44 million Americans have student loans.

1.5 trillion dollars in total student loan debt in fact.

We’ve heard all of the stats. Student loan debt is the second largest consumer debt in America. Only mortgage debt (an actual asset) is larger. College costs have never been higher. The price of college has increased 8 times faster than wages.

It’s causing us to buy homes later in life. We’re putting off starting families. Instagram forces us to watch our friends take our dream vacations we can’t afford. We feel guilty for buying that new dress or going out for our friend’s birthday.

But we know that first hand. We feel the burden. These aren’t just stats, this is our life.

Now I want out!

Something has to change.

So take the first step with me!  I have identified my problem and am now working on a solution.

We are already so far ahead of most Americans who blindly make their minimum payments month after month until they finally pay off their student loans in their mid 40s paying thousands extra in interest payments.

We are taking action and that is awesome!

Sorry, that was as much of a pep talk for me as it was for you. I am 100% in the same boat. I don’t want to be 40 years old and still paying student loans.

But here’s my problem…

There seems to be two types of blogs about paying down student loans. 

1. I paid down 6 figures in student loans in two years! How? Well my spouse makes 6 figures and they paid all of my expenses while my entire salary went towards my loans.

OR

2. SELL EVERYTHING. Sell your car, sell your clothes, eat only beans for 3 years, sell your kidney, work 60 hours of OT a week, and move into a cardboard box in your parents’ backyard. Maybe donate your face to science.

No offense to any of those bloggers. That’s amazing if they can do that!

But that just isn’t me.

I want something that fits my life. A realistic approach for a real girl in real debt. 

I don’t have a sugar daddy (no matter how much I beg boo thang). I also enjoy having a life too much to fall into group 2. 

I believe everything is a balance. I want to pay off my student loans early BUT I also want to enjoy my 20s.

So how did I get here?

I went to Ball State for my undergraduate education, have a Masters in Sports Medicine from The University of Colorado, and just graduated with Doctorate in Physical Therapy from South College, AND subsequently $120,000 in debt. And right about now is where you are thinking, well she’s a doctor, a big salary is coming next which makes our situations completely unrelatable… However, my first year as a PT is in a residency program, which means that my salary is significantly reduced. After one year of residency, the average salary jumps to the mid 70s, but I haven’t exactly been stacking cheddar while in school. 

In the past 8 years I have…

• Lived in 7 different states
• Lived in 11 different houses 
• Had 21 different roommates
• Drank 4,253 beers
• Had 0 full time jobs

Needless to say, I’m broke. I’ve taken plastic silverware from restaurants, I’ve taken sugar packets for my coffee, the mother-load is single serve jelly or peanut butter packets. I have survived solely from odd summer jobs over the years.

So now I write a blog for everyone in my position. For anyone who wants to take action but doesn’t know where to begin. For all my single ladies (and fellas) without a second income. For all the SINKs (single income no kids) out there – just learned that term. For anyone who wants to pay off student loans and still enjoy life.

DINKs (dual income no kids) I’m not hating on you, I’m just jelly – and also just learned that term. You’re welcome here, too. All you hardcore, balls to the wall, debt free or bust warriors, ya’ll are welcome here, too. We’ll need you for motivation!

I’m not saying this will be easy.

Sacrifices will be made. Goals will be prioritized. That dream vacation may still be pushed back. But we will celebrate the little victories. There won’t be any guilt or judgement if we miss an overpayment.

The trick is getting started. Changing habits. Every step we take is a step closer than where we started.

Insert cheesy, yet applicable motivational quote here: 

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

Lao Tzu

So how can I help?

I’m not writing this because I’m an expert on debt pay off. I’m no finance guru or adviser. I hold no financial certifications. I have a support team of family and friends helping me out. They have done this before, and will offer expertise and advice along the way. Plus, they love to nerd out on this stuff so I’ll pass along all of the good nerdspeak I hear.

Really I just want to share my journey with you! 

In addition to us both becoming debt free, I have three goals for this blog.

1. Educate 

I have a lot of skin in the game so I will be doing a lot of research. As I educate myself I will pass along what I learn here. Any tips or tricks, budgeting hacks, plans for repayment, anything and everything that helps me I will make sure is available to help you too! There are so many opportunities and life hacks out there to help pay down debt and I’m excited to discover and share them with you. 

2. Encourage

Debt can be depressing. Paying down debt can be isolating. We don’t always want to share with your friends how much debt you are in. We don’t have to suffer alone. Lots of things to come in this category. Pep talks, shoutouts, drawings, groups… I have big plans!

3. Earn

Free money! Companies (especially apps) pay out money for new users to sign up. I’m excited to explore new tools to help me manage my own debt, and earn me a few extra bones in the process! No pressure though. I’ll only mention things that have worked for me and have added value to my life. 

So cheers to paying off student loans! Join me, tell your friends, tell your mom, tell your ex, tell everyone!

No more introductions next time, I’m ready to jump straight in!

More to come,
B