She Strengthens

The Crushing Weight of Debt: Breaking Free from Emotional Shackles

Henrik Ibsen once said, “Home life ceases to be free and beautiful as soon as it is founded on borrowing and debt.” These words echo the sentiments of many who have shouldered the burden of debt. It’s a constant reminder of our limitations, a nagging voice that whispers “you’re not enough.” But what about the emotional toll of debt? How do we cope with the anxiety, fear, and sadness that comes with owing money?

A Personal Struggle

Kara Perez, founder of BravelyGo.co, knows the emotional cost of debt all too well. Despite paying off her student loans, she still feels the weight of debt. “I hate debt,” she says. “It stresses me out.” Kara’s story is a familiar one. She graduated college with $25,302 in student loans, no job, and no savings. The fear of not being able to pay off her loans was overwhelming. “My debt made me sad, angry, and scared, often all at once,” she recalls.

The Emotional Cost of Debt

Debt can be suffocating, making us feel trapped and hopeless. It’s not just the financial burden that’s overwhelming, but the emotional weight that comes with it. Graduates have even committed suicide due to the pressure of their student loan debt. The fear of never being able to pay off debt can be paralyzing, leading to feelings of sadness, anger, and desperation.

Taking Back Control

So, how do we break free from the emotional shackles of debt? Kara’s story is a testament to the power of taking action. By slashing her spending, tightening her budget, and picking up extra work, she was able to pay off her student loans in three and a half years. “Taking action made me feel approximately 1,000 times better,” she says. “I felt like, for the first time, I was the one in control.”

A New Perspective

Being debt-free has given Kara a new lease on life. She feels lighter, happier, and more in control. Her story serves as a reminder that we don’t have to let debt define us. By acknowledging the emotional cost of debt and taking steps to eliminate it, we can regain control of our lives.

Breaking Free

If you’re struggling with debt, remember that you’re not alone. Forgive yourself and make a plan to remove the financial and emotional burden from your life. It won’t be easy, but the freedom that comes with being debt-free is worth it. As Jane Hwangbo, founder of Mission Over Money, says, “You pick when you’re ready to start. You’re in great company if you’re struggling with debt. Do what you need to do to see the light again.”