Personal debt hits us all. What can you do to overcome it and break the pattern? What can you do to reach your financial freedom?Many people struggle to overcome debt. Until you can take a closer look at what got you into this mess, the life you had imagined for yourself and your loved ones is but a glimmer of the dreams you once shared.This book and the following words give hope to those looking for motivation or a means to get out of debt for good. There is no better teacher than personal experience, save learning from someone else who has been in your shoes, done stupid things, and lived to find a way forward.My financial journey is typical of my generation: cars, personal loans, house payments, credit cards, and everything else in between, while navigating relationships, fights over money, and what that entailed in the long run. I've lived it all, and I want to share my story with you and what I learned in the process.The idea of financial freedom and what that meant was vital to each step along this path. I found a purpose in focusing on those debts and creating a budget that eventually eradicated all that drama.It can be done.Anything can be accomplished when you set your mind to that goal, but as I will show you, I found that realistic expectations during and after this debt-free journey are vital to living a full life. Some people will jump in and focus so much on their debts that they miss out on the little joys of each success. More importantly, they won't come up for air long enough to bask in the sun and to be present in this busy life.The following pages contain different topics and are full of stories based on my experiences and those around me. This is meant to be a judgment-free zone. It's a glorified story hour that lets you know you aren't alone.Whether we focus on credit cards, car payments, student loans, timeshares, buying a house, or simply vices, there's a topic for anyone on this financial journey to freedom. Beyond those topics, we will explore the importance of understanding your relationship with money and your partner if you have a significant other in your life.We will continue with an example of an actual budget that many, I know, don't follow. I've been there. I get it, but there's no reason why, after reading this book, you don't at the very least start a budget and find out where your money is going. It's your choice, but I like the power of knowing what money is coming in and, more importantly, what money is going out.Finally, I'll tell the entire story of my debt-free journey. When I was at my lowest, it was those calls on the Dave Ramsey radio show of people sharing their stories on how they overcame their debts that gave me hope and purpose. I trust sharing each step along the way, might do the same for you.To that end, we will conclude with lessons learned, a sense of purpose and direction, or at least some food for thought about your financial journey and legacy.
