The Crushing Weight of Debt (Podcast Ep. 23)

[@MinimalMomPodcast]

Thank you for watching (and subscribing! :) May I help you declutter? Take Your House Back (Just $94): urlgeni.us/TYHB The Take Your House Back Course is a powerful way that I can come along side you and make sure you get your home simplified in the new year! (And it's only $94 right now - normally $597!) The Next ALL DAY DECLUTTER is Saturday, Jan. 13 - replays available if you can't join us live (Payment plan available, too!) - Have a great weekend! Dawn

[@billierichter1379]

Please read the comments and see how much people hate that guy's voice. You're going to lose subscribers if this new way of doing videos continues. It's like a horribly cheesy infomercial.

[@shelleywinn8731]

don't laugh but I have made it 12 days of not ordering from Amazon. At the end of the month I will evaluate what is in my cart and see if I still need it. So silly to be so exciting at 12 days. Life if Good!

[@GreenWhitePurple]

Not laughing, I think that’s great! Have you considered starting an Amazon list (a wish list, or you can add your own with your own title)? I have a public wish list which I point people to if they ask what I’d like as a present - I always ask if they have the same so I can do this for them too, and only mention it if they ask me. I also have a private list I’ve called “Think about it”. This is where I put any nice, shiny thing that catches my eye. Usually, putting a bit of time between the urge to buy and actually buying it helps me get over the impulse. But every now and then, I might decide to spend some of my budgeted fun money on something, if I realise it’s something I’d still really like. For me, it works well to be able to capture things when I see them, but not actually put them in my cart where I’ll be reminded of them.

[@ArtyAntics]

Not silly at all, that is awesome!

[@SpicyMelange]

I paid off $25,000 in 2023 by saying NO! There is incredible freedom in saying no.

[@kaitlinobrien243]

Impressive well done! Happy New Year 🎊

[@silfervox2970]

Great episode! Buuut the voiceover made me think I was listening to the wrong podcast at first. You don't need it. You have such a great brand of you and your message. Been a fan for years.

[@altaneri6980]

We had $330,000 of debt outside of our mortgage and going grocery shopping stressed us so much b/c we had to use a credit card. I got mad one day and made the decision to get out of debt. We were miserable. It took us 3 years and peace was now in our life.

[@abigailwilkerson5284]

You paid off 300K of debt in 3 years! That's amazing!! You must have worked really hard at that. Good for you

[@altaneri6980]

@@abigailwilkerson5284 yes, we didn't live 😆 we were determined b/c it was affecting our marriage. We loved each other too much to continue letting debt hurt us

[@lyndi9082]

@@abigailwilkerson5284 WOW!!! YOU are an inspiration!! That would stress me out beyond words.. so happy for you!

[@no_peace]

You paid off $110k a year on top of bills?

[@lucystrider728]

Keep your vehicle maintained and do not replace it just because it gets a few years old. Build your identity upon your kindness, humor, generosity, knowledge, honesty, and skills instead of what you own, wear, or drive. You will grow into a more relaxed, beloved, accomplished person who has not wasted all that money on acquiring new things that were not needed.

[@Batirtze-b6x]

Very very well said. Bravo.❤❤❤❤❤

[@gospelgardensandtunes4109]

I love this discussion. I want to share a God blessing story. This month we are very tight in our budget. I cut my grocery budget in half and I cut out my favorite apples which normally cost 2.97/lb. I am usually willing to spend that because it’s a healthy food and I love the taste. But this month, for the sake of my family’s needs I cut that out and maple syrup (which is very expensive and I put in my home made coffee instead of sugar). But just this evening I found my favorite apples on sale for 0.97/lb!!!! I was so excited!!! I saw the Lord’s provision and couldn’t wait to tell my husband. Just wanted to share.

[@fotochikyo]

That's awesome!

[@marge3157]

Married 27 years. Took 27 years to pay off our cattle ranch, paid off our cattle loan, paid off our equipment, paid off vehicle's and paid off our home. It hurts but worth it. PS, 5 years clean from Facebook and Instagram. I sleep and eat better as well as shop less.

[@claudia_christianmommy]

Dawn, Even when you promote something like take your life back, you’re so humble about it and trying to do something not over the top. I would take the constructive criticism from some people for what it is, only if it’s constructive. Maybe the voice over isn’t a cup of tea for some, but it doesn’t mean it’s necessary to do what they say. Love you Dawn, I’m truly a fan. Always will be. Also I have been debt free since 2019 (Dave Ramsey baby steps ) and simplified my home since 2021 because of you.. I have no words to express the gratitude i have for you- annoying voice over of a commercial or not it doesn’t matter to me. From a grateful follower of your content.

[@fancyflamingo123]

I have to add my feedback here, too. Just because I think it will matter to Dawn seeing so many of us saying the same thing... The first time I heard the announcer guy on the podcast, I was like, Oh no! Like others have said, it just doesn't fit. I would love to hear Dawn do the intros (or maybe no intro needed-just do introductions quickly as part of the podcast) or even someone else doing the 'voice' (Diana?) Absolutely love Dawn and EVERYTHING she gives (I recommend her to everyone!) but hoping this change can be made. :)

[@angelrosee73]

The man’s voice into is not good - sounds like a product intro & infomercial- a big turnoff :(

[@gloriareynolds4050]

My 2024 motto... I am enough without the stuff! And it's so much more than just physical possessions, it's the job title, the image, others expectations, etc.... thank you Dawn for everything!!! ❤🎉

[@ninnymuggins5159]

*I am enough without the stuff!* That's amazing. I wish every woman could embrace this.

[@adrianabarnard6402]

I never went into debt I always had a fully funded emergency fund and all I have to say is that it’s all thanks to my mom so even in if you are in the process teach your kids the value of money so they never have to deal with getting out of debt. The skills I have learned from these two women I will be sure to teach my children.

[@stephaniehon2711]

I feel the importance of this topic deep in my soul! We have been working the Dave Ramsey baby steps since August of 2022 and paid off all our debts (besides the mortgage) in October 2023. Right now, we’re working on building our 3-6 month emergency fund. I got sick and tired of literally being *sick* and *tired* from our debt. The stress of debt is so draining on mental and physical health.

[@juliedavidson5596]

My hubby and I followed Dave's plan and were out of debt in 14 months. Plan was 20. Our first month we had a bee nest in the attic. I freaked out but the bill was only $70. Thanks for the trip down memory lane ladies . Debt free living has given us so many opportunities to give and be free to live.

[@kaleydc]

We got out of debt first, started selling our stuff to help and then found minimalism :) they do just go so well together!

[@tannif7455]

My husband and I never had any debts other than our mortgage but I do think since we've been decluttering we managed to pay off our mortgage alot quicker. We became even more mindful where we spend our money since we decluttered our lives.

[@MrsKellyintheMiddle]

I'm binge-watching all Dave Ramsey, Frugal Fit Mom, Jordan Page, and now Minimal moms podcasts on debt free living. We've also done a version of the baby steps 3 different times (this being our 3rd time) and I'm sooo ready to be done with debt. I want it ALL gone. I've tried the couponing stuff this past year and it just didn't work for me. I'm fairly sure I am just too dumb for the math side of it but it actually had me spending more money rather than saving. I kept thinking it was ok to stock up on essentials, but I'm realizing that that is just not for me right now. Right now I'm living on the absolute bare minimum. I grocerynshol once a week and literally ONLY buying what we absolutely NEED! It's INSANE how much we're finally saving on groceries just living like this. Granted, it's only been a week, but wow!! What a major change this one week has been for us! Typically we would already be half way through our grocery budget by now. 🙈 we've decided on $125 a week to push ourselves and I'm actually shooting for $100 a week, but we have 2 boys, 2 dogs, and a truck driver husband who can't take leftovers with him anymore so that makes things tricky. But! Im determined!

[@jackieo2403]

You are NOT dumb! Look at how much you have learned about yourself. You will get there- You can do it!! I'm rooting for you!

[@brittanys.7191]

You aren’t dumb! I personally fell into the trap of buying haircare, body care, etc… for stock up when I could coupon and save…but then we ran low on the grocery budget. Sometimes couponing can be a bit of a trap!

[@VS-fo9py]

Good luck! Keep going, don’t give up

[@_pugito1659]

Yeah best is setting goals like buying only stuff you NEED. We do $125 dollars a week for a family of 5! So it's very doable! You got this!

[@juliab8992]

Yea, I don't understand couponing. $5 for brand name, $1 coupon... And the Aldi equivalent is already $3.50 sooo... My difficulty is the $3.99 thing "buy 2, save $1"... Now I have to tell myself... Buy 1 and save $2.99!!! It keeps the weekly bill down, and I don't actually NEED that second thing right now, AND now there's ZERO chance that I'll forget I have it! NOT buying back stock "just because" has helped me waste less! I don't know how many times I would buy this big $1 bottle of imitation vanilla because it seemed to rarely be in stock, and my son uses it a lot (he likes to bake)... I just threw out 3 bottles of this stuff in the back of my cabinet, that expired over a year ago. 😢. I only buy what I NEED now, and I have found I don't actually need much!

[@johannab7715]

It’s very important to chose the right partner to do life with if they are as committed as you, there will be no limit on what the two of you can accomplish!

[@wesliegray1772]

Vehicles... would remote start and heated seats be nice in MN? Absolutely. But when i realize i am saving $400 a month by driving my 2014 Fusion as long as it is reliable is a no brainer.

[@angelainsull4634]

I've learnt soooooo much from Dawn. It often takes me a while to implement but Dawn's consistent message and careful encouragement is like an answer to prayer. I still have a long way to go but after 3 years I'm not panicking I know what needs to be done and I am influencing my family in the same careful and intentional way Dawn does. This podcast is great thank you

[@AdelaidesReadingFamily]

It’s funny you mentioned how something big will come up when you start. 4 days in, we had to pay $695 for plumbing due to sewage backup. Glad I’m not alone. 😅

[@azbuckeyegirl9523]

I’m older and my husband and I started with Larry Burkett and his materials from day one of our marriage. (1994) We also lived in a travel travel with a baby and built a house cash and carry. (Not realistic for most people -I get it.) Anyway, if I had to do it again, I wouldn’t change anything. We’ve never had a house payment. I can’t relate to that “stressor.” But my time management is an issue. Both my parents have had health struggles and dementia for the past five years, and I still am homeschooling a high schooler. (And I’m a new grandma.) This past fall, I’d wake up and say, “Okay, who is getting short changed by me today.” Call it “time and energy debt.” My friendships have suffered and my husband isn’t getting the best of me. This is a new kind of debt, and a new kind of stress. This conversation has encouraged me to get in front of this in the new year.

[@OurGreenAcreHomestead]

It took us 3 years as well, $160k, over $100k of student loans. But the relief and pride when done, I cannot explain.

[@christinegagne4262]

I wasn't in heavy debt per say but decluttering my home made me realize I didn't need all that stuff. I was no longer interested in shopping for entertainment, I got rid of all the excess, gained peace in return, and financial security was built up. At 55, I'm not worried about retirement and continue to work because I enjoy it, not because I need it to survive, and that is a great feeling!

[@jenniferrosenthal7731]

I talk about that “backtracking” concept a lot. My husband and I had children and married young. I finished school after I was done having our kids. But we have only ever gone up. We were not living some splashy lifestyle when we were young and broke and just gradually increased income. Friends of ours married later and had children later (no shame there) but they are experiencing the “backtracking” that we haven’t. My husband worked and still works his butt off but we are doing well and I’m proud of us.

[@kathyallen5121]

Thank you ladies - love both of your channels. I get a superb dopamine hit every time I put extra payments on my debt.

[@MrsPink64]

I so agreed with everything you said. We retired me at 53. Hubby retired in August. On his first day of retirement, the water heater broke. It was just an inconvenience, not a stress to get a new water heater, because we had no debt and have an emergency fund. Also there’s nothing funner than giving anonymously.

[@rachelcrossen8136]

What do you do for health insurance when you retire early?

[@peggypeters6676]

Pay out the Ying yang

[@MrsPink64]

@@rachelcrossen8136 I live in Canada 🇨🇦

[@angieprice7206]

I learned a lot about my own grocery shopping when covid hit. I have some respiratory issues and a friend volunteered to shop for me. I gave her lists and she followed them. My costs dropped a lot. Apparently I don’t follow my own lists. 🙄 I have learned I need to limit my own trips to the store. If I go, I always find more ways to spend money. Now I go once a week or every ten days or do. Much cheaper.

[@anitalindsay6658]

Got out of debt, mortgage and student loans, by not buying anything but food - ate lots of potatoes, eggs, beans and salads. About 2 years later, the tech school closed. I could not get another job because of my age. Interviewers were not shy about about telling me. If I had not payed off loans, I would have asked help from my children. Like decluttering, cutting expenses becomes addictive. I am now so content with what I have instead of the next unnecessary expense. I'm also able to share more, give me more. I feel I've broken the consumer mind set.

[@MyFocusVaries]

I highly recommend co-op in university, where you work in your field every second semester,. through a placement your university helps you find. Not only does it help you avoid debt, but you graduate with work experience that helps you find a job in your field.

[@jacquelinebonneville8054]

I love how these two topics (decluttering and being debt free) pair together. I'm always thankful any time you share on this topic Dawn.

[@TRuth.T]

Thanks for sharing. We are paying off our mortgage this month( we have only had mortgages). We will be debt free . Were farmers in WI.

[@rebeccaplasters2964]

I so appreciate that both of you are so vulnerable and willing to share your journeys. Thanks for the info and inspiration.

[@ruthturkington1736]

I have been building an emergency fund. For the first time when a major issue happened a few weeks ago, we didn’t have to put it on the credit card.

[@laurennguyen1008]

I am the spender and my husband is very good with money. He told me when I wanted to retire that I spent more every month than I would get in retirement. I never realized that which is ridiculous so I wrote all our debt and pay off countdown on a white board in the garage and we paid it all off and I fit our expenses in our income so I could retire. We've been debt free for years but I still shop for fun and I still have to watch it and live within my monthly income most months because it would be easy for me to get in debt.

[@katherineallen2577]

I wish more people would talk about the detriment of social media on kids, spending, people's mental health... I've also changed my habits/follows/subscriptions, and the goodness goes far beyond leaving the comparison trap and spending more quality time with your people. Even the quality of people i find myself spending time with has improved! Loved this episode!

[@terrilloyd3691]

It is such a shame that the USA doesn’t have universal health care. Being in huge debt because of illness just compounds the stress. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@katherinetyrrell8810]

Canada's system is failing so badly right now. Universal healthcare is great in theory, but not so much in practice. Canada is now encouraging people to use the M.A.I.D. service to cut costs. That is Medical Assistance In Dying. Perhaps, a better option might be to call the hospital, or doctor, and ask for help. It is surprising how often they will help. I had a friend who had to go to the hospital for over a week. She had no insurance. She called the hospital and the hospital administrator waived the debt AND gave her a card for free future services (if need be) for a year. I, myself, have gotten help as well. Also, pharmaceutical companies help all the time. It would definitely be worth making some calls. Good luck!

[@GreenWhitePurple]

In the UK the NHS was great but it has gradually declined to the point where even the emergency services can become overwhelmed and can’t be relied on. Bad management, lack of funding and the wrong priorities have resulted in harried staff and long waiting lists. I still believe in universal healthcare and think the US healthcare situation is shocking. But universal healthcare needs investment from taxation and proper management and accountability.

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

He's a licking Universal Health Care you still have to pay some costs. Not everything is free in Canada for example.

[@sct4040]

Quit buying cold turkey is the only way that worked for me. Now, the price of groceries alone is enough to give me hyperventilation. The last 2 days, I spent $230 for family of 2 on groceries, only food, not including necessities like tissues. I did stockpile due to winter being here. We are both retired.

[@pamgroom7117]

I adore you both. Thanks for sharing time together to share your stories.

[@marilyns6043]

Love this conversation! I'm on my own after a divorce - working a regular job, part-time job, and a side hustle to be able to stay above water and pay off my mortgage. I'm LITERALLY counting the days until it's gone. 1,091. Just sayin'. I can almost taste it - the idea of waking up owing nothing to anyone. Nada a nadie. Amazing!!

[@AdelaidesReadingFamily]

My husband and I decided this was our year to get finances in order, so this timing is perfect! Thanks Dawn!

[@LisaPFrampton]

We decided this as well!

[@dwohio8283]

I've always said, the right thing to do is not usually the easiest thing to do. Work for it, it's worth it!!

[@Craftytherapybyl]

Two of my favorites to watch while cleaning and working!

[@lisam5744]

When you and Christin were talking about the stress of debt and the lack of stress when it's gone, I was nodding and saying, 'Yep, oh yes, yes' again and again. And like Christine, we got a $300+ water bill AND a house insurance increase notice on the same day. I just sat and cried. Life still throws curve balls, but knowing we can manage them easier because we're not in debt makes them not quite so bad. I really enjoyed the podcast.

[@maryholton162]

Financial peace at any age is awesome, but when you hit retirement, you will feel extra extra happy that you made wise financial choices when you were younger.

[@MN_Cozy]

love you two together! do it once a month!! 💕

[@marshawolfkamp7604]

I love watching you two together!! I can tell that you really like each other and enjoy each others company! The level of respect and comraderie you show is awesome and worth showcasing.

[@dptfo]

Been spending my day working through one of the past all-day declutters, because I’ll be busy for your next one. Mentally exhausted, but I’ve made so much progress! But watching this one now because I need a break. No matter how much I get rid of, it’s not going to change until I stop bringing so much in. Debt keeps me in scarcity mindset.

[@SassySue67]

You will get out of debt faster if you stop buying and bringing STUFF in to your home.

[@emd5095]

We just made our mortgage by the skin on our teeth. My husband made $140K last year & I still ran up credit cards. I am the issue. I have been financially unfaithful & I'm done.

[@elysemeaney9333]

Excellent guest! Lots of information and very relatable. 👍

[@sanjalisnjic7271]

A great episode! That is interesting how one step leads to next - I started 3years ago Konmari method of tidying and decluttered a lot, started following minimalism principles, with a no consumption year (in regard to clothes because that was my vulnerable spot, but it spread to other areas of my life), continued with digital minimalism and now also following Dave Ramsey baby steps to get out of debt... Cut my credit card, payed off my car and now I am attacking my mortgage!!

[@christopherhernandez3909]

I can listen to debt free conversations all day ! 😇

[@nadadyson6642]

Cell Phone.. I turn down my volume & tell people to call my Landline if they need me. I get MORE stuff done & "Less Stress" Looking at my phone every 30 minutes.. Totally Agree on this Podcast info.. 👏👍😁

[@debvoight1310]

Dawn I soi agree with your last point, decluttering is what completely changed my mind set on our finances.

[@TammyGates-k9f]

Loved this podcast!! Of course, this “Awesome Twosome” speak my language 😊As I recently turned 60; it was a pivotal moment where I truly crave “simplicity”. I have made great strives decluttering and working the Dave Ramsey program w/my hubby. It’s been an amazing journey--realizing the extra weight of stress/debt/stuff!! Thankfully, we already live with the freedom of Jesus❤-now incorporating the FREEDOM from “stuff & debt”!!

[@raqueldelorbe5277]

We did the snowball after I read the Dave Ramsey book. And it really worked for us. Consolidate your debt didn’t help me at all. It doesn’t change your bad spending habits! I have been dept free for 3 years after I did follow the book instructions.

[@kimwestra2961]

After watching other similar videos and thank you for this video. My husband and I are doing a no spend January and only spending one day a week. The thing that I have notice that is helping me is actually keeping an actual journal of what I have spent and analyzing what I spent.

[@MsDoglover02]

My experience with debt settlement was not good at all. I had to stay on them and they were charging me monthly. I wish I had done it myself all those years ago.

[@AnimalFarm341]

For the first time, I bought a streaming. My daughter wanted Disney plus for Christmas; at least it isn’t cluttering our home 😂. I paid for 1 year w/o commercials; around 133.00. She wants it to be continuous and said she could just ask for it next year and I said, yes you can but it doesn’t mean you’ll get it. 🤷‍♀️

[@LadyLocksley]

What a great video. Dawn, you’re amazing. Your guest’s advice about the ditching streaming services, consuming less social media and being more intentional with time was right on. I am going to try this. I don’t need to watch so much on streaming services. Thanks for this entire video. Well done!!

[@donamiceli8470]

My youngest did the Dave Ramsey program in high school. I think all kids should.

[@amychirinosphotography]

We learned no was a complete sentence. And we buy a lot on sale even from thrift stores.

[@poisonlady1965]

I follow Dave Ramsey as well as I can for a person who just recently started the debt free journey. I’m much closer to retirement than I realized. I know it’s a process and that the struggle can be real. For me it’s habit based and ultimately controlled by my choices. It’s just me and there’s a lot going on but I can’t make it happen.

[@annspiece2487]

Thank you for this conversation it's very helpful being snowed in.. working on cleaning out this house what we don't need anymore ❤🎉

[@tressalewis7004]

I agree with your comment. It does become a game. I think we could look at it as being good stewards of what God gives us, not wasting any money, you ladies keep up the good work! You both are very amazing and I appreciate all the great content you put out.

[@glendaw5221]

Hi. From those of us who are still in major debt and are working our way out of it, this kind of video both encourages and discourages me. Sorry but it will be years before I’m out of debt even with an aggressive plan. I’m 73 and I guess I just don’t want to be debt free bad enough to give up everything to get there. I have no streaming subscriptions, no tv, a 2006 car, and buy any stuff for my house at Thrift shops. Groceries are minimal. My vices are soda and Chick Fil A milkshakes once or twice a week.

[@bellaluce7088]

@glendaw It sounds like you're doing a lot of things RIGHT. Good job! 😀👏👏👏 I wonder if checking out some ideas to bring in more income instead of trying to cut more expenses might help? Sometimes it takes an outside perspective (videos, articles, even a career coach) to realize we have the potential to bring in more money. Good wishes to you! : - )❤🍀

[@christinab9133]

Yay for two of my favorite people!!!❤❤❤

[@JenMidwestMama]

Thank both of you Ladies for this video! So important! I appreciate the honesty and money earning / saving ideas!! God Bless you both!

[@Jessica_Jones]

Got a tad misty-eyed a few times watching this; how comforting it is to hear about your financial journeys and to be reminded yet again that I have not been alone! It is so easy (especially in a saver vs. spender dynamic) to feel discouraged when progress isn't made at the rate you plan for. It's also tough running into those life expenses just when true commitment really kicks in, gah! Our most recent slowdown has been that I was laid off a couple of months ago so we've been saving instead of paying down aggressively. We are so close and yet now we need to be cautious and it is quite frustrating! With that in mind, I *so* appreciate this discussion and additional recommendations for "tightening our belts" even further to keep on making progress. Thank you both for taking this time to encourage and coach us all toward better decisions and financial goals!! ❤️🙏🏻

[@Tha_G0at]

I've never used Uber eats or door dash or any other services like this, I am not paying that much money for someone to bring me food, I'll get my ass in the car myself and go get it. Fast food is expensive to begin with without adding double the cost with these services

[@cathyshobe4681]

I can't thank you enough Dawn. I have learned so much watching Your videos. That shirt is the perfect color on you.

[@marilyns6043]

Oh!! One fun milestone in my journey! I'm staying out of Target. Too tempting. My milestone was getting a letter from Target wondering if I'd lost my Red Card (it's the debit option). They were 'worried' and gave me information on how to order another one if I'd misplaced it. :) Nope...still in my wallet...where it's going to stay for a long...long time.

[@PennyPudge]

Always great encouragement from both of you. Thank you.

[@Jessica_Newell]

Love videos of you two teaming up. The disembodied guy voice was a little odd. Also for anyone who needs to get out of debt (I am debt free, thank you FPU) make sure you don't give your stuff away decluttering. Make money and sell it! It helps your debt snowball! Thanks for the motivation to keep decluttering, I want to move and I am being ruthless. Would love a new moving declutter video Dawn!

[@LisaPhilpott-ei1nf]

Would LOVE it if Christine could teach a class on how she does her budget on Excel...Pleeeeease, we need this!!! 🙏🙏🙏

[@abrareads]

She has videos on her channel for this.

[@elizabethgridley8587]

Great podcast! Love Frugal Fit Mom and Dawn’s content, thank you both!

[@juliavivian4573]

My husband and i took the Dave Ramsey course when we were engaged. We cut up all of our credit cards and haven't gotten a new one in the 8+ years since. I became a stay at home mom about 5 years ago and my husband is now in school. We had to take out student loans this last year and it is so hard mentally to think of having debt after years of being debt free.

[@kathyn4267]

I don't like that guy either. Love you Dawn. I just fast forward.

[@Whatheatherdid]

My husband and I make very solid incomes (well over 6 figures). In 2020 we had 75,000 in credit card debt and we were able to pay it off in a lump sum when I got my inheritance from my parents. 3 years later and we’ve racked the debt back up to 65k. I’m now working with a therapist to help me rein in my spending and to identify why I feel the need to buy so much crap. We have our plan to have it paid off in just over a year - we’re lucky though that we have enough wiggle room to keep saving, having spending money and eating out occasionally. After listening to one of dawn’s other videos, we’ve decided our word of the year will also be “ruthless”. I’m really hoping this time it sticks because I remember how it felt to be debt free and I can’t wait to get there again!

[@uddercharmsfarm8159]

I found Dave Ramsey in 2005, got on board and was out of debt in 2007. 17 years later....I have NOT borrowed a penny from anyone and used cash for everything. My "credit score" is zero! Who cares........I bought a brand new car in Jan 05 and it finally gave up on me in October 2020 - I drove it for almost 16 years!!! I went looking at new vehicles and settled on a used 2013 Honda....paid cash. Debt free is the ONLY life I can even fathom anymore. Great podcast and a much needed topic.

[@ginaharbison6650]

I like the announcer that you have now. Makes it sound more professional. Sort of reminds me of the introduction to radio programs I have listened to

[@lizclearman]

You will pry my streaming services out of my cold, dead hands 🤣 I don't make a lot of money and am low income, so my daughter and I (single mom) watch a lot of TV series and movies together. It's how we enjoy spending our time.

[@kelseygreene8807]

Thank you! I am on the debt-free journey, nearly there including our mortgage!! But I'd love to continue to hear about this topic from you both - I watch every episode of both your content and I'm so glad you've made it to the debt-free topic! Thank you! Thank you for bringing hope in so many areas!

[@suzierice9730]

Love these podcasts with all of my favorite KZbinrs. Thank you Dawn and Christine 😊. Have a great weekend!

[@jacqibelle]

I donate plasma to get groceries. Definitely need to get out of debt. I worked almost continuously from age 14 to 40 except for my time in college for four years. Currently not working. My husband works full time and Ubers. Girl I feel ya on being peeved by your hubby not talking to you about a purchase. Particularly big ones.

[@Karisa1316]

There are many free streaming apps with movies as well.

[@loriolsen5785]

I like how Christine described her scorched earth plan for getting out of debt. We did the same thing, and followed Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University system. It worked for us! I highly recommend it!

[@terrieaves1682]

I love both of you! Great advice as always! ❤

[@findingaway5512]

Oooooo gotta love Christine. ❤❤❤❤

[@tanyajohnston8262]

I enjoy Joshua Becker and he is offering a free series to help mind change toward owning less, Reset Your Spending Habits. I love his Things that Matter book also.

[@missmrice91]

Awesome discussion so many great points coming from people with experience!! 👏🏻

[@AM-bm2xw]

this is a great episode, thanks for the encouragement!

[@lenawarelius4195]

I want to get back on track to be debt free 💪 and ceep on decluttering when I move to my new apartment💪 I must listen more to you girls 😍😎 lots of love from arctic Norrway at -23 degrees today 🙌🌹🌼🌻🌷

[@ladyb5888]

Luckily, my only debt is our mortgage. I am working to pay off our built home in 36 months. We built in 2006. My only credit card is Belk. I pay off the balance each month. I love your videos! ❤❤❤

[@PatriciaLivingston-u3w]

Ok, I am debit free right now. But my home needs repairs and I don't have the amount it takes to repair the roof, wiring, and the installation. So I am taking a loan to do these items so I can have a working home. Not a dump. Yes ,I will have 2 mortgages but I feel it is needed now that I am almost done paying the 1st mortgage off

[@reneechristensenpillow8373]

This was right in time. Just started paying off debt..

[@susanspianostudio7057]

Unfortunately, she is right! Public school teachers aren't paid great. My husband was one and it is very hard to raise a family on a single teachers income. Thanks for this podcast! 💗

[@gracemann391]

LOVE THE WORK THAT YOU BOTH DO! Thank you for the encouragement!!

[@lea5898]

I will be forever grateful to you, you changed my whole life and I will continue to preach on your behalf for the whole world to hear you saved me from huge financial debt with just a small investment, thank you Fergus Waylen

[@dorathystephanie7702]

Wow. I'm a bit perplexed seeing him been mentioned here also Didn't know he has been good to so many people too this is wonderful, i'm in my fifth trade with him and it has been super.

[@damiansokratis6928]

You Invest with Fergus Waylen too? Wow that man has been a blessing to me and my family.

[@adamalker71]

YES!!! That's exactly his name (Fergus Waylen) so many people have recommended highly about him and am just starting with him from Brisbane Australia

[@benjaminocampo3359]

My brother and I also joined his strategy and we made massive gains at the moment while under training. I am forever grateful to Mr Fergus Waylen

[@Melbn-di6mi]

Though I started with as low as $15,000 actually because it was my first time and it was successful, he's is a great personality in the state

[@ninnymuggins5159]

Decluttering helps you get out of debt when you SELL the items!