~ Carmen
Joe and I had already been dating four years when we got married. Before getting engaged, I was well aware of his debt as he was with mine. It was a lot. It seemed like a huge hurdle, but we had both been through the financial impact of divorces and were determined to make our marriage a success. We made it a goal of our first year of marriage to eliminate our $35,000 of debt so we could travel the world!
Did you know that financial issues are the number one cause of divorce? Conquering our elephant in the room was a huge challenge for a new marriage, and our finances continue to be an ongoing conversation in our household. We knew we wanted to travel but considering our budget and debt, traveling was a luxury and couldn’t be considered if all of our income was tied up.
Disclaimer- So I know some of you may be already thinking, you guys must have good jobs. My cost of living is higher. You don’t have my medical expenses. You name it, there are financial stressors for every household regardless of the income bracket. To be transparent, I’m a teacher and Joe has a government job. We live in a nice house in a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee. Even though our income is middle class, at the time we conquered our debt, we had two teenage girls living at home and were paying child support for three other of our kiddos. Also during that year, we spent $10,000 in legal fees battling a custody issue. And not to mention, you name it, every appliance, air conditioner and automobile seemed to break and have to be repaired.
Most of our strategies came from reading Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It’s an easy read, and I don’t know how many times in our 5 years of marriage we have referred back to it. We also took Dave Ramsey’s class “Financial Peace University” at our church as part of our marriage preparation. We learned so much in the class, we now have given our children an financial incentive to go through the class themselves when they graduate from college or decide to get married (whichever comes first).
So how’d we eliminate our debt in 1 year? It wasn’t easy. Anyone that gives you a quick get rich scheme is trying to get rich quick themselves! Just like weight loss, slow and steady with a lot of hard work is what is takes. But regardless of the mountain, conquering it can be done!

Visiting Joe’s family in Seattle
How We Eliminated $35,000 in Debt (in one year)
So We Could Travel the World

This Week’s Menu
1. Make it a team effort.
For us to conquer our finances, we had to put on an “It’s us against the world” mentality. Since Joe was bringing in most of the debt, at first, he didn’t want me to have to sacrifice because of his debt. I had to remind him that I was bringing baggage into the marriage, too, just a different kind.
When we started thinking of everything as “ours”– our budget, our income, our debt, it was easier to see the big picture.
Joe is a naturally saver, but free spirited. Sometimes I have to help him stay focused on the task at hand and plan for later. I’m a spender, but also a planner. It’s very hard for me to go shopping and not come home with bags of stuff I really don’t need.
One of our best financial solutions involved our groceries. I started making a menu for all of our meals, with a detailed shopping list which I gave to Joe to buy. That way we actually had food already purchased for every night’s meal. If you have the ingredients already on hand, it is easier to say no to going out to eat. Handing over the grocery shopping to Joe, keeps me out of the store, buying up things that aren’t on the list that we really don’t need.
I don’t see how anyone can eliminate debt if one partner isn’t on board. There were times that I really felt left out when friends were going out and it wasn’t in our budget. I needed someone to hold me accountable and to remind me of our longterm goals. Our kids even got to the point where they would ask “Is it in the budget?” when they wanted to buy something. Sometimes it was, and sometimes it wasn’t. It was a family effort all around.
2. Make a budget.
This was sooo hard. We had to give every dollar we earned a name. No more “Where did all our paycheck go?” It took us a couple of months to nail down exactly how much we needed for groceries, gas, and other things like the kids’ school expenses, but eventually we got pretty close each month. Part of our budget was just for debt, eliminating the smaller ones first, then tackling the biggest ones last–our cars. It is amazing how much all the little things, like Starbuck runs and fast food pickups, add up. I learned to keep a stash of snacks in the car, so that if I got hungry running errands, I already had a solution with me that didn’t involve spending anything.
3. Sell everything but the kids.
One advantage that we had in this area was that when Joe and I got married, we combined two households. We had a lot of duplicates. First we had a huge garage sale of miscellaneous odds and ends and made $800. Then Joe began the tedious process of selling our nicer things on eBay. We made about another $1,000 selling items on eBay. It is amazing what people will buy. Something I would tell Joe, “No one is going to buy that,” a week later he would holler, “Some guy in Wisconsin just paid $17.00 for that clock you said was junk!” This is something he still does, especially with bike parts he doesn’t need anymore.
4. Save money on the things you have to have.
We comparison shopped for our home/car insurance saving us $600 a year. Joe started going to several grocery stores each week to get the best deals. Yes, it took time, but we kept to our debt free goal so we could travel goal in mind every time we started to get tired and want to take the easier/faster route.
When the knob of our washer fell off, Joe found (on eBay) a new knob and replaced it instead of his original idea of attaching a lock vice pliers. My old ways would have had been just getting a new washer and dryer. After all, our old Kenmore washer and dryer set was bought in 1989. All our neighbors have pretty uprights. My daughter calls our old set “racket” and “embarrassing”. Well, it is paid for and is still working just as well as it did when it was brand new.
My wedding band cost $16.95 (yes, on eBay again). The gold-plating has long since rubbed off and a new one would look so much prettier. Do I really need a new wedding band? No, I don’t. Now that we are debt free, it would be really easy to find ourselves back in debt again lured by the shine, bling, vroom and zoom. I keep the old washer/dryer set and wedding band as a reminder of all the mountain of debt Joe and I eliminated. I don’t ever want to have to battle it again. So not only are those old things a constant reminder of what we need and don’t need, but you could also say it is kind of like a badge of honor–a testament of what’s important and not important to us.

My once “gold-plated” wedding band
5. Work your tail off with side jobs.
While Joe was busy selling anything not bolted down, I picked up a computer job that I could work when I wasn’t teaching. If there was an extra job at my school, I did it. Some of the extra things I did didn’t involve money, but maybe if I got something for free, like a gift card, I used it strategically. If I could use it as a birthday or Christmas gift or use it in our budget, I did that job, too. Trust me, there were nights after school that I just wanted to sleep. The idea of working on the computer for four hours filled me with dread, but that’s when family teamwork helped.
6. Give yourself some fun money.
There’s no way Joe and I could have kept whittling away for a year if we didn’t give ourselves some fun money. In the beginning we gave ourselves $20 each per month to spend anyway we wanted. Joe usually spent his 20 on fast food or beer. I tended to save mine for a couple of months then go buy myself a new dress or necklace. Once a month we allowed ourselves $40 for “a real date”. So no fancy restaurants, but cheap eats and a matinee movie were doable. By only using cash there was no way to overspend. Making it for whatever we wanted, eliminated the guilt. It’s the same reason some people need a cheat day when dieting.

Our recent “fancy date”. Follow us on Snapchat to see all of our adventures!
Yes, this was a tough way to start our first year of marriage. But since then, we have paid off our mortgage, paid cash for a travel trailer and truck, and gone to Europe twice. It is a little easier now. Joe and I now go on 2 dates a month (woo hoo!) and sometimes it involves fancy places, too! However, budgeting and planning is still a struggle. When we go shopping, my girls still ask, “Mom, are you sure this is in the budget?” I could easily slip into my overspending habits, and Joe still hates planning for the future. However, I keep making the menu, and Joe does the grocery shopping. I still buy most of my clothes at consignment shops. 90% of Joe’s cycling gear he bought was used. Keeping our travel goals in the forefront of our mind helps keep the old bad habits at bay.
So how do save up for something you really want? Please share by commenting below!
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George
January 8, 2017 5:50 pmThanks for bringing up this blog post Carmen. It was very insightful. I’m happy you had the opportunity to visit Europe – one of the most diverse continents.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:41 amI teach ancient history, so after many years of teaching about Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, to see it in person was an experience of a lifetime!
Mo Palepale
January 8, 2017 6:38 pmGreat article! Thanks for sharing and I think Dave Ramsey’s budget planning is very successful as well!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:42 amThanks! We love Dave Ramsey. When it feels like we are starting to get off track, I’ll go back and reread his book.
Sara Broers
January 8, 2017 8:06 pmThis goes to show that if you make travel a priority it can be~ great post!Dave Ramsey always has insightful advice and ideas. You are one of the many success stories out there to inspire others.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:43 amThanks Sara! It continues to be hard work, but we try to get our end goals in mind.
Ingrid
January 8, 2017 8:14 pmWell said! Echoed in my favorite frugal blog, The Frugal Girl. I love how you make it “real” and encourage people to focus on travel goals.
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:33 pmI’ve read that blog and like it too!
LC of Birdgehls
January 8, 2017 9:02 pmThat’s an impressive sum of money that you’ve eradicated there! I agree, the simple act of selling stuff that you don’t need can be super beneficial in the long run. You’ve shown incredible restraint – I like the idea of “rewarding” yourself once a week with a treat. Enjoy your travels!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:34 pmThere’s still more stuff we need to sell. It seems to grow in the attic over night!
Midori
January 9, 2017 2:32 amThat’s exactly what those people who tell us how we manage to travel so much should read! I’m tired of having to justified myself on how I manage to save money for travelling. Great post!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:35 pmThank you so much. People comment how we’re never home, but then again, we don’t have all of the latest and greatest gadgets either!
Alison
January 9, 2017 3:31 amGood on you guys! Saving and getting rid of debt is such a hard thing, especially when the travel bug really hits. You gave up a lot to see that all through so quickly.
I couldn’t sell all my stuff. I looked at it and really tried, but it just never happened. I put it all in storage though, and gave up my apartment and fancy city life, and now work around the country, all while living out of a suitcase. Yes, I have to pay for storage every month, but most of my jobs involve free accommodation and utilities, sometimes even food, so it’s a pretty good exchange.
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:37 pmI think as long as what you found what works for your budget, then keep at it. I could never give up my shoe and clothes collection, but don’t feel the need to go out to nice restaurants and movies.
Esther | The Cuteness
January 9, 2017 8:47 amLove Dave Ramsey! He’s changed so many lives. I’ve met him a couple of times, and he’s a cool guy!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:37 pmI would love to hear him speak in person one day! We love his daily podcast.
ThriftyTrails
January 9, 2017 2:38 pmLove this post! So many people think it is impossible to save up enough money to go travel but making a few changes to habits and mentalities makes a world of a difference. One way my husband and I saved money to travel the world was to only buy groceries that were on sale and that we had coupons to add on top of the sale price. We recently saved more than we spent. It feels good being able to make small sacrifices in order to reach the end goal.
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:38 pmChanging how we managed our food budget totally changed our budget, too!
Jill
January 9, 2017 2:44 pmGreat post! I have Dave Ramsey’s book on my “to read” list! I better get to it!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:42 pmThe book is a fast read and puts everything into easy to understand terms. I just wish I had learned all of these financial skills when I first got out of school.
Valerie hansen
January 9, 2017 3:39 pmThis is an amazing post ! This is exactly what I want to do this year, so tired of being in debit. Actually thinking of selling the house to pay off debt….but then the rents are higher here..so not sure on that!
Love your story!
Valerie
Maple Leopar
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:43 pmThat would be difficult decision. Trying cutting out waste in other areas and see how much of a difference that makes.
Shona
January 10, 2017 2:37 amCongratulations! A great effort. Well done.
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:44 pmThank you so much! Being debt free is a fantastic feeling.
Barbara
January 10, 2017 3:44 amGreat article – I did this once too – the budget was the key. Once you start counting the pennies – you end up with heaps to travel with 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:45 pmIt really is amazing how the little expenses add up. I remind myself that every time I’m craving a fancy coffee!
Bhushavali
January 10, 2017 2:55 pmWhoa! That’s an impressive feat! I completely agree, setting the budget right is the key. Btw, I too just began to sell things that I don’t use at all!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:47 pmDoesn’t it feel good to declutter while making some extra cash! I hate having things piled up, not being used.
Adrenaline Romance
January 10, 2017 5:41 pmPaying off debt is a solid first step to financial freedom. You did an amazing job there. Sitting down and talking about finances is a daunting task, but it is needed to set the priorities straight. Gian and I also do that to reach our goal of traveling. Our dream is not long-term travel though but to squeeze in short trips here and there even with our full-time work. Doing little sacrifices will pay off in the long run. Cheers to you both!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:50 pmThat’s exactly what we do. Being a teacher, we try to squeeze in as much as possible during my breaks. The weekends are for camping and road trips!
Daniel
January 11, 2017 11:29 amBeing on a budget and traveling is allways hard. Its great that you could find a way out of dept and thank you for the helpful tips!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:52 pmYou are very welcome! It continues to be hard work for us, but it is so so so worth the sacrifice.
Rachel
January 11, 2017 8:04 pmI love the idea of selling stuff! We have so much stuff that I would love to get rid of. The insurance one is also a really good tip!
Pack Your Baguios
January 11, 2017 8:53 pmI didn’t even know you could negotiate for better insurance, but you can! Thank you Dave Ramsey!
jenn | By Land and Sea
January 13, 2017 3:07 pmThis is a great post and I really relate to it. My husband and I both have an extreme interest in personal finance. We’ve really worked on cutting unnecessary expenses from our lives and streamlining everything. Less money going out on random expenses and bills, means more money set aside for travel and fun! Check out David Bach’s books too – they were life changing for me!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:47 amI’ll have to check out David Bach. We’re always looking for new ways to prioritize our budget and save, save, save for the “fun” stuff!
Anna
January 13, 2017 8:52 pmThis is so inspiring Carmen, and proves and anyone can eliminate debt and save even on tight budgets. It all depends on how badly you want something. This is why I (secretly) get mad at people who are like “I can never save.” It’s like.. yes you can, but you’re just not willing to sacrifice and be completely dedicated to it!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:48 amI know what you mean. Don’t tell me you can afford something when you’re wearing all name brand clothes and are driving a new car.
Ngaire
January 14, 2017 3:21 amGreat post! Glad to hear there’s were treats and a bit more balance now. I find it’s hard to eliminate all spending like some people and still enjoy life, so I like spending responsibility and treating myself to a coffee when I can, while still saving.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:50 amIt’s all about balance. I know that there are somethings that give me a lot of value. They might now be important to other people, but I’m going to keep them in our budget. Other things, don’t mean that much to me, but they are worth the sacrifice.
Paul and Carole
January 14, 2017 7:26 amGreat motivational tips to save and travel the world. Having an awareness of what you are spending to start with can be a real eye opener, then looking at what you actually need. The question we always ask ourselves is do we really need this? We also equate it to this could be an extra nights stay etc that puts it into perspective for us. Thanks for sharing. #feetdotravel
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:51 amDiscovering difference between a true need and a want was key to us eliminating debt. Having the foresight of “We could use this for an extra night” is so smart!
Brown Gal Trekker
January 14, 2017 7:00 pmThese tips are helpful and very practical. Now, if only I had a partner to work with to make it happen…for now, I’ll just have to do it solo. I’m sure it’s been such a liberating thing for both of you to get rid o f the debt!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:56 amSometimes its actually easier to budget solo because you don’t have to worry about someone else messing up the budget. The only one to confer with is yourself.
Alan
January 14, 2017 7:27 pmWell done Carmen and Joe. Just goes to show what’s possible if your determined. People are so caught up in chasing the latest fad that they loose sight of how much money they could be saving. The first step is to set up a goal and then try to stick to it.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:57 amThank you so much, Alan. Fads come and go. We’re still trying to sell off some of those stupid buying decisions! Live and learn, right?
Thais
January 14, 2017 8:35 pmGreat super practical tips! Our kids are still with us, so we still spend loads with them. I wonder if there’ll come a time when we won’t. haha
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 11:59 amAt first our kids didn’t understand why we were cutting back so much, but in time they started to realize that if it wasn’t in the budget, then they knew what the answer to the “Can I have?” questions were even before they asked it.
Pete
January 15, 2017 3:40 amSound advice. How is the blogging going? A plus or a minus?
Or just for fun?
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 12:00 pmLike everything in life, it’s a learning curve!
JuliaSan
January 15, 2017 4:41 amThanks for sharing this. It is a tough thing to save up the money, but it pays off. And it is great the whole family is behind this, this is the only way it can work. Congrats and have great trips! 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 12:01 pmThank you so much! It continues to be tough, but we keep our goals posted on the refrigerator to keep us on track.
Romy
January 15, 2017 12:20 pmReally inspiring post! I’ve been kind of doing the same thing to be able to travel as a student. I’ve been selling some stuff, working different jobs and budgeting. It works:) It’s hard while your saving, but so worth it when your traveling!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 12:39 pmMy oldest daughter is in graduate school, and even though she doesn’t have any true “income”, she keeps a budget of her expenses and uses that to determine how far her scholarship will go. Good for you for selling, working, and budgeting!
Clare
January 15, 2017 1:39 pmWell done. It’s great to see you got a plan and stuck to it. You had a goal that you wanted more than anything else. I think people get too hung up on needing new things when they can make do!! I know I would rather spend my money on travelling than a new washer!!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 12:40 pmIt’s amazing how long our appliances have lasted with just replacing broken parts. Our washer is over 25 years old and still does the trick!
Jean
January 15, 2017 3:18 pmAre you sure that we can’t sell the kids too? What great advice! Well done. Can’t wait to see where your next adventures takes yoou
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 1:24 pmI don’t think anyone would buy them, even at a half-price sale!
Melissa
January 15, 2017 3:31 pmHey guys – well done! Once you really set your mind to saving and your both on board its so achievable.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 1:27 pmA big debt is like any huge problem, just tackle it a little at a time.
Sarah
January 15, 2017 4:27 pmSo many great tips! As a single adult, I have to be pretty careful with my disposable income. The majority of my fun money goes toward traveling. I needed a reminder about meal planning! If I don’t go into the week with a plan I will end up getting take out or staring into the depths of my freezer every night. I can say from my own experience with $20,000 of credit card debt in my early 20’s that there is no better feeling than being completely debt free!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 1:29 pmGood for you! Tackling $20,000 as a single adult is a major accomplishment!
Sheena
January 15, 2017 4:32 pmWow, thanks for your honesty in this post & sharing your experiences & lessons learnt. You guys are so disciplined, I’m not in any debt & I’m going to try to stay that way, don’t think I could be as committed! I love that you guys made room in your budget for a date night every month, that’s so lovely & really important too I think 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 1:30 pmI love our date nights! We take turns planning them so the other spouse has a little surprise.
Kate
January 15, 2017 4:51 pmThese are some great tips! Especially side jobs. I have walked dogs, pulled weeds, driven for Uber and waited tables to be able to do what I want.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:33 pmThose side jobs can be exhausting, but can really help make a dent in your debt!
Punita Malhotra
January 16, 2017 1:31 amThis is a really inspiring article. Not only does it show your enterprise and creativity in managing within a budget, but also indicates the passion and drive to make it happen, despite all odds. It indicates how much of a priority travel is for you, and to what extent you are willing to go, in order to live the life you want. Kudos to you! I would love to share this article with friends.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:34 pmThank you for sharing. It can take a lot of work and determination. As with any big task, persistence is the key!
Lisa
January 16, 2017 7:47 amLove this article very encouraging. Sometimes being creative or just doing with out a few frills can make all the difference in the world. Thanks for all the tips. Glad you had a wonderful travels and will continue to do so.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:35 pmI’m glad you found it encouraging. Little expenses here and there definitely add up fast!
Anna Schlaht
January 16, 2017 11:13 amThank you for this honest post! We are going through something similar (though perhaps not to this extent), as we want to pay off all our debt and travel soon. It’s heartening to know that we’re doing some things right (budgeting, grocery shopping instead of eating out, carpooling), but also good to see that there are some things we could add to the mix, like selling what we don’t need! With these tips, hopefully we’ll eliminate our debt by this fall so we can start saving for travel!
Congrats on your success, guys! The feeling you must have after paying off 35K must be so freeing! Excited to see where you travel to now that you’re debt free!
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:38 pmGlad you found some extra tips. We’re still selling off things we no longer find value. It’s amazing how it seems to grow in our attic over night!
Claire
January 16, 2017 12:45 pmWow, this is amazing – it is scary when you start to realise how much money you spend! When I left to go travelling my friends always ask me how I am paying for it – well, without a house, car, pets or kids, I am saving a lot more money! I just need to find more ways to earn money now 😉
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:39 pmIt sounds like you have your expenses in check. Good luck on finding those extra ways to earn income!
Maria
January 17, 2017 5:13 amCarmen,
Loved your post. So honest and frontal! These are the kind of things that can destroy a relationship or, if tackled has you have done can make it stronger. Such good advice to follow. Best for your family 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:40 pmLuckily we really talked about our financial goals before we became engaged. If you’re not on the same page, it’s really hard to make any meaningful traction.
Christine K
January 17, 2017 7:36 amSuch an inspiring read. You are so correct in that we all have our challenges. You made travel your priority and kept focused on that goal while taking care of your household. I admire what your did and enjoyed reading your story.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:41 pmThanks! Everyone has to decide for themselves what is important. For us, being free to travel is pretty high on our list!
Leah | Five for the Road
January 17, 2017 8:34 amThis is amazing and super inspirational! I love sell everything but the kids! Super funny! We do try to sell the toys and clothes my kids grow out of. It is great to earn some extra cash and get rid of the clutter.
Pack Your Baguios
January 17, 2017 2:43 pmI can’t stand clutter, but it always seems to grow overnight! Drives me crazy. We’re still selling and hope to downsize houses in a couple of years.
Christina
January 18, 2017 8:43 amReally enjoyed reading your post. My husband and I are always trying to save money for a big trip while paying off my debt. We paid off his debt right before we quit our jobs and moved to Europe for the summer. Now we are back home with new jobs and have to find a way to pay off mine while saving for our trip to Africa and a house. This is definitely helpful and I totally agree on your tips. Thank you!
Pack Your Baguios
January 22, 2017 9:56 pmSounds like you guys are making good progress! Good luck on saving and paying off the rest of the debt.
Trippin' Turpins (Kelly)
January 18, 2017 10:11 pmFabulous article. Thanks for letting us into your life to show us what is possible.!
Pack Your Baguios
January 22, 2017 9:57 pmYou’re welcome! We had some great people show us how they did, so I wanted to pay it forward.
Travel Lexx
January 20, 2017 7:03 pmFantastic stuff guys – really prioritising travel there and great to see that it’s been such a success story! Thanks for sharing
Pack Your Baguios
January 22, 2017 9:57 pmYou’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by the blog and sharing!
Sheena
January 21, 2017 6:24 pmGreat read. I like the idea about your wedding band. We are on that goal path at the moment and finding it very therapeutic cleaning out all the stuff. We are quite minimalist but still find we have more than enough stuff. I think I’d prefer to live out of a suitcase. ?
Pack Your Baguios
January 22, 2017 9:58 pmIt’s amazing how the “stuff” just grows and grows. Where does it all come from?
Juphet
January 30, 2017 7:30 pmVery inspiring story! I have to take note, work on and see if I can save at least $10000 for my travel adventure. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
January 31, 2017 8:02 amGood luck on your saving goals. Travel is definitely worth the hard work and sacrifice!
Astrid
February 4, 2017 10:06 amHi Carmen and Joe,
This is a great post! It’s fantastic that you folks wiped out all your debt in one year!
Last year saw me wipe out the last of mine. And just in the nick too, I didn’t think I was going to make my goal. But I did. We took a different approach and wiped out mine first. This year is the year to wipe out hubby’s debt.
I do meal planning too and I’m a stickler for it. I also cook in bulk for freezing, that helps to keep take out or dinner off the cards when I don’t feel like cooking!
If we haven’t used something for 3 months it goes up for sale. The ‘I really want to keep this’ items stay for 6 months, if we haven’t used it then it goes in our garage sale.
It’s a tough road to walk but the payoff is priceless.
Thanks for sharing this!
Astrid
Pack Your Baguios
February 5, 2017 1:00 pmSounds like you guys are doing it right! We need to do more cooking in bulk so we aren’t tempted to order out when we’re tired. The temptations are always there!
Danielle Hambuckers
April 14, 2017 4:13 pmThis is SO inspiring! To work that hard on getting to a goal is justeasily underestimated I guess, even if the point is to tell people it is possible, I still really admire the fact that you actually did. this!
Pack Your Baguios
April 15, 2017 7:27 amIt was a ton of work and sacrifice, especially when all of your friends are going somewhere and you have to tell them no. The payoff is what we are able to do now and hopefully be able to retire early!
Liliane Fawzy
May 5, 2017 10:43 amGreat post! Honestly some of these tips seem like self explanatory but they’re a lot harder to implement than most people think!
Pack Your Baguios
May 9, 2017 9:59 amIt is hard. Like trying to lose weight, it is so easy to give yourself excuses.