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Improve your money habits
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In 2022 I learned there was a different way to live, I didn't have to live paycheck to paycheck or work for the rest of my life like everyone in my family. The first step was to get out of debt so I could save and invest , so excitedly I started reading more and listening to many podcasts about finances. I was like I can do this until I realized I was 250k in debt for student loans, around 10k for consumer debt and owed the IRS a whopping 44k due to an error on my part from many years ago. I immediately got discouraged because it would take me forever to pay all of that off, while being the breadwinner in the house and supporting a family. Despite all that I made a plan anyway, I already worked in a field for the public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) program and calculated that I had 6 more years of payments left so that would help with the 200k in government back student loans and I had 50k in private loans. Unfortunately, my plan did not match my income so I picked up a second job to make the process go faster, now I was working all the time and really feeling discouraged. I had come across this podcast Wealth and Wellness University and was starting to think I can do this then I joined your program. That really helped change my mindset and helped me really focus on why I was doing these things and making the sacrifices so I could live a better life.
In that time the PSLF program had a temporary change that allowed back payments prior to reconsolidation count and my 6 year plan was down to 1 year and just like that 200k gone, I paid off my consumer debt with my second job while paying down my IRS debt. Then an opportunity came for us to move out of the state so I sold my house and wouldn't you know it was enough to cover my IRS debt that I had been paying on for the past 2 years and grew my emergency fund to 4 months of living expense. As my life would continue to go in this upward direction my part time job turned into a full time job. Now I know this seems like a lot to have two full time jobs, but it is only temporary. I maxed out my 403b for the first time ever in life, I invested in real estate syndications and the stock market. For me I felt that my marriage was financially and spiritually draining especially with someone who is not on the same page financially. Once we separated and I didn't have the financial or emotional strain I was able to manage my expenses better and budget for everything which allowed my credit score to skyrocket over 800 points.
I am far from perfect with my finances, but this past year has taught me a lot about money, mindset and my health. I still have my private loans to finish paying, but I took a break and gave myself grace to travel and do other things that I loved since I basically deprived myself for a year. I feel like more doors are opening for me as I stay focused and intentional on my goals, I always wanted to be a CIO and I was offered the opportunity to join a mentoring program and they really encouraged my growth and development.
I know people will be like you still have debt and you are doing other things, but I feel a financial plan is your plan and I like a balanced approach since my private student loan payment is low interest and I have a 1 year (aggressive) and a 2 year (non-aggressive aka live my life with a toddler) plan.
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