🏔️Monthly Debt Climb Recap – July 2025

📊 Current Debt Overview + Progress Table

Here’s where I stand on my journey to zero debt as of July 1, 2025. Below is a side-by-side comparison with last month, showing exactly how much progress I made.

I reduced my total debt by $1,403.88 which puts me at a pretty low 0.010% progress for the month. I think I’ve realized that this will be slow going while I have credit cards. Interest is a killer. I’m due a small commission from my job and that will be going to pay off the SoFi Credit Card in the month of July. Can’t wait for that impact to be felt!

🗓 What Happened This Month

The Good

In the month of May I was able to put a good chunk of money towards paying off my Chase Sapphire card. In June I decided that I wanted to enjoy life with my girlfriend and take a trip. We went to Spokane, WA which is about 4 hours away. The entire trip was paid for with cash and that made me enjoy it that much more. We didn’t spend extravagantly but we were able to enjoy ourselves. Don’t forget to use money for what it’s meant for…to live.

I’m heading into my third month of serious debt freedom and seeing progress (even little progress) provides clarity. I know it’ll take a long time but I’m really excited about this journey. One of the biggest benefits I’ve realized is that it’s easier for me to make decisions on every day purchases. Sure I’ve got things that I want to purchase…but do I REALLY need or want it? Do I want it over being debt free? Having clarity on that makes spending money on what I want easier. Surprise surprise…I don’t really buy things I don’t absolutely want anymore and it feels great.

The Bad

I never really paid attention to how I interacted with my finances on a daily basis. It’s really easy to not think about, especially in today’s connected world. Since I’ve started this journey it’s shocking to me how often people are encouraged to use a credit card. There are ads all over the place to open a new one, more and more places are only taking credit cards, tap to pay methods are “easier” with a credit card. It’s almost like society is programming you to get and stay in debt. If you’re not prepared (like I was) it can easily take you over.

The Best Lesson Learned

Don’t forget to budget in things you enjoy. My largest expense in June (outside of my student loan payments and rent 🙄) was golf…and I’m not ashamed to say that. I bought a training aid that I’ve been saving up for and played 4 rounds of golf. It was all done with cash and I couldn’t be happier that I did it that way. Now I don’t have to worry about feeling guilty or paying interest on golf and it feels incredible

💡 Tip of the Month

If you’re struggling with credit card debt increase the friction it takes to use them. Disconnect them from your Apple/Google pay, remove them from Amazon or whatever site has it, don’t bring them with you in your wallet or purse. The harder it is to use them the more you’ll think about what’s financially in front of you.