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How They Ditched Debt
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How They Conceded Debt
These people tamed debt in their own way. Check out their tales to guide your own debt-payoff journey.
The article was written by Amrita Jayakumar Writer The Washington Post Amrita Jayakumar is a former special assignments writer for NerdWallet. She also wrote a syndicated column about millennials and money, and wrote about personal loans as well as consumer credit and debt. Previously, she was a reporter at The Washington Post. Her work has appeared on newspapers such as the Miami Herald and USAToday. Amrita holds a master's degree of journalism at University of Missouri. University ofMissouri.
Edited by Kathy Hinson Lead Assigning Editor Personal financial, credit scoring, financial management and debt Kathy Hinson leads the Core Personal Finance team at NerdWallet. In the past, she worked for 18 years with The Oregonian in Portland in positions such as copy desk chief and team editor and designer. Her previous experience included copy and news editing for several Southern California newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times. She graduated with a bachelor's in journalism and mass communications in Iowa's University of Iowa.
A majority of the products we feature come from our partners, who we pay. This affects the products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not affect our opinions. Our views are our own. Here's a list of and .
Two teachers raked out More than $53,000
Jae Bratton and her husband
That rumor about kids being expensive? Fact! That's the reason Jae Bratton and her husband, a fellow teacher was focused on paying off their debt over the three years leading up to the birth of their first child.
From $20K to zero in 5 years and 8 Steps
Photo by Jonathan Sharpe
It took some years -- and just about every trick in the book -to allow Kenley Young to wipe out more than $20,000 in charge card debt. Through that period he was able to learn the ways that paying down dreams can be entangled in reality big life circumstances. As a NerdWallet editor, the author discusses what tools made the biggest influence on his path to zero.
Achieving a goal can lead to Helping Others
Photo taken by Sandra Leigh Photography. Sandra Leigh Photography
The gift of a book about personal finance inspired Holly Carey to get serious about understanding and eliminating her debt. She learned about zero-based budgeting and cut costs whenever possible, like moving in with a roommate. After squeezing out more than $55,000 in just 26 months, she was compelled to share her tips with family and friends -- and eventually landed a job as an editor at NerdWallet.
The Pandemic Following Payoff Tests Increases Couple's Resilience
A few months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the United States, Anthony and Jhanilka Hartzog settled the last of their $114,000 in debt. They had an effective budget for their family, created income streams and took advantage of a less expensive cost of living as a result of a move from New York to Dallas. We spoke to their family two years after the move -- were the Hartzogs capable of remaining debt-free in the face of an epidemic that has strained the budgets of numerous families? What tips do they have for others who are looking to cut back on debt of their own?
Downsizing the Home, Growing the business
In the event that job loss slowed household incomes for Karen as well as Sylvester Akpan, the couple decided to move out of their home in Los Angeles and invest in an RV. They focused on growing their travel blog and an associated Instagram account, and were able to eliminate their debt within a year. Their path is unusual however, it reveals an underlying truth: reducing expenses and increasing income leaves more money to tackle debt.
Getting On Board With a Budget for the Baby
Former Zookeeper Steffa Mantilla promises she did not employ any animal-training techniques to convince her husband to join the same page with his debt reduction program.
Although she may have convinced him, the Houston couple paid off more than $70,000 of debt over five years. The anticipation of having a baby helped in the process of their transformation of their finances.
Eliminating small expenditures was achieved an Objection of Majority
Refinancing student loans was the first step in the journey to pay off Neal and Laura Fogarty. Then they searched for costs to reduce so that they could spend every penny they could spare towards removing debt, clearing $36,600 in eight years.
Rebounding from Bankruptcy
Rashad and Nirvanna Mohammed weighed financial burdens and student debt as they married and built their family. After experiencing a bankruptcy that they had to deal with, they narrowed their options and made the sacrifices needed to pay off $179,000 in under four years.
Keeping a 'Passion for Fashion' on the Road to Repayment
The promise of a fresh beginning in her lifehaving a home and a family -- inspired Caitlin Forni to become more determined about paying off her debt. Caitlin Forni paid out $123,000 in auto and student loans in nine years.
A Saver, a Spender and the Dreams of a Family
When Kendall Berry and her husband started planning for kids, they got serious about repaying their debt. Here's how they paid off almost $54,000 in just one year.
"Happiness Journey" Fueled Payoff
(Photo taken by Abby Bengs)
After taking on over $200,000 of student loans for law school, Okeoma Moronu decided that she wanted to take a purposeful approach to her life and finances and wiped out her debt in just six and a half years.
From 'Extravagantly Broke' to the Comfortably Frugal
DeShena Woodard, a nurse from Texas, had nothing in savings and lived from paycheck from paycheck to paycheck, until she made a change in her life and completed the repayment of more than $50,000 in just three years.
Small Splurges on the Path to Freedom
Brian and Lindsey Baldwin wiped out $130,000 in student loans in less than four years -- and still had a few treats for their family throughout the process.
Small wins can help you achieve an enthralling Dream
Bernadette Joy as well as AJ Maulion had paid down student loans and two mortgages, a whopping total of $309,800, while creating a small-sized business. The formula: Live on one salary, celebrate small wins.
Whipping Up a Payoff 'Tornado'
If Steven Donovan didn't want to put his debt data into a budgeting app, he knew he had to take action. Attacking his most-hated debt led him to pay off $118,000 within five years.
"I Just Pretended That I Didn't Have Money'
Sarah McGowan's goal: Be free of student debt when she reached 25. Through a budget-friendly life right after college and working at every opportunity she had, McGowan got rid of just over $36,000 of debt in just under two years.
"It helped make our marriage Strong'
(Photo from Amelia Campbell Photography)
Ray as well as Bailey Robertson paid off over $33,000 in 18 months thanks to an aggressive strategy, lean lifestyle, close partnership and plenty of planning.
Redefining 'Best Life,' Scaling Back
Sonia Sears ended up deep in the red as she sought her "best life" throughout university and later. But she conquered her debts by working harder, traveling less and returning to her home. She was able to pay off $79,000 over two years.
Kicking Frugality Into High Gear
Ben as well as Melissa Panter were always frugal however, when they were faced with a large mortgage and growing student loan amounts, the couple knew they needed to put their budgeting into high gear. The Panters paid off $127,000 in just over four years.
Side Jobs, Meal Planning and Faith
(Photo taken by Brok as well as Amanda Hansmeyer)
In their roles as teachers Jamie as well as Jenna Griffin were overwhelmed by students loans. They employed budgeting and hard work to repay more than $100,000 in five and a half years.
How to Make the Most of a gig economy
(Photo by Shane Henderson)
Kara Perez doubled down on part-time jobs to pay off student loans worth $25,302 in three and one-half years.
Holiday expenses can eat away at a couple's Budget
Christmas presents piled on top of existing debt led Anthony Hartzog and his wife to act and pay off $114,151 within 23 months.
Affordable Living and Side Gigs
Through careful budgeting, being full-time while supplementing her income, Tanya nwamkpa completed the repayment of $57,000 in just five years.
'We have Choices Yet'
Their finances began to slide due to a loss of jobs in 2009. Despite a few blunders, Adam and Sally Cleary have gotten out of more than $11,000 in high-interest debt.
Resolving College Credit Card Balances
Natalie Tomko aimed to pay the credit card debt before the age of 30. It took her six years, a hardship plan and the support of her community to accomplish it.
Making Budgets for Changing Habits and Budgeting for a Baby
When they learned that a baby was due After they learned that a baby was on the way, the Baggerlys revamped their lifestyle and started budgeting, and two kids later, have paid off $111,108.
Smart Solutions for 'Stupidest Decision'
Cameron Merriman paid $95,000 of student loan debt in five years, while staying in one of the most costly cities of the United States.
'It Became Like a Game for Us'
Josh as well as Jessie Boyce paid off $147,000 in debt in a little more than three years after realizing debt was holding them behind in their financial goals.
A Medal-Worthy Olympian's Olympic Juggling Act
John Coyle's $147,000 debt helped fund his Olympics run, and upon getting a job worth six figures, Coyle paid it off over 15 years.
Tenacious Be Focused on the Goal
New college graduate Samantha Ealy paid off more than $70,000 in less than three years working multiple jobs and, at times, neglecting her health.
Being a Budget Obsessive
A combination of student loans and a car loan and credit card debts, as well as home improvement loans left the Browns with debts of $72,000, forcing them to create their own budget.
Engineer goes back to school with Pen and Paper
Despite receiving scholarships, Brianna Harrington graduated college with $40,000 students loan debt. Determined to pay it off her debt, she created a budget that was strict for paying it back over 26 months.
Setting Pride Aside and Asking for help
Jesse Nuno was laid off during the financial crisis and fell behind on a mortgage or auto loans. Cara could not pay her debts on disability. The couple went to a credit counselor in order to pay off $272, 261 in five years.
A Wish List Kept Her Going
(Photo taken by Jim Gion, 2015)
Melanie Lockert decided to pay off $57,426 of debt. She motivated herself by making wish lists of things she'd be able do when she was debt-free.
'Born Spender" goes on a Spending Rapid
Anna Newell Jones entered married life with nearly $24,000 of debt. She pushed herself to go on a spending fast and paid it all in just 15 months.
New Parents Quit Credit Cards
Lydia Senn and her husband pretended they weren't deep in debt until they became pregnant with their very first baby. Being a thrifty couple, working part-time jobs and budgeting helped them pay off $36,000 in just over two years.
Grad Gives Gift to Her Future Self
Ogechi Igbokwe did not want to become a students loan statistic. To ensure her success, she was thrifty and had paid back $26,000 within three years.
Financial Goals are Family Goals
Newlyweds Nicole as well as Andy Hill saw debt as the biggest obstacle in achieving their goals. The couple turned budgeting into the norm and erased almost $50,000 of debt in a single year.
No Sleep for New Parents Till Payoff
Chelsea and Nate Day ended up owing her family $52,000 due to a bungled homebuying experience. The family debts made the Days nervous, so they slashed expenses to settle it in six months.
Homemade Tracker Kept Her Cooking
Chef and food writer Stephanie Stiavetti racked up debt to pursue her culinary dreams. However, she was aware that if she didn't adjust the way she lived, she'd be stuck with debt of $64,000 for decades.
Newly Single, 'I Knew I had to help myself'
At age 25 Carrie Smith Nicholson found herself divorced and owed $14,000. She realized she would need to get an extra job, cut down on expenditure and dig her way out.
Getting an Education in Student loans
After graduating from college, Kara Stevens found herself struggling with the burden of student loans as well as credit card bills. Once she was educated about the subject, Stevens decided to tackle the issue head-on and pay off $65,000 over six years.
The Extra Payments She Received became Her Obsession
After Jackie Beck lost her job and was unable to afford food and housing She was forced to take on her financial obligations. Beck was obsessed with the smallest installments and paid off $147,106 over a period of 10 years.
Making Sense of Cents
By age 23, Michelle Schroeder Gardner earned three college degrees she was married and had bought the house she wanted. She graduated with $38,000 in student debt and decided she'd pay it off as fast as possible.
Money under 30
David Weliver didn't tackle his $80,000 debt until he had to make an unpopular choice: pay rent or pay for a credit card bill. He consolidated his debts, cut down on his cost of living and landed an extra job to pay it off over three years.
Lauren Greutman
Lauren, a spender, was ashamed she let her spouse Mark, a saver, be aware of how poorly she had managed their family finances. Once she owned up and changed her spending habits the couple paid back $40,000 over two years.
Money Peach
Chris Peach and his wife Andrea had a rough time when they topped up their credit cards and were unable to pay for food items. Peach is a firefighter through instruction, employed a step-by step strategy in order to repay $52,000 in seven months.
Debt Discipline
Brian Brandow had his debt epiphany after he children had to tell his family that there would be no vacation that year. The Brandows had maxed out their credit cards. They used a debt-management program to pay off $109,999 over the course of four years.
Cait Flanders
In her early 20s, Flanders racked up debt totaling more than $30,000 after saying "yes" to every purchase. By monitoring expenditures and limiting purchase that were not necessary, she paid the debt off in just two years.
Active Budgeting pays off
As newlyweds and recent graduates with a debt of $20,000, Johnny and Joanna Galbraith decided to develop an action plan to get out of the red. They paid it off in 1.5 years.
My Shiny Nickels
Laura Dobbins and her family lived in an upscale home with all the trappings of wealth, but they were nearly $4000 in credit. They downsized their lifestyle and started saving. And within a mere two years had become debt-free.
Smart Spending, Dedication
Zina Kumok graduated college with $24,000 in Student loan debt. Since she was earning an average of $28,000 per year, she realized she had to get serious about her debt. The debt was paid off over three years.
The Family CEO
Julie Mayfield and her husband faced 18 years of debt -- which amounted to $59,000 -- to fund their daughter's first year of college. They put any extra money they had toward debt and then paid it off in 22 months.
'Monster Payments'
Amanda Page graduated with $48,500 in student loan debt. Ten years later, after realizing she'd paid less than $1000 of her balance and was unable to pay it off, she took on additional work and used a strategy that consisted of "monster payments" to pay it off in 14 months.
Penny Pinchin' Mom
Before marriage, Tracie Fobes declared bankruptcy to clear debt. But by the time she and her husband were expecting their first child, they had accumulated $37,000 more. Discussions about money led them repay it within just two years.
Queen of Free
Cherie Lowe and her husband, Brian who was a bachelor, had more than $127,000 in credit that was spread over payday loans, medical bills and student loans. Their second baby spurred a lifestyle change, and they were debt-free after four years.
The Budgetnista
(Photo taken by Tinnetta Bell.)
Tiffany Aliche was saddled with $55,000 in graduate school loans and $40,000 credit card debt, and $200,000 in mortgage debt due to default. She moved back home and opted for a cash-only lifestyle to get rid of the debt.
A Wallet that is well-kept
Deacon Hayes and his wife Kim utilized credit to pay for their daily expenses. When they were $52,000 in debt and were living from paycheck to paycheck, they decided they had to do something about it. The Hayes completed the repayment in 18 months.
His and Her Money
As newlyweds, Talaat and Tai McNeely had different financial habits and about $30,000 in debt. They lived on one income and employed the second to pay off their debts within an entire year.
Debt Free Guys
John Schneider and David Auten had years of experience in the financial sector -- but they were able to accumulate $51,000 in debit card balances. They reduced their expenditure, utilized the balance transfer method and paid off the debt in 18 months.
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About the writer: Amrita Jayakumar is a former writer at NerdWallet. She has previously worked for The Washington Post and the Miami Herald.
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