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2 min read

Starting My Climb to Zero Debt

After 12 years of carrying debt, I’m finally taking my journey to zero debt seriously. With over $140K in debt and a $120K salary, I’m facing it head-on—fears, doubts, and all. If you’re overwhelmed by your finances, know you’re not alone. The most important thing is to just start.
Starting My Climb to Zero Debt
A lone hiker looking at a mountain in the background.

Hey everyone! 👋

Finally after 12 years of being a whole adult I’m finally taking my climb to ZERO DEBT SERIOUSLY!

I've got so many emotions going through me right now; fear, anxiety, worry, doubt...you name it. I know those are negative emotions but I've also got good feelings too; excitement, determination, passion, curiosity, hope. Not 5 years ago I said that I was taking my debt seriously but that was just a front. I didn't really take it seriously...until now.

🤯
The thing I realized is that it doesn't matter when, why, or how I started to take my debt seriously. It just matters that I started taking my debt seriously.

Highlights of my story.

I’m 35 years young and my yearly salary is $120,000. I’m an engineer by school but work with the government now selling energy infrastructure projects. By all accounts an average man living and working in the US.

Now to the scary part…my debt. As of 01 May 2025 here's how my debt breaks down.

  • Student Loans: $136,098.03 (it was MUCH worse)
  • Credit Card 1: $5,244.45
  • Credit Card 2: $1,321.49

Total = $142, 663.97

This number has scared me for 10 years and my debt was much higher at one point, but I've had enough. I'm not sure how I’m going to do it yet but I will do it...NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES! That's the point of this, I'm starting. I know how difficult it is because I'm doing. If you only read this and nothing else that I've written I hope that you know you're not alone. I know you're scared but...just start.

This should be fun… Enjoy! One of us should 😂

Cheers,

Max

Published by:

Max Hughes