Our Debt Free Family

Commit. Plan. Take action.

My Favorite Personal Finance TikToks To Follow

| Leave a Comment

TikTok

If you’re like me, you’ve been slow to come around to the TikTok craze. Slowly but surely, however, my husband and friends have lured me over to the dark side. Now, every once in a while, I catch myself having spent the last half hour mindlessly scrolling on TikTok. While there are a lot of dance videos and silly content out there, TikTok actually has a few opportunities for people to learn.

For my husband, those learning opportunities present themselves in the form of conspiracy theorists and the investigative types on the platform. For me, I am amazed at the amount of financial advice and information being shared for free. That said, here are some of my favorite finance TikToks that you should consider following.

No Budget Babe

The most inspiring thing about Nicole Victoria, the No Budget Babe, is that she is around my age. She’s has been prepping for the arrival of her newborn secretly (she actually revealed that she was pregnant to her followers more recently). Nicole’s TikTok page is fairly simple. She hops on and gives you a quick reality check about your money. News flash: you are in complete control of your financial future. Best of all, Nicole is a proven success story. She’s already got a net worth of $1 million and completely paid off all of her debt, totaling around $40K.

 

@nobudgetbabe Reply to @_ro16_ ♬ original sound – Nicole Victoria | Money Coach

SaveLiveThrive

SaveLiveThrive is run by a woman named Charlotte. She is a financial coach. Her main focus is on helping women better understand their finances. In her bio, she states her videos are for education only, not advice. That being said, her story and mission are pretty inspirational. Charlotte got out of a toxic relationship in her early 20s, similar to myself, even though leaving hurt her financially. Her experience prompted her to help educate other women about how they can become financially independent. A lot of her posts are informative, but she also shares relatable content like this.

 

@savelivethrive My mom is actually one of my biggest financial role models, but this is definitely a toxic habit that stuck with me for awhile 😅#moneyhabits #moneyscripts ♬ original sound – Cub

InspiredBudget

Allison Baggerly, known by her handle @inspiredbudget online, is another great person to follow on TikTok and anywhere else you exist on social media. She shares some great tips about getting your budget on track and also shares her own budgeting story. As we all know, creating and sticking to a budget is one of the most difficult parts of managing your finances. Allison makes it easier to understand with her content and doesn’t belittle anyone for not already having their s*** together. Best of all, everything is simple and straightforward. Check her out below!

 

@inspiredbudget Just try one! #budgeting #budgetlife #budgetlifehack #budgetingtips #debtfreejourney #debtfreecommunity #budgetbinder #budgettok #personalfinance ♬ original sound – Allison Baggerly

Who are your favorite TikTokers in the finance world? Link them below!

Read More

Let’s Talk About Tax Anxiety

| Leave a Comment

tax anxiety

I’ve opened up a bit about my postpartum anxiety here on the blog recently. If we are being honest, anxiety is something I’ve dealt with most of my life. I’ve done well to find healthy coping mechanisms and avoid triggers, for the most part. One huge stressor for me every year is tax season. Like general anxiety and PPA, I wasn’t surprised to find out I’m not alone in this.

What is Tax Anxiety?

Without the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial stress is has brought many people, tax time is generally a season of anxiety for many Americans. If the words “taxes,” “tax season,” or related terms make your heart race, you are probably among them.

More than half of the United States population worries about their finances on a weekly basis. When it comes to taxes, I’m one of the people biting their nails. I wait until the last minute because I’m afraid I’ll owe and I’m afraid I’ll do something wrong. A few years ago, I wound up having my wages garnished for several months because I miscalculated. Since then, I’ve had some pretty intense tax anxiety.

Also, with more people working as freelancers (myself included), taxes can start to get a little hairy. If you don’t have a cushion in your bank account or no plan in place, things can start to spiral. That’s where my  brain starts to spiral too.

How to Deal With It

Unfortunately, the saying goes that there are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. So, I can’t avoid this anxiety trigger like I can with other things. I can try to make it easier on myself though. Here are a few things I’d recommend if you’re also dealing with tax anxiety.

  1. Address why you are afraid. As mentioned above, most people fear they’ll owe or they’ll be audited. If you’re like me, you may even spiral into irrational fears like the IRS coming to arrest me and take my child if I owe (seriously). Take note of those feelings and address them.
  2. Make sure you educate yourself about your tax liabilities. You are setting yourself up for failure if you aren’t claiming the right number of dependents on your tax forms or not collecting the right receipts.
  3. Chat with a therapist. Sometimes talking to someone about it is the best thing you can do! They can help you sort through your thought process and kick your tax anxiety to the curb.
  4. Start a gratitude journal. It can be helpful to focus on the good things when you are feeling overwhelmed or worried. Consider all of the great things you have going on, jot them down in a journal daily. This can help manage your anxiety all year, not just at tax time.
  5. Get help from a tax professional. When all is said and done, sometimes it is best to just cough up the money and hire a professional. If it keeps you from having panic attacks on the Turbo Tax website, it is worth it.

Last but not least, breathe. It is going to be alright!

Read More

Why Doing Headstands Will Improve My Financial Outlook and More…

| Leave a Comment

headstands

Throughout my entire pregnancy, I practiced yoga. I went to two or three classes every week up until I gave birth and it became something I really enjoyed. I was eager to practice again once my doctor cleared me for physical activity. There were so many awesome poses that I just simply couldn’t do with a nine-month prego belly (and others that just weren’t safe while I was pregnant). So, at the beginning of the year I set up one-on-one yoga sessions with my instructor/friend.

My goal for my practice? Headstands. 

Why Headstands?

I’ll preface this by saying I practice with a YogaFaith instructor. My first true goal when I roll out my yoga mat is to get closer to God. I usually bring a Bible verse with me to think about while I hold poses and breathe. This has brought me a lot of peace over the last year or so. My time on my mat is time to spend with Jesus and time to spend with myself.

As I’m sure you know if you have followed the blog for a while, I am a fan of reflecting. Yoga is a chance to do that in a quiet, supportive environment while also working towards a physical goal. For me, my 2022 yoga practice is focused on the idea of grace. One of the verses I’ve been bringing to my practice is this…

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

Do I always feel confident or graceful when attempting a pose that demands balance? Absolutely not. There are times I feel like a newborn baby gazelle who can’t use its legs properly. When I lay those insecurities at the feet of Jesus, I can do anything. I am full of His grace.

My First Headstand

I’m about five one-on-one sessions into my practice for the year. I have already made huge strides in what I wanted to do. My balance is improving, the connection between my breath and the way my body moves is there.

What many people don’t realize is that, while yoga does take a certain amount of strength, much of that strength comes from focusing your energy inward. When I put my shoulders into the inverted yoga chair and kicked my legs up for my first assisted headstand, it was amazing! I decided to take that energy and focus and discover other places where it could positively impact my life.

How Headstands Will Help Improve My Finances and Beyond

As I said, doing a headstand takes a lot of focus, but you also have to be extremely self-aware. Your body will always let you know when you should stop when it comes to exercise, stretching, etc. Actually, your body probably let’s you know when to stop other things too, but most of us ignore it. My goal is to listen to that intuition more.

From a financial standpoint, headstands are training me to be more patient, focus on the end goal, and be more aware. Every move I make has an impact on the integrity of my headstand and, potentially, my safety. The same is true of my finances. Every dollar I spend (or don’t save) has an impact on my long-term financial health. The same can be said of my health, relationship, and creative goals.

Take some time to think about what would help you truly focus. Meditation, regular exercise, and even simply journaling can help you make progress. What works for you?

Read More

The ‘YOLO’ Mindset is a Dangerous Thing

| Leave a Comment

yolo

I graduated high school in 2011 and “YOLO” was being screamed a graduation ceremonies, football games, even band concerts. “You only live once” is a good motto to live by. After all, you only get one chance to do your thing on this planet. If you look at how people act around the YOLO mindset though, you’ll see it can actually be a dangerous thing.

The Meaning of YOLO

YOLO stands for “you only live once.” You’ve probably heard it 1,000 times already. It’s in the same vein as “treat yourself.” Leave your job for your dream position, YOLO. Buy the candy bar, YOLO. Book the cruise, YOLO.

While the Canadian rapper Drake often gets credit for coining the phrase “YOLO,” it actually originated in 1993. Ben Zimmer was actually the man who trademarked the phrase and had it added to a line of apparel. It wasn’t until 2011 when Drake put it into a rap song that the phrase gained popularity though. Five years later, the Oxford English Dictionary entered YOLO into the dictionary as a word.

For many people, the idea of “YOLO” became a way of life. If you wanted to call out of work, YOLO. Maybe you wanted to head to the beach on a whim, YOLO. You finally quit that toxic job, YOLO. Someone asks you out for drinks after work and, even though you need to get stuff done at home, you say yes. YOLO.

You Only Live Once – Take Care of Yourself

As a college freshman in fall of 2011, I definitely shouted “YOLO!” before doing a few pretty dumb things. After all,  Drizzy said, “You only live once, that’s the motto, YOLO.” (I still am a pretty big fan of Drake.) However, after a few years of hard adult experience, I realized that YOLO mindset can be damaging. In some cases, it can be dangerous.

First, let’s talk money. YOLO is terrible for your finances. This mindset usually leads people to spend unnecessary money because why not? You only live once, right? So, they spend money on vacations and material items, wracking up debt along the way. There is no doubt that was me in my early 20s. I’d maxed out a few cards and even an Amazon credit account because YOLO.

I grew up a bit and grew past that phase in my life. Now, I’m a new mom, wife, friend, daughter, but I realized you really only do live once. While you are here, set yourself up for a good time. Take care of yourself, your finances, your relationships, and make the most of the time you have. This means paying off debt, saving money, and putting away cash for retirement so that you can truly enjoy your golden years.

For me right now, YOLO means being intentional with my time so that I can be with my little one. YOLO means taking care of my finances so it is not a cause of stress. It means nourishing my body, mind, and soul so that I can be the best person possible for myself and my family.

So, yes. YOLO. Just be careful!

Read More

My Favorite Debt-Free Instagrammers

| Leave a Comment

debt-free instagrammers

Instagram is a great place to find other people in the debt-free community. Many Instagrammers share debt updates, budgets, saving tips, and real-life experiences in their own debt freedom journey. Here are five of my favorite debt-free Instagrammers.

My Top Five Debt-Free Instagrammers

There are so many fabulous and inspiring debt-free families, couples, and individuals over on Instagram. If you haven’t already signed up for Insta, do it! Then check out these five accounts…

1. The Savvy Sagittarius

debt-free instagrammers

Elyse, also known as The Savvy Sagittarius on Instagram, has paid off $36,500 in debt. Over the time she paid off her debt, she’s documented her journey on Instagram. She also now provides helpful tips to others getting started and keeps everyone updated on her current financial success. Elyse often performs challenges, such as No Spend September, and she updates her audience on her savings goals. This is a great Instagram page to follow if you’re looking for someone who is financially focused.

2. The Budget Mom

debt-free instagrammers

The next on my list of debt-free Instagrammers is Kumiko Love or The Budget Mom. Kumiko started out as a broke, single mom and has seriously transformed her life. She has gained financial and debt freedom. Now, she shares her experience and knowledge with others. Best of all, she posts a lot of free tools and templates to help you get started with budgeting, saving, and paying off debt.

3. Kiwi Girl on a Budget

debt-free instagrammers

This Instagrammer is possibly one of my absolute favorites! They paid off an astounding $556,000 in debt in 39 months. How amazing is that?! Now, the main focus of the couple as they move forward in their financial journey is investing money for the future. They are investing 70% to $100K. The page itself offers up some good tips and inspirational posts to help motivate you on your own financial journey.

4. Debt Free By Thirty

debt-free instagrammers

I think I enjoy following this page so much because the creators are closer to my age. As you can probably tell by her name, the goal is to be debt-free by the time she turns 30. I will be 30 myself in less than two years. So, the story here is pretty inspiring to me personally and you may find it to be too! Rachel has already paid down a significant amount of debt. She started with $54,000 in September 2019 and now only holds $36,950 in debt. She shares regular progress updates and tips as she goes, which are helpful too.

5. Debt Free Weirdos

debt-free instagrammers

I was originally drawn to this page because of the quirky name. Isn’t everyone in the debt-free community a little weird? What kept me sticking around was their amazing story. They’ve paid off more than $240,000 in debt! They have less than $7,000 to pay off and are just killing it. As of September 24, 2021, they will be completely debt-free. They’ve talked a lot about how they will celebrate and I can’t wait for them to reach that goal. It is truly inspirational.

These are just a few debt-free Instagrammers out there. Do you have any Instagram accounts you love to follow? Drop them below!

Read More

What is the Biggest Thing People Stress About When It Comes to Finance?

| Leave a Comment

financial stress

Money is commonly the center of stress for many people and families. In fact, 73% of Americans rank finances as the number one stress in life. Younger generations are even more stressed about money. Unfortunately, this is usually because they don’t have good financial practices in place. They may overspend, carry debt, lack savings, or simply struggle to communicate about money properly. But what is the biggest thing people stress about when it comes to finance?

Money Stressors

If you run in the debt-free circles on the internet, you may think most people are stressing about the amount of debt they carry. While that is one stressor when it comes to finances, it isn’t the biggest thing people stress about (surprisingly). The biggest money stressor people deal with centers around major life changes, such as buying a home, having a baby, or other big changes.

Around 62% of Americans say the majority of their financial stress comes from attempting to buy a home. That makes sense. Moving is a stressful thing to do. Sixty-one percent of Americans have stress centered around the purchase of a car, another big buying decision.

As you know, I’m prepping for a new arrival in our home. While it has taken a lot of preparation, we haven’t had to stress about our finances too much because we got ahead. We were able to trim things back and focus on preparing for our baby. There are some things you can do to help you minimize your financial stress though. For instance, we placed a focus on saving and material preparation.

How to Cope

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cope with financial stress, no matter what you are dealing with. Here are a few quick things you can do to reduce your money stressors.

  1. Communicate. Communication is key when it comes to relieving financial stress. You need to communicate with your household family members, communicate with loan companies and businesses, and with your partners.
  2. Set up a budget. If you don’t have one set up, putting together a budget will help you relieve some of your financial stress as well. Having a concrete plan for where your money is going will settle some of your anxiety.
  3. Look at all your options. If you are struggling to make all of your payments, research what your options are. Some creditors will establish repayment plans to help you. Many utility companies will do the same. In some cases, consolidating your debt payments with a loan might be a good option. Consider what moves you might make to help relieve some stress.
  4. Don’t stay quiet about problems. The worst thing you can do is keep your financial stress to yourself. While people can be awkward when it comes to talking about money, it is important to be open about it. Just talking about your problems can help you feel better.
  5. Save as much as you can. Having money stashed away for emergencies will make you feel more at ease when it comes to your finances, period.

Readers, what are some of your major money stressors? How do you cope? 

Read More

What Are the Best Online Registries?

| Leave a Comment

best online registries

Last week we talked a bit about virtual baby showers and some of the awesome ideas people have come up with to celebrate a new arrival virtually. In addition to there being a number of ways to celebrate from afar, there are also a plethora of ways to register for and receive gifts from loved ones (no matter where they are). Here are some of the best online registries I’ve found so far (plus the perks they offer).

Best Online Registries for Weddings

There are a number of online registries out there. Depending on what you are celebrating, there may be different options out there for you. Here are some of the best places to register online if you are getting married.

Amazon

Amazon will be listed here a few times because, among all of the online registry options out there, it is the best. You can register for a wide range of items, track what has been purchased, and send virtual thank you notes to each of the people who purchased something from your registry. It makes things really easy. For weddings, you can even add things like Southwest Airlines gift cards, Airbnb gift cards, and other monetary gifts to help you celebrate your big day.

Bed Bath and Beyond

If you and your spouse are moving in together or buying a new home after your big day, a Bed Bath and Beyond registry is also a good option. There are a number of coupons available for the retailer, so your guests can save some money. Plus, you have a full year after the gift is purchased to make a return. This way, you don’t have to go rushing around after your wedding.

Blueprint

Blueprint is an awesome online registry option because you have access to 50+ retailers through the site. They also just have a cash gift option, which is nice.

Honeyfund

Honeyfund is another registry option rising in popularity for newlyweds. This allows your guests to contribute to experiences or honeymoon costs instead of physical gifts. They can give money towards airfare, hotel stay, or experiences during your honeymoon.

Target

Target is always a good place to register, no matter what the occasion is. Like Bed Bath and Beyond, you’ll have a full year to return any gifts from your registry.

Zola

If you are planning your wedding through Zola, you may also want to do your registry through them as well. This website is truly a one-stop-shop for everything to do with your big day. The site also gives you access to more than 450 brands, making it pretty user-friendly no matter what you want to add to your registry.

Best Registries for Baby

After your big day, you may be planning a family, so you’ll need to create a new registry for your baby. Here are the best registries online for baby showers.

Amazon

As mentioned above, Amazon has a plethora of options when it comes to what you can add to your registry. Some of the perks to your baby registry include a diaper fund people can contribute to, group gifting options, and item suggestions. Amazon also provides you with a checklist of everything you need for your baby (things you may not have considered). Once you (or someone you’ve shared your registry with) purchase $10 worth of items from your registry, you’ll also get a free registry box from Amazon with some samples and things like baby socks. On top of that, Amazon also gives you a completion discount. So, after you’ve reached a certain point in your pregnancy, things on your list will be marked down.

Buy Buy Baby

Buy Buy Baby is a sister company of Bed Bath and Beyond. One of the biggest perks of registering here is that any coupons for Bed Bath and Beyond can also be used at Buy Buy Baby. You can receive a completion discount on your registry (between 10% and 15%). The store also does price matching. On top of all that, they also offer a free box of goodies with coupons and samples that you can pick up in-store.

IKEA

IKEA is a great place to register while you are putting together the perfect nursery for your little one. They carry cribs, changing tables, high chairs, and even a few baby toys. You’ll also be able to register for closet storage items, which is always a plus when it comes to putting together a nursery. Gift-givers who are buying things off the registry will also receive a family discount at checkout.

MyRegistry.com

If you just can’t decide which retailer you favor or want to condense your lists from each, MyRegistry.com is a great place to start a registry online. You can add gifts and items from literally any online retailer to your registry. As if the added convenience wasn’t enough, you’ll also be able to reap the benefits of any completion discount the retailers offer. For instance, Buy Buy Baby items on your list will be eligible for up to 15% completion discount.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids is another great place to register when you are piecing together your nursery. Like many of the others listed here, they offer a completion discount (20%). The discount is valid for up to six months after you’ve given birth.

Target

Target is another retailer that has a great online registry for your new arrival. One of the biggest perks of registering with Target is that you’ll get 15% off of whatever you don’t receive after your baby has been born. You can also stop by guest services at a Target location and ask for your baby registry gift. Their box is packed full of coupons and samples ($50 value).

Walmart

There are Walmart locations all around the United States, making it an accessible place for anyone to purchase items from your registry. The retailer also offers a price-match guarantee on items from most other stores including Amazon, Target, and Kohl’s. Similarly, they also offer a welcome box with coupons and samples.

Registries for Other Occasions

Even if you aren’t getting married or having a baby, there are plenty of things you may want to celebrate. For instance, you may be moving into a new home. Consider registering at one or more of these places.

Amazon

Once again, Amazon is a great place to start. They have literally everything you could think of when it comes to putting together a housewarming registry or list for another type of celebration. In my opinion, it is one of the best online registries out there simply because of its convenience.

MyRegistry.com

Besides Amazon, MyRegistry.com is another great pick for creating your online registry. You can add items from literally any retailer that has a website. This makes it much easier to find and receive exactly what you are looking for.

When it comes to celebrating other occasions, many of the options listed above are great too. Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Pottery Barn, IKEA, and other retailers all offer online registries to make your gift-giving and receiving easy.

Read More

Birthday Reflections: How We Measure Success By Age

| Leave a Comment

birthday reflections

Today, January 29, is my birthday. This year, I’m turning 28 years old and there is a lot changing in my life all at once it seems. Every year, I take some time to do birthday reflections and consider how far I’ve progressed in the past year. I note things I accomplished, things I enjoyed, things I’d do again (and things I wouldn’t), and how the year went. It is also a moment to reflect on what I’d like to do in the year to come.

My Birthday Reflections

This year, my birthday reflections looked a little different. I’m sure many people looked back on the year 2020 and thought, “worst year ever.” In many ways, that was true for me. There was a lot of stress. I didn’t meet all of my goals for the year. But, like many people, I kept going and kept things afloat (somehow). In 2020, I took better care of my health and took more time for self-care as well. That is something I’m proud of.

Financially, 2020 was not the greatest. My husband lost his job due to pandemic woes. There were several large emergencies that crippled us. Family emergencies seemed to pop up every other month and then we rounded out the year with a four-hour move back to North Carolina.

When it comes down to it, 2020 ended in a way that helped improve our lives in a big way. I hope to continue growing positively as a family this year as well.

Why You Shouldn’t Compare Yourself to Others

It is truly a mistake to measure your success against others your age. There are a lot of factors that impact how you have progressed through life. For instance, you may have had to battle serious financial struggles or mental health concerns. Not everyone your age has had to deal with those things.

On the same note, not everyone has the same long-term goals as you do. A friend of mine was speaking about graduating with her doctorate soon. She’s been working nonstop to achieve that goal but feels behind when she compares herself to her peers. Many of us have graduated and gone on to pursue careers six years ago. However, none of us will have the honor of being called a doctor. While we’ve been working to rent apartments and pay off student loans, she’s been making her dreams come true.

What I’m trying to say is if birthday reflections or self-reflection, in general, are part of your life, consider your own personal goals rather than what your peers are doing. True happiness will stem from achieving those personal goals.

Read More

People Rarely Take Their Own Advice

| Leave a Comment

advice

As we’ve made plenty of decisions about our lives and finances, many people have offered up words of wisdom to help us get through. However, something I’ve noticed is that people rarely take their own advice. In fact, when I think about it, it may even go back to the age-old saying my own mom recited to me, “Do as I say and not as I do.” But why is it that people seem to be able to offer up advice that they themselves can’t take (or at least can’t seem to adopt in their own lives)?

The Truth Behind It


Most of the time when people offer up their shining advice on a silver platter it is something they rarely do (or have ever done) themselves. When it comes down to it though, it is simply hard to be your own advisor. Your emotions and additional internal knowledge will cloud your judgment and lead you to make decisions that you, perhaps, would not recommend to anyone else.

More simply put, when you are not in the middle of a problem, you are better able to look at the issue objectively without all those pesky, irrelevant details. A blog post from The Cut outlined one specific example of when people talk about health issues. When we discuss health problems with someone else, we almost always suggest they get a second opinion. Once your doctor’s appointment arrives though, many people neglect to ask for a referral for a second opinion.

Why? Well, most people say that they don’t want to offend their doctor. This is something irrelevant to the actual decision at hand. When you are on the outside looking in, it is easier to look at it objectively. The same can be said of career advice, hair advice, and pretty much anything else.

Will You Take Your Own Advice?

Even I am guilty of doing this. I push the debt snowball (which I still haven’t nailed down for our family). I write on this blog every week while my finances are still not in tip-top shape, but the advice I am able to give here is from my own personal experiences. Even if I’m not taking that advice right now, per se, they are things that have helped me.

Any time you are looking at someone else’s situation, it is easier to really see the big-picture view. Having that same view when it comes to your own life is hard. It is easy to get hung up on the small stuff. But, when it comes down to it, it is all small stuff – so don’t sweat it.

When you consider offering up advice to someone, solicited or unsolicited, think about whether or not you follow that piece of advice yourself. Or, maybe, more importantly, think about whether you should be following those words of advice. Chances are, you are telling them something you need to hear too.

Readers, do you have trouble following your own advice, even when it is good?

Read More

Continued Student Loan Payment Relief Through 2021

| Leave a Comment

student loan payment relief

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things in everyday life for most people. Many of us have transitioned into working from home, or not working at all. Others have had their entire lives uprooted. In many cases, it has also impacted people’s ability to pay their bills. Because of this, the United States government is offering student loan payment relief options through December 31, 2020, which is beyond the initial September extension.

Changes to Student Loan Payment Relief

In the wake of the coronavirus in the U.S., the government announced there would be no interest on student loans through September. This also meant no payments were required of borrowers during this time. Early in August President Donald Trump announced this extension would continue through December 31, 2020.

On top of suspending payments during this time, loan providers will also stop collections on defaulted loans. Loans will also be interest-free through the end of the year.

Should You Keep Paying on Your Loans?

Because loans are interest-free at this time, it is a great time to continue paying (and even pay more) on your student loans. For people who are able to keep up payments, this is the perfect time to really attack those loans. You could potentially make some serious debt freedom progress.

However, not everyone is able to continue payments at this time (I haven’t been able to). The student loan payment relief couldn’t have come at a better time for us. We are looking at moving again because of the cost-of-living here as well as a number of personal reasons. Recently, we were hit with about $1,500 in unexpected expenses, bottoming out our emergency fund.

So, when it comes down to it, don’t beat yourself up about not making these extra payments right now or being able to keep up with everything. Most of us can’t right now. By all means, if you have the ability, pay as much debt off as you possibly can, but if you’re working on just keeping your head above water right now, that is okay too.

Readers, how has the student loan payment relief impacted your finances? Are you still making payments or have you taken a break?

Read More