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Today, shes debt-free and sharing herjourney to financial freedom.
Heres how sheturned things around.
I had to stop pretending everything was fine, Mary said.
I cried for hours, but that moment of brutal honesty was my turning point.
I cut up every card except one for emergencies.
No more treating myself to designer bags or justifying splurges as investments.
Cold turkey was the only way for me.
All those influencers making everything look must-have made her think she needed to shop, shop, shop.
I had to unfollow hundreds of accounts.
I also stopped going to the mall just to look.
Because lets be real, Irarelyjust looked.
I took every job I could find, she said.
I sold all those must-have purchases on Poshmark.
I started freelance writing on weekends.
I even pet-sat for neighbors.
Every extra dollar went straight to debt payment.
I used the debt snowball method starting with my smallest card balance and working up.
Each time I paid off a card, I felt like Id won an Olympic medal.
Simone Biles, watch your back!
I love you, Simone!)
That momentum kept me going through the tough months.
I finally opened up to my friends about my debt, Mary said.
Turns out, many of them were struggling, too.
We started having monthly finance and wine nights where wed share tips and hold each other accountable.
Having that support made all the difference.
The Result?
It took me three years of intense focus, but I paid off every dang cent, Mary said.
Now, I still love shopping Im human!
And maybe a human who needs to do more work in this area!
That said, Mary said shes shopping more mindfully and within her budget.
The best purchase I ever made wasnt a Telfar bag it was my freedom from debt.
(But the Telfar bag is a close second!)
Her Advice for Others
Start today.
Not Monday, not next month, not when you get that raise, Mary said.
The longer you wait, the bigger the mountain becomes.
And remember: You didnt get into debt overnight, and you wont get out of it overnight.
But youwillget out if you stay committed.
The peace of mind is worth more than anything I could buy in a store, she said.
Trust me on that one.
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