I wasn't always in debt, but now I have been for so long, it feels like forever.
​Growing up, I never wanted for anything. My parents were loving and generous. Unfortunately, that generosity set me up for a lot of financial trouble as I got older.
Simply put, I never had to learn how to manage money. I didn't get a fixed allowance that I had to budget. I didn't have to work summer jobs. My parents felt that academics were more important at the time. And while doing well in school is definitely a good thing, it does little to prepare you for paying bills on time or controlling spending.
Today, because of issues with self control and a fundamental lack of money management skills, I am more than $100,000 in debt. Most of that is, admittedly, student loans, but that doesn't make me feel any better. All of my academic prowess may have kept me on the dean's list, but it hasn't made me very much money (especially as compared to what I now owe).
It has taken a long time...a couple of decades, but I finally feel like I have a handle on money management. I'm not perfect. I still spend too much sometimes and like to eat out too much. However, I can also say no when I know the money isn't there. I have no credit cards. Don't want any. Too much temptation. So, it's time to build the income that will free me from this 6-figure yoke. That will allow me to relax about bills and help others more.
You are welcome to follow me on this journey. I will be offering products and services for sale from time to time, but the primary purpose of this blog will be to chronicle my journey and provide some guidance to others in the same boat.