She Strengthens

From Financial Struggle to Freedom

Just a few years ago, my life was a far cry from what it is today. My family and I were drowning in debt, constantly stressing about every single dollar spent. We had to turn down social invitations and forgo fun vacations. It was a dark time, and I often wondered if we’d ever escape the cycle of financial strain.

But we did. We worked tirelessly to pay off over $55,000 in debt in just two years, and now we’re on the cusp of owning our home outright. It’s a remarkable turnaround, and one that I’m grateful for every day.

Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a weekend at the beach with 11 incredible women from all walks of life. What made this trip truly special was that I paid for everything in cash, without once worrying about breaking the bank. It was liberating, and a far cry from the days when I had to carefully calculate every expense.

Breaking Free from Financial Stress

Getting to this point wasn’t easy, though. It required making some tough changes and developing new habits. One of the most crucial lessons I learned was the power of saying “no.” Not just to others, but to myself. It’s easy to convince ourselves that we can afford something, but deep down, we know we can’t. Learning to say “no” to unnecessary expenses was a crucial step in taking control of my finances.

Facing Reality

Another key step was facing the facts. My husband and I sat down, went over our finances line by line, and made a plan to tackle our debt and build up our savings. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. We had to make some drastic changes, like trading in my nice car for a more affordable one. But the payoff was worth it.

Taking Control of Your Finances

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, I want you to know that there’s hope. You can take control of your finances and start building a brighter future. Here are some steps you can take:

• Complete an annual “money checkup” to assess your financial health
• Create a budget that works for you, not against you
• Start saving up a “starter” emergency fund of at least $1,000
• Write down your debts in order from smallest balance to highest balance
• Actively manage your budget by checking in with your money at least once a week

These simple steps can help you start getting your finances in order. So, what’s one thing you’re grateful to be able to afford to do? Share with me in the comments!