to the plan

[@carlyreader5368]

Emily!!!! ❤️ It takes a lot of courage to make a video so personal. Gives me hope because I too like yourself was never taught at home or school about financial peace. Thank you for this! You're awesome!

[@raven4924]

Thank you so much for this video. You are very inspiring and I agree with you that this needs to be taught in school. ESPECIALLY in this time of instant gratification.

[@krystal37276]

This is such a common course for so many out of college! They should mandate a class before graduation on finances- real life finances. Thank you for sharing!

[@krystal37276]

I mean out of high school!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Kristen I feel the same way. Wish that all high schools mandated a class on personal finance

[@johnveyna2593]

Emily, I just want to tell you that you're such an inspiration. I'm 21 and I had horrible spending habits. And after watching your videos you've helped me with my finances. I've learned to budget and now I'm on the path to saving. So I want to thank you soooo much!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

John Veyna way to go! Stick to your plan and you will be wildly successful

[@dummy771]

Thank you soo much for this! You have no idea how badly I needed to hear this! It let me know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again!

[@naomiwitzke]

Thanks for your honesty and transparency in sharing your story! It's so helpful to hear how someone else learned to get organized with finances. I live in Golden Valley and just found your channel - love all your budget videos!

[@iseqparra5935]

This story was so awesome! Thank you for sharing your journey and giving us hope that our future can be as successful because you are living proof! You owned the accomplishments every little step of the way and are a great encouragement:)

[@mykibagirl1534]

Thank you for sharing your story. I as well got swamped by medical bills, credit card debt. I have had two cancers and am now on two life time medications. I also got Injured at the workplace and now out of work. I am really struggling and trying to get my life back together again. I really enjoy your videos!

[@KelseyCate]

I haven't finished the video yet, but I want to say, schools still didn't start doing personal finance until last year I believe. My brother and sister are required to take that class to graduate high school. I graduated in 2013 and they never even offered the class as an elective.

[@motherhoodwithamanda8727]

Thank you so much for your honesty! I'm 23 now and I have had my share (I'm thankful it wasn't a ton) of debt but 20 and 21 weren't my best years (but it did make me grow up fast so I'm thankful for that). It made me giggle a little when you were reflecting on when you were 20-24. I had the same mindset when I first started spending. I didn't realize the value of money when I was 18-21. 22 was the year of the bill collectors. I took out an AMEX card (ridiculous move because I didn't really even need it) and basically whatever you spend in a month is due at once (there's not really a way to make payments on the particular card I had) which for some reason processed in my mind when a bill for $1,060 was due at once and like 16-18% in interest if I didn't pay $1,060 at once. AMEX would call every other day. And what makes matters worse is that the yearly fee to maintain the card was $175. (Thankfully, I was able to get out of it before the yearly fee, but by then they cut my card off and passed it to their collections department). Even though it wasn't in the card rules, I made small payments because I did not have $1,000 laying around (really, who does). I had other bills like my car and I needed money to eat, you know, regular monthly things. This screwed up my credit so badly (especially when this is the time in my life to be building up my credit). I felt way in over my head and would cry pretty much every day. I felt so alone with everything and now I'm in the mindset to save. Long story short, I have paid off that stubborn AMEX bill and have a few other small bills that I'm working toward. You have inspired me and made me feel like I can relate to you in aspects of your financial struggle. Thank you for being so motivating! ❤️👍🏻☺️

[@RAELYNSKINCARE]

Thank you for your story. I am looking forward to more of your videos and inspiration to get out of debt. I read Dave Ramsey a few years ago and am using the debt snowball now but I need to budget way better than I am and I think I'll use the cash envelope system.

[@gobosMommy]

I loved your story. i'm a year older than you, i think (outside of the medical part) we've had the same experiences! i'm slowly trying to get out of debt myself. i''ve gotten down to less than half of what i owed probably about 5 years ago. its a slow process, and yes i still make mistakes now and again (nothing like i had in the past). i loved the part about the car tho - and let me tell you, my mom (bless her heart) got me a brand new ('00) carrolla my senior year of highschool since i needed a car to get to work. she still owns that car today and it is still running almost perfectly. AND i just shy of totaled it back in the day. so that was a great investment because you can probably own it for another 10 years if you keep up on the maintenance.

[@mariannedressler6784]

I was a lot like you. If I had any money it had to be spent! Never learned to save. I have been following The Dave Plan for the last year and what a difference. First time being debt free and a fully funded emergency fund. I find listening to the podcast like taking a financial class. Sure keeps me motivated. Never going back to bad money management.

[@daramoma]

Yesss! Motivation at its finest. Setting defined and clear goals is the key. Thank you for this 💓 💓 💓

[@nay1377]

thank you for sharing. i was in the same boat, just i DID get garnished...and let me tell you, i almost had a break down. its sooo scary and embarassing, you feel like a total looser! BUT I LEARNED MY LESSON! NEVER AGAIN! thanks to youtube and clicking from one link to another i found myself in finance video, and now im on baby step 2, and im excited! im soo much more careful with my money and conscious of it. my goal is a house as well and im excited to work towards it. once again thank u for sharing.

[@bella21690]

this is a great video!! I didn't learn to save until it came time to buy my first car... which was high school, but for me, when I didn't get that car, I ended up blowing the money instead of saving it and up until recently I did not know how to save. I am now 27, and learning on my own how to save. Its a slow process, and I am paying off three maxed out credit cards. But I am in a better position now than I was back then. Paying off debt is a long process, but financial freedom is my ultimate goal now.

[@bels5635]

Thanks for sharing! I found your channel recently, and love it!

[@renodia1]

Thank you for your honesty!!! This helped me so much!!! I really appreciated this video!!! Thank you!!!

[@joynd]

Wow your story is so similar to mine! I'm still working on baby step 2 though. Some times I feel like I'll never make it out of baby step 2 but I keep at it and hopefully one day soon I'll be like you in baby step 3 :) Thanks for making this video!

[@jessicadeluca5804]

This was fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your story! We have very similar stories, and share the same love for Dave Ramsey!

[@SaraMitchell09]

Emily, thank you so much for sharing your story. It is very inspirational to hear someone grow up similar to me and bounce back from a bankruptcy. We haven't filed but we are following Dave Ramsey and seems like such a mountain to climb over. I know we will get there some day.

[@universaljourney1817]

your story is very inspirational and it shows me that I am not crazy to wanna teach my nearly 6 year old baby bro from my dad's side about financies... ;)

[@cherylparker891]

Great video! Im home sick and have been binge watching. Has anyone ever told you you look a lot like Zooey from Nurse Jackie? Adorable!!!

[@dinah3939]

I just turned 22 in addition to recently graduating college and my financial situation is just so outrageous... I didn't know where to start and this video has helped so much! I can't thank you enough for sharing your story and being so honest.

[@sherrilvyhanek3536]

Emily - thanks so much for a great video! it is wonderful that you can share your story. I just got a new job and really have not debt, now I need to set up a budget to take money and save. Thanks again!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Sherril Vyhanek budgeting is key! Congrats on the new job

[@nnicolexo]

Thank you! So so so much. I think it took hearing your story to know it's NOW. Now is the time for me to get it together. Thank you.

[@pritchy0626]

I just bought Total Money Makeover as a Christmas gift to myself. I've been using the envelope system for a while now and can't wait to get started on the baby steps! Thanks for sharing your story. :)

[@MissJewell77]

thanks for sharing!!! i also filed when i was young!! lesson learned!! workin on my 3 to 6 mos!!

[@erikaramirez6558]

Great video. This explains why I gravitate towards your channel! So many parallel moments. I graduated '99 & I remember getting a Nintendo too! Lol and my brothers just ended up hogging it. I too felt so naive about all the credit cards that I opened after high school. Plus we're both single gals in our 30s which puts a whole different set of circumstances that I don't see on other channels. Keep it up. This was all so helpful & inspiring. Thanks!

[@got2bmetodd441]

Words of wisdom! Love your presentation! Thanks for the video.

[@ellentibaldi]

Amazing video! Great of you to open up to inspire others :)

[@easydoesit1962]

You are so awesome, Emily! Thank you for sharing your story!!! God Bless...Jody :)

[@laceyleecoupons7580]

Thanks so much for sharing!! I'm sort of in the same place right now, and having a hard time starting the baby steps!

[@readin_ritin_rithmetic]

Your honesty and perseverance is inspiring. Some of your statements hit a little too close to home but it was helpful. Thanks!

[@kt_rvs2731]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's helped so much and really shows me that even in the debt I feel like I'm drowning in, that I can get through if I'm strict with myself.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

kt_rvs you can do it! Just stick to your plan

[@Mmamicx]

Im from MN TOO!!!!! YEAH, thank you for all the advisers.

[@MaggenMarie]

i can relate to alllll these bad habits.. great video and great suggestions. :)

[@MakeupModaVida]

This made me feel soo much more relaxed!! I can get my life together! Thanks so much for your honesty 💕

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

MakeupModaVida you can do it! Best of luck

[@IntelligenteEtBelle]

This was inspiring! thanks for sharing your story!

[@Zania16ify]

Wow thanks for the honesty in this video! I am 21, and pay only in cash and debitZ And Although I am not in this situation, it is nice to learn from others on what not to do. You were very helpful on this! Thank you and God bless.

[@gailevans2635]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing, I started Dave Ramsey back in 2008 and got out of a mountain of stupid debt too!

[@faceitapril]

Yay!! I can do it, thank you

[@ritzaaviles5902]

I was exactly the same. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@MrsEmmy133]

Thank you for sharing! Very motivating!

[@Adventuresofagingermom]

I graduated in 99 too!!! That is all we did as well. Balanced a checkbook!

[@KeepingUpWithNocie]

I've literally binged watched all your videos! You've inspired me to be smart about my money! Thank you!!

[@eleo_b]

My parents were really good with money, but that made me rebel so much. I wanted to not care aout it!I had a bad phase too. Luckily, my cc onyl had a maximum of EUR5,000. But when I realised I was constantly paying the mandatory payments and not decreasing the debt, I decided to pay it off altogether and only use it for things you need to pay online. Now, pay it off at the end of every month.

[@beingkitschroeder2507]

This video is such an oldie but a goody!

[@LifeSorted]

Well you may not have been a sensible teen/20 year old but you seem to be on the right financial path now. I think your story is pretty common though tbh. This year me and hubby are trying to get our finances in order too, we arent in that much debt luckily (thank god for the NHS!!) but I would like a savings, pension fund and back up in case we ever can't work (self employed!!) So its baby steps trying to budget and bring down outgoings and earn more overall. But I need to get the Dave Ramsey book as so many people talk about it

[@sarahandrew2011]

Hi Emily, Thanks for sharing your story.

[@blasianbeauty24]

this is very very eye opening and encouraging, because I struggle with money too!!

[@justus2cats630]

thank you so much this is my life you just explained I am so motivated now :)

[@Inmywordz]

This story is basically my life without the bankruptcy.

[@philipgoldsberry2514]

Excellent Video Emily! Thank you for sharing and advising me with my monies! :-)

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Philip Goldsberry no problem bro! 💰

[@randeehuey4259]

I loved this video -- thank you so much for sharing so transparently. I was very, very similar to you -- I didn't make it to the point of bankruptcy, but our spending habits, financial intelligence growing up, and hard-core diligence to save nowadays is the same. I credit my husband for teaching me financial responsibility. He's a rock star when it comes to our finances, and his restraint and diligence has really rubbed off on me -- there's no going back now! Love your channel; you're such an inspiration to me! Skol Vikings (I'm a fan my whole life). Happy Thanksgiving wishes from South Carolina ☺

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Randee Huey so glad you husband is a financial wizard and you got out of your habits. Behavior is key

[@savvyfeminist4700]

Thank you being so honest about your financial journey. I'm so glad you turned this around. Maybe you can do a follow up on the do's and don't after you file bankruptcy. Is there a period when you can't make big purchases? How long is bankruptcy reflected on your credit file? To date do you have to declare you were bankrupt?

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Savvy Feminist I was changed permanently after the bankruptcy was done. I haven't made and bad financial decisions after that. To answer all your question, you can find all the answers online. It all depends on your financial standing as well as what kind of bankruptcy you file. Thanks for watching.

[@lymonea]

Thank you for sharing your sorry. It was very motivating. I'm going through things now and trying to figure out what I need to do to get things together. I'm wondering as well tho, what do you do? Because a lot of things go off of the type of job you have. It's so hard getting a job that will pay you enough to live and take care of your family, and have the hours you need for your family.

[@chinagurl673]

I think its crazy your parents didn't say anything about all your cards at the beginning!!! It really puts things into perspectives and teaching kids young is super important. Not bashing your parents at all. Just makes me think more!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

I hid it ALL from my parents! It was so shameful and embarrassing. I didn't want them to know.

[@boldishasanah]

you are awesome for sharing this... makes me motivated

[@beajoiful]

Lololol. 😂😂😂😂😂 I'm not going to talk about my bankruptcy. Hey do you want to hear about my bankruptcy??? 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Thank you so much for your transparency & honesty. It encourages me to keep doing what I'm doing, which is to GET OUT OF DEBT!!!!!

[@ninjamichelle9481]

I've been binge watching your videos today and just realized it after checking your channel! New subscriber here and you're very brave to share, much kudos!

[@RhiannaHarrison]

Your story is so motivating! My husband and I want to buy our first house but we don't wanna be house poor. I'll have to check out Dave Ramsey. I've heard a lot about his programs.

[@colorsofavon934]

Good job! Love your honesty. Best wishes

[@adrienneteague992]

I really appreciate your honesty in this area. I work in a public library in an urban area. I am planning a personal finance class for the people in the library because so many people are in the same boat. I teach dance to high school girls and we regularly have a conversation about what they don't know what to do. How to open a bank account. How to pay bills. How to pay taxes. It's really scary.

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Adrienne Teague it's so amazing that you are guiding them in their lives. Way to go! It's all about education

[@livelaughlove4635]

Interesting to hear your story. Though a bankruptcy is nothing to be proud- Things happen, it's in the past and more importantly you learned from it. 3 bankruptcies for that lady- YIKES!

[@momof2momof2]

The best part is you learned from it :) Congratulations !!! :)

[@kaitlyne1936]

Did you have any school loans at all? That’s my big struggle! Thanks for the video, new subscriber 😁

[@xiomara4362]

Thank you so much for this! I'me freaking out bc I'm 22 (and dumb) and had a couple of credit cards that were over the limit (I've since paid 2 off them completely off). I just never really put to much importance into how this could actually negatively impact me but now I've woken up and have been so worried about the punch my credit has probably taken from it. This video definitely gave me hope that I can get up from this :) Just subscribed.

[@dianaguevara3775]

Thank you for all your videos! This one in particular makes me feel good.

[@jilb6274]

You are an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You're right about the lack of education on finances. I graduation long before you '83 and nothing was taught to us. That 4.0 is algebra really isn't handy when learning to budget. Dave Ramsey has been instrumental though.

[@marissamarks2443]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! It's good to know that no matter where you are you can always get to a better place. Best wishes for your 2017 and buying a home!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Marissa Marks thank you 💕

[@theslayologist]

Thanks for sharing! This is an awesome story!

[@emileechristine09]

You're story is my story! Plus my name is Emilee too! lol

[@AmandaHelms]

Great video! Thank you for being so honest and transparent. I'm currently trying to pay off credit card debt and knocking those little debts off gives me the motivation to keep going. Thanks for your videos! Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Amanda Helms so glad you enjoyed it! Happy thanksgiving to you as well

[@xxloveydovey620xx]

I didn't get any credit card offers in the mail when I turned 18. Crazy how many you got. I learned early no matter what credit cards are bad and I will never get one. I'm glad I taught myself how to budget and save at a very young age. No one taught me crap about being adult, I taught myself how to do everything, very stressful but very rewarding in the end!

[@natashasanders8785]

Thanks for sharing your story! It's always interesting to hear someone else's story and perspective on a situation. My savings acct is constantly going up and down and I'm asked myself that same question: what is going on here? not to mention one credit card balance has crept back up. 😱 While listening to your story, I'm working on my sinking funds spreadsheet and wondering where I can tweak my regular budget to save more money. I am going to buy a house by next November. So I'm there with you having that be my focus. People ask oh what's new with you? My answer is always nothing. Just working and saving. lol... It will be awesome when I can finally say what's new with me is I bought my house! 😁 (Happy Thanksgiving Emily!)

[@FavoriteDaughterEmily]

Natasha Sanders so happy that you are working on saving for a house! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well

[@sari337]

Thank you so much for sharing!! I really do wish schools would teach this before we actually need it so we're prepared. I do have a question though, when you filed for bankruptcy does that mean the debt is forgiven? Or reduced? I didn't quite catch that part. Thank you!!

[@sari337]

New subscriber btw 🤗

[@Amodernelder]

Thank you for your transparency in this video. I m Subscribing! You did a great job in your presentation!