Comments on: My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 1: The Fall http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/ Motivational Money Management Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:11:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Win a Free Smartphone and Have a Great Life | My Super-Charged Life http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5357 Win a Free Smartphone and Have a Great Life | My Super-Charged Life Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:03:38 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5357 [...] My Journey to Financial Freedom Part 1: The Fall and Part 2: The Climb – Brad at Enemy of Debt put up this guest post that is truly revealing and inspiring.  It is definitely worth reading! [...] [...] My Journey to Financial Freedom Part 1: The Fall and Part 2: The Climb – Brad at Enemy of Debt put up this guest post that is truly revealing and inspiring.  It is definitely worth reading! [...]

]]> By: Weekly Wisdom: Personal Financial Freedom is Every Step » The Online Investing AI Blog http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5354 Weekly Wisdom: Personal Financial Freedom is Every Step » The Online Investing AI Blog Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:52:01 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5354 [...] Financial freedom is a journey, according to this Guest post on Enemy of Debt [...] [...] Financial freedom is a journey, according to this Guest post on Enemy of Debt [...]

]]> By: Weekend Link Love – March 20, 2010 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5346 Weekend Link Love – March 20, 2010 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:33:59 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5346 [...] from Evolution You had two great guest posts on Enemy of Debt, My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 1: The Fall and My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 2: The [...] [...] from Evolution You had two great guest posts on Enemy of Debt, My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 1: The Fall and My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 2: The [...]

]]> By: Black Coffee: My Favorite Blogs, Money News & Opinions #38 (America on the Brink Edition) http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5334 Black Coffee: My Favorite Blogs, Money News & Opinions #38 (America on the Brink Edition) Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:47:16 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5334 [...] her post.  What I mean to say is that Dena wrote an article for Brad where she tells us about a big mistake she made.  It turns out she got herself $60,000 in debt before she finished college.   The good [...] [...] her post.  What I mean to say is that Dena wrote an article for Brad where she tells us about a big mistake she made.  It turns out she got herself $60,000 in debt before she finished college.   The good [...]

]]> By: My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 2: The Climb http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5312 My Journey to Financial Freedom | Part 2: The Climb Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:25:32 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5312 [...] In part one, I explained how I got to that terrible place. In part two, I will explain how I’m getting out of it (and how you can do it, too). [...] [...] In part one, I explained how I got to that terrible place. In part two, I will explain how I’m getting out of it (and how you can do it, too). [...]

]]> By: Friday Finance Followers – I’m Debt Free (sort of) Edition | Suburban Dollar http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5304 Friday Finance Followers – I’m Debt Free (sort of) Edition | Suburban Dollar Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:58:07 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5304 [...] submitted a story from guest author Dena where she talks about her financial journey. Much like me she had a good bit of debt coming out of college, this article is the first part of [...] [...] submitted a story from guest author Dena where she talks about her financial journey. Much like me she had a good bit of debt coming out of college, this article is the first part of [...]

]]> By: Budgeting Fun Stuff http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5294 Budgeting Fun Stuff Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:27:23 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5294 I'm really happy you turned everything around and I am about to read Part 2. I understand your overwhelmed feeling when you figured out that you needed to pay back your loans, but I don't understand the surprise? I didn't have a high school guidance councelor and I know financial aid offices aren't meant for advice (they are expressly told not to give lending advice...I worked in that building). But your parents didn't explain debt? Or a friend? My parents were the ones who taught me, that's why I ask. I truly believe in personal financial responsibility, but how could you know about that without some financial education? I'm really happy you turned everything around and I am about to read Part 2.

I understand your overwhelmed feeling when you figured out that you needed to pay back your loans, but I don't understand the surprise? I didn't have a high school guidance councelor and I know financial aid offices aren't meant for advice (they are expressly told not to give lending advice…I worked in that building). But your parents didn't explain debt? Or a friend? My parents were the ones who taught me, that's why I ask.

I truly believe in personal financial responsibility, but how could you know about that without some financial education?

]]> By: Dena http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5281 Dena Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:24:52 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5281 Kimberly, your story is absolutely incredible! I am amazed by how far you have come. You are an inspiration to me and to many. Thanks so much for sharing and best of luck reaching your goal within the next year or so. I'll be rooting for you! :) Kimberly, your story is absolutely incredible! I am amazed by how far you have come. You are an inspiration to me and to many. Thanks so much for sharing and best of luck reaching your goal within the next year or so. I'll be rooting for you! :)

]]> By: Dena http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5280 Dena Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:22:12 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5280 Glad you got a laugh out of it, Forest. :) Best of luck in your continued journey and so glad to hear that you are on track now. Glad you got a laugh out of it, Forest. :) Best of luck in your continued journey and so glad to hear that you are on track now.

]]> By: Dena http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5279 Dena Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:20:54 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5279 Ashely, I could not agree more. Starting financial education classes for high school students would vastly improve the situation. There is no doubt that if I had been properly educated on these issues, I would have ended up in a much different situation. And I am sure that goes for countless others as well. Ashely, I could not agree more. Starting financial education classes for high school students would vastly improve the situation. There is no doubt that if I had been properly educated on these issues, I would have ended up in a much different situation. And I am sure that goes for countless others as well.

]]> By: Forest http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5272 Forest Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:20:20 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5272 Ha ha, you fitted a lot in the post and it made me chuckle.... It's easy to say that you should have known but seriously none of us are schooled very well in these things. I have around $40k debt that I am starting on now and I don't earn very much at all.... However I am on track now and the debts will go. Thanks for a laugh this morning I really like your writing style. Ha ha, you fitted a lot in the post and it made me chuckle…. It's easy to say that you should have known but seriously none of us are schooled very well in these things. I have around $40k debt that I am starting on now and I don't earn very much at all…. However I am on track now and the debts will go.

Thanks for a laugh this morning I really like your writing style.

]]> By: Kimberly http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5267 Kimberly Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:06:59 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5267 Dena, your story really hit home with me. I, too, was the first in my family to attend college, much less graduate. I then went on to graduate school. My parents had the money to assist me; however, they were of the belief that once you turned 18 you took care of yourself. I came out of school owing a little over $90,000 in student loans! Yes, $90,000 big ones!! I received zero financial advice throughout my years in school. Reality set in once those payments came due and it was a harsh awakening. I've been paying back this debt for about 12 years. I now owe $18,000 in student loan debt and my goal is to have it paid off within a year to 1 1/2 years. My only other debt (now) is a mortgage. I've paid off all other debt in the past year and Brad's blog has been a huge inspiration for me. Thanks, Dena, for your sharing your story. I wish you much success. Dena, your story really hit home with me. I, too, was the first in my family to attend college, much less graduate. I then went on to graduate school. My parents had the money to assist me; however, they were of the belief that once you turned 18 you took care of yourself. I came out of school owing a little over $90,000 in student loans! Yes, $90,000 big ones!! I received zero financial advice throughout my years in school. Reality set in once those payments came due and it was a harsh awakening. I've been paying back this debt for about 12 years. I now owe $18,000 in student loan debt and my goal is to have it paid off within a year to 1 1/2 years. My only other debt (now) is a mortgage. I've paid off all other debt in the past year and Brad's blog has been a huge inspiration for me. Thanks, Dena, for your sharing your story. I wish you much success.

]]> By: Brad Chaffee http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5265 Brad Chaffee Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:53:24 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5265 Mark - In all honesty dude, I am having a hard time figuring our where you get "hypocritical" from. They also say there are two types of financial behaviors. Savers and spenders. That doesn't mean that you are either ALL one or ALL the other. One can have a little of both, even if their behavior tends to favor one over the other. Could you clarify your use of the word hypocritical? You may be new here, but the way we do things here is we have an <b>emergency fund</b> for unforseen events <b>without</b> the need for debt "to balance things". It seems as though you are saying congratulations on one hand and "good luck living without credit cards" on the other. I have lived without credit cards for more than two years and I am still alive and kicking. I'm also trying to figure out why you said "even J Money". So because J Money decided to use credit cards after paying them off then everyone should? J Money is one of my best buds in the blogosphere but he is not God and just because "he" did it doesn't mean others should follow. Furthermore, I am 200% sure he would agree with that. Thanks for your comment although I am confused about your intent. Mark – In all honesty dude, I am having a hard time figuring our where you get "hypocritical" from. They also say there are two types of financial behaviors. Savers and spenders. That doesn't mean that you are either ALL one or ALL the other. One can have a little of both, even if their behavior tends to favor one over the other. Could you clarify your use of the word hypocritical?

You may be new here, but the way we do things here is we have an emergency fund for unforseen events without the need for debt "to balance things". It seems as though you are saying congratulations on one hand and "good luck living without credit cards" on the other. I have lived without credit cards for more than two years and I am still alive and kicking.

I'm also trying to figure out why you said "even J Money". So because J Money decided to use credit cards after paying them off then everyone should? J Money is one of my best buds in the blogosphere but he is not God and just because "he" did it doesn't mean others should follow. Furthermore, I am 200% sure he would agree with that.

Thanks for your comment although I am confused about your intent.

]]> By: Mark http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5264 Mark Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:38:54 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5264 How can you state there are two types of financial prisoners then say you fall somewhere in the middle. That's hypocritical. In any case, you should be proud of your progress but seeing how young you are, it will be interesting to see how you react down the road when an unforeseen event arises where you may need to resort to some kind of debt leverage to balance your goals. Even J. Money over at Budget Are Sexy ended up using his credit card again after paying it off. I look forward to reading your part two. How can you state there are two types of financial prisoners then say you fall somewhere in the middle. That's hypocritical. In any case, you should be proud of your progress but seeing how young you are, it will be interesting to see how you react down the road when an unforeseen event arises where you may need to resort to some kind of debt leverage to balance your goals. Even J. Money over at Budget Are Sexy ended up using his credit card again after paying it off.

I look forward to reading your part two.

]]> By: Dena http://www.enemyofdebt.com/2010/03/my-journey-to-financial-freedom-part-1-the-fall/#comment-5261 Dena Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:17:30 +0000 http://www.enemyofdebt.com/?p=3347#comment-5261 Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Kevin. You are right. There is a disconnect there. The knowledge is out there, but clearly it is not getting into the right hands because (unfortunately) my situation is extremely common. The key is going to be finding a way to educate the masses so that this tragedy does not affect the next generation. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Kevin. You are right. There is a disconnect there. The knowledge is out there, but clearly it is not getting into the right hands because (unfortunately) my situation is extremely common.

The key is going to be finding a way to educate the masses so that this tragedy does not affect the next generation.

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