As part of the Debt Free Lifestyle, I believe that you should always stick too it — because it is worth it. Â Not only that – you are not alone. Â I have been there. Â I have decided to share my story with all of you. Â I made serious mistakes. Â Mistakes I do not want anyone to ever make themselves. Â Hopefully, you can learn from what I have done, or maybe, be inspired to change your own financial situation for the better. Â The hard work is worth it – trust me!
Back in 2001, I was living my life as a single woman (well – in a relationship with someone). Â I was in my twenties and just enjoying my life. Â I bought what I wanted. Â I didn’t worry about my budget. Â I continually robbed Peter to pay Paul. Â I lived paycheck to pay check. Â IÂ was making a decent wage, but because I didn’t have control of my financial situation, my spending was out of control. Â I bought out of want rather than need. Â I used my credit cards for everything. I used them to pay for my gas, my groceries, my clothes and sadly — occasionally to even pay a bill.
When my relationship came to a screeching halt in December 2001, I realized how financially unstable I really was.  I sat down for the first time and put a pencil to the paper and crunched the numbers.  I was shocked (and very sad) at what I had done to myself.  I could not believe I had accumulated such a huge amount of debt  — and had absolutely nothing to show for it.  It was an eye opener.  I knew that something had to change, but being young (and still pretty stupid), I did what I thought was the only answer.  I filed for bankruptcy.
In August 2002, I formally declared bankruptcy. Â It was one of the lowest moments of my life. Â However, at the same time, it was life changing. Â At that moment, I vowed to never allow myself to get into that situation again – no matter what curve ball life might throw my way. Â With that, I left the bankruptcy and my life behind me and moved to Kansas City. Â It was time for me to take complete control of my life and ensure that it was headed in a direction that I wanted.