I’ve finally decided to take responsibility for my credit card debt after ignoring it for years. My current lifestyle is unsustainable if I want to pay it off—things like eating out, spa days, coffee runs, and impulse shopping have to go. A big part of this came from trying to match the lifestyles I see online, which I realize now was a mistake.
What changes did you make to pay off your debt? Did cutting out smaller expenses like eating out make a big difference? Were there things you thought you needed but found out you didn’t after making these changes? I could use some tips and encouragement!
I’ve cut out everything extra—no eating out, no unnecessary shopping, no social outings. My life is very simple right now. I work a ton of overtime, sometimes 120-140 hours every two weeks, just to make progress. Social media only makes you think you need more than you do. Nobody cares about your stuff, and paying off debt feels better than any of it.
@Ainsley
I’m starting to realize that too. All the stuff I bought thinking it would make me happy just left me with more debt and stress. I’m finding joy in things that are free, like reading and spending time with loved ones.
Whit said: @Alden
Delete social media for a while. It helps curb those spending habits since you’re not constantly seeing ads and influencers promoting stuff.
So true. Most of the things I bought were because of social media.
Whit said: @Alden
Delete social media for a while. It helps curb those spending habits since you’re not constantly seeing ads and influencers promoting stuff.
@Alden
As someone who’s part of the content creator world, I can confirm it’s super easy to fall into that consumerism trap. It’s all designed to make you want more.
Ocean said: @Alden
As someone who’s part of the content creator world, I can confirm it’s super easy to fall into that consumerism trap. It’s all designed to make you want more.
It’s so much more tempting when an influencer raves about something. Regular ads don’t affect me nearly as much!
Ocean said: @Alden
As someone who’s part of the content creator world, I can confirm it’s super easy to fall into that consumerism trap. It’s all designed to make you want more.
I used to buy so many beauty products, but now I stick to what works. It’s saved me a ton.
I used to work with some really wealthy people, and you’d never know they were rich by the way they dressed or lived. It taught me that trying to look rich is what keeps a lot of people broke. I cut back on everything: negotiated bills, canceled unnecessary subscriptions, started cooking at home, and said ‘no’ to social outings. Learning to live within my means changed everything for me.
@Ren
Totally agree. Wealthy people invest in high-quality basics that don’t scream ‘expensive.’ Meanwhile, it’s usually those struggling financially who try to keep up appearances.
Ashby said: @Ren
Totally agree. Wealthy people invest in high-quality basics that don’t scream ‘expensive.’ Meanwhile, it’s usually those struggling financially who try to keep up appearances.
Exactly. It’s all about focusing on what really matters instead of appearances.
I stopped getting my nails done and switched to DIY. It saved me so much! I also hid my credit cards at my mom’s house in a different state so I wouldn’t be tempted to use them.
Shane said:
I stopped getting my nails done and switched to DIY. It saved me so much! I also hid my credit cards at my mom’s house in a different state so I wouldn’t be tempted to use them.
I’m teaching myself how to do my nails at home too. It’s not easy giving up those monthly pedicures, but I know it’s worth it.