How do you handle the anxiety from paying off debt… Anyone else feel like this?

Debt Management
1

I’ve been working on paying off $33k in credit card debt. Even though I’m making progress, the stress never goes away. Every day, I feel like this debt is hanging over me. What has worked for others to manage the anxiety that comes with it?

2

You’re definitely not alone. I still have about $33k left too, and I’ve been through the same stress.

Here’s what’s helped me:

  1. I remind myself that once it’s paid off, I’m never going back into debt again.
  2. I stopped checking my debt every day. I used to keep such a close eye on it that it made me panic more. Now I just stick to my budget and check less often.
  3. I celebrated small wins. When I reached halfway, I got myself a little cake. Sounds silly, but it really boosted my mood.

Hopefully, some of this helps you out.

3

@Fife
How long did it take you to get from $72k to $33k?

4

Jensen said:
@Fife
How long did it take you to get from $72k to $33k?

Just under 3 years.

5

Fife said:

Jensen said:
@Fife
How long did it take you to get from $72k to $33k?

Just under 3 years.

That’s awesome. Do you have any tools or tips, like apps or spreadsheets?

6

@Jensen
Thanks! I used a debt snowball spreadsheet, the EveryDollar app, and Mint.com. I also saved $1k for emergencies, which stopped me from using credit a couple of times.

It’s mostly based on Dave Ramsey’s steps, but it worked for me.

7

Keep going, and you’ll get there. The anxiety won’t last forever, and soon you’ll be able to breathe easier. Lots of people have been where you are and made it through.

Don’t beat yourself up—just the fact that you’re working on this already puts you ahead of many.

8

I know how you feel because I’m in the same boat, trying to pay off the same amount.

Something that’s helped me is doing a little gratitude exercise at night. Before I sleep, I think about things I’m grateful for and try to forgive myself for past financial mistakes. At the time, those choices seemed like the best option.

I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. I still have work to do, but I’m making progress. I started seeing it as a challenge to work on every day. It’s a long process, but I can’t wait around to be happy until it’s over—I deserve peace of mind now.

I try to treat it like growing a garden… I take care of it daily, stay disciplined, and watch it improve bit by bit.

9

@Fife
This is really helpful. Thanks for sharing.

10

@Fife
Thank you! This gave me a fresh way to look at things.

11

@Fife
I needed to hear this today. Thanks.

12

I had about $34k in debt last year and managed to pay off $6k so far. It was a mix of home renovations, credit card bills, and paying for career training.

At first, my anxiety was terrible, and I felt a lot of shame. I even kept it a secret from most people. My therapist encouraged me to talk to someone I trust, so I finally told my mom. She was a little judgmental at first but ended up being really supportive. Now she cheers me on when I reach new milestones.

Talking to someone helped me stop feeling so alone, and now I’m more focused on sticking to my plan.