Hi Readers, I’m Allie Malinowski. I run a blog called Bold n Balanced which focuses on how you can find balance in all aspects of life, health, finances, wellness, confidence and so much more.
Today we are going to talk about something that for some reason in society, has become a taboo subject: Money and how your story can impact your freedom.
Finding Financial Freedom
Finding financial freedom is something so many of us dream of, plan for yet, it seems nearly impossible. Between possible college loans, mortgages, credit cards . . . it’s a beast to tackle if you do not set your intentions when planning for freedom.
Personally, creating and getting financial freedom is a must for my little family. We are young and want to live a life filled with love and adventures, without worrying about when the next paycheck is going to hit the bank account. I know so many of you can relate. You want to live a life by design, without fears, with comforts and freedom of not wanting to have to worry about the next car repair job breaking the bank, don’t worry, I feel you!
It’s Time to be REAL – Even If It Hurts
Okay – now is time to be REAL with yourself. It’s time to stop saying “oh it’s not that bad” (if it is that bad) and to take a good, thoughtful look in the mirror. When I was young (and quite overzealous), I thought it would HELP me to open all of these ridiculous store credit cards, racking up thousands in a mere matter of months. I will spare you my rant on how these businesses convenience naive young men and women to invest in something that can lead them in a downward spiral because at the end of the day, this is MY fault and no one else’s.
Then add those pesky student loans – all 50K + of them between my Husband and I. Together, we have three (almost four – one is in progress) degrees and jobs in our respective fields. We both went to affordable state schools that provided us a big financial break, but even then, the weight of these loans is HEAVY.
Thankfully, we do not have to pay for housing (due to my job providing it, but if you have a mortgage or any other debt (car payments etc.), bring those into the picture too.
You Have The Truth – Now What?
With the total number of debt in your head, on a piece of paper or on your excel spreadsheet, you are probably near tears like I was. There’s no need to shed tears today though my friends, as there is light at the end of the tunnel. We tried for many years (and by we I mean me because my husband is very responsible financially), to save up and start knocking off this debt, but with college, a wedding, needing a new car etc. it was not easy.
I needed more. I needed more than this scary number in my face to make a plan and make it WORK. I needed to know my story, our story. I needed a reminder why this number, how this number, would impact my family, 5 years from now, 10 years from now and beyond.
Your Story Matters
Why you want to live a debt free, financially free life, matters. But there is one key to this puzzle, you. You must understand WHY you want this and your why must tug at your heart. It might even bring you to tears. It needs to be so strong, so embedded within you that the sacrifices you will need to make to create a debt free, financially free life, will not even cause you to bat an eye. It is at that moment that you will truly be able to commit to becoming debt free.
My why, my story is simple. I want to be debt free by 30 so we can save for a home, for our future and to live a life without guilt or fear of spending money on travel, pleasure and fun.
You are not alone on this journey. One simple google search will lead you to many stories, to many people who just like you, want to free themselves of the chains of debt. Your story, your plan, it’s yours. It might inspire someone down the road but what matters is that it inspires you and your family to make the small sacrifices now, so you can live a prosperous future.
What is your story?
