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Episode 246 - Debt-Free Doesn't Mean Perfect

We've all felt that pull—the undeniable urge to splurge on something new and exciting, whether it’s the latest tech gadget, a dream vacation, or a night out with friends. It's all too easy to reach for a credit card, opt for buy now, pay later, or take out financing to make those purchases happen. These methods make getting into debt effortless, but getting out is a whole different story.  

So, how do you resist these temptations and start making real progress on your debt? In today’s episode, we share our experiences and suggestions to help you stay on track. 

 

The Buy Now, Pay Later Trap 

Brad kicks off the conversation by discussing an article he read on NBC about the rising trend of buy now, pay later services. These services, like Affirm and Klarna, allow consumers to split their purchases into installments with little or no interest, making it tempting for people to buy things they can’t actually afford. 

The article shares the story of Tia Whiteside, who spent $8,800 on Amazon purchases using buy now, pay later. Despite making good money, she found herself in significant debt and eventually deleted all but one of the buy now, pay later apps from her phone. 

 Real-Life Experiences with Debt 

**Kati:** "I have fallen into that trap a lot this year because life just happens. My credit card offers a plan with no fees if you pay within three months, but I missed one of the payments and realized how easily debt can start piling up again. Now, I’m strictly using cash and trying a no-spend challenge." 

**Ryan:** "Even after paying off our debt, the temptation doesn’t go away. Recently, my wife wanted a bidet, and although it was tempting to finance it, we reminded ourselves that small purchases can accumulate and lead to larger debt." 

**Amber:** "The temptation to spend never goes away, but we’ve learned to control it. My car is getting rusty, but instead of financing a new one, I remind myself that my current car has no payments." 

 The Path to Debt Freedom 

Brad asked the team how they managed to change their mindset and resist impulsive purchases. 

**Ryan:** "For us, it was reaching a point of misery despite having all the material things. The next purchase would make us happy only for a short period, and then the cycle would start again." 

**Amber:** "It wasn’t a linear process. We were so defeated living paycheck to paycheck that making behavior changes became manageable. The more debt we paid off, the more motivated we got." 

**Kati:** "I hit rock bottom and realized I needed a serious change. Joining Roots provided the structured approach I needed. Now, I have a plan and stick to it, even though I still have debt." 

Personal Accountability and Grace 

Brad and the team emphasized the importance of personal accountability and giving oneself grace. 

**Brad:** "We all make mistakes, but continuously committing to do better each day eventually creates a mindset where debt is not an option. It’s about not beating yourself up for not being perfect." 

**Ryan:** "Taking ownership of your financial situation is crucial. Blaming external factors won't help you make progress. Admit your role in your financial woes, and make changes accordingly." 

**Kati:** "We need to allow ourselves some flexibility and wins along the way. Cutting out too much can lead to self-sabotage. It’s okay to enjoy life while paying off debt; just plan for it." 

Conclusion 

Getting out of debt isn't easy, but with consistent effort and a supportive community, it’s possible to make significant progress. Remember, nobody is perfect, and falling off the wagon occasionally is okay. The key is to get back up and keep moving forward. 

Resources Mentioned
Get better results with your finances in 30-60 days - GUARANTEED. Watch this video to learn how! - https://www.debtfreedad.com/payoff-debt-in-60-to-90-days 

Free Tools and Downloads at www.debtfreedad.com

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