Let’s face it: debt can feel like that uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. It looms over you, whispers in your ear during sleepless nights, and won’t leave, no matter how much you hint it’s time to go.
I’ve been there, drowning in $32,972 of bad debt as a single mom, wondering if I’d ever see the light at the end of the financial tunnel. Spoiler alert: I did. And I’m here to tell you that with some hard work, creativity, and a dash of sacrifice, you can too.
So grab a cup of tea (or that Starbucks I missed for nearly two years), and let’s dive into exactly how I paid off my debt in less than 24 months, all while raising my son, holding down a full-time job, and navigating life with the grace of a clumsy penguin.
The first step to tackling debt is knowing what you’re up against. I had to get honest with myself and face the terrifying truth of just how much I owed.
I grabbed a notebook (or you can use Excel if you’re fancy) and wrote down:
1. Every required expense.
2. All debts, balances, and interest rates.
Anything over 5% interest went into the “bad debt” column—you know, the kind that makes your bank account cry. Seeing it all laid out was overwhelming, but it gave me clarity. How can you tackle what you owe if you don’t know what you owe?
Next, I had to make some tough love decisions. I went full-on Marie Kondo with my finances: if it didn’t spark joy (or necessity), it had to go.
Here’s what I cut:
• Subscriptions: Bye Netflix and cable; hello free library movies.
• Groceries: I switched stores to one that didn’t make me feel like I was shopping for diamonds instead of food.
• Dining out: Adios takeout; hello meal prep.
• Skincare: Drugstore brands became my BFF.
• Health insurance: I adjusted my plan to save money (without sacrificing what I needed).
• Internet: Slowed it down just a notch—I wasn’t streaming anyway.
Did I miss my fancy lattes and overpriced beauty products? Absolutely. Did I miss the stress of being broke? Not one bit.
Cutting expenses was only part of the equation. To really make progress, I needed more income, so I got creative.
Here’s how I made extra money:
• Remote Job with Appen: I signed up to rate ads on social media, bringing in an extra $1,200/month. It was flexible, remote, and perfect for my schedule.
• Employer Wellness App: My job offered a fitness incentive program. I earned $200 every quarter just for moving my body.
• Dividends: I cashed out an easy $480/year instead of reinvesting my quarterly dividends.
These small income streams added up quickly, and every dollar went straight to paying off my debt. You can get ideas for side gigs and part-time income on Pinterest, www.sidehustlenation.com, or The Side Hustle Show Podcast.
Once my expenses were trimmed and extra income flowed, it was time to get laser-focused.
Here’s the plan I followed:
1. Target the highest interest debt first. This is called the avalanche method. (Who doesn’t want to imagine burying their debt in snow?)
2. Throw every spare penny at that debt. I didn’t just pay the minimum; I wasted all my extra income.
3. Track progress weekly. I used Excel for the big picture and my iPhone Notes app for daily spending.
Paying off one credit card at a time felt like a game—and every win motivated me to keep going.
Here’s the unsexy truth: consistency is the key to paying off debt. For 23 months, I reviewed every dollar I spent.
Sunday mornings became sacred for financial check-ins. I’d add up all my spending, adjust my budget, and make sure every dollar had a purpose. Was it tedious? Sure, but it worked.
By month 23, I had officially paid off $32,972 of debt. 🎉
And then, something unexpected happened: I received a case settlement. I could have splurged (trust me, I was tempted), but instead, I:
• Paid off my son’s car loan.
• Gifted him enough to clear his bad debt.
• Opened a Roth IRA and maxed out my yearly contribution.
• Stashed the rest in a high-yield savings account.
It felt amazing to use that money wisely, knowing I was building a stable future for myself and my son.
Fast forward to today, and here’s where I stand:
• Debt: I still have a small auto loan and a Parent PLUS student loan, both under 5%.
• Savings: I have a fully funded emergency fund in a high-yield account with Capital One and have saved 12 months of expenses.
• Investments: I’m maxing out my Roth IRA annually and contributing more to my 401(k).
• Goals: I’m saving for a short-term vacation rental property in South Carolina in another high-yield savings account, which I will purchase within two years.
Oh, and yes—I’ve brought Starbucks back into my life. (Moderation is key, folks.)
1. Sacrifice is Temporary: For 23 months, I lived on a super-tight budget. It wasn’t fun, but it was worth it.
2. Consistency is Everything: Small, consistent actions produce significant results.
3. Invest in Your Future: Once debt is under control, start building wealth.
If you’re ready to tackle your debt, here’s my advice:
1. Get Clear: Write down all your expenses and debts.
2. Cut Back: Look for any expense you can live without.
3. Find Extra Income: Explore remote work, side gigs, or selling unused items.
4. Make a Plan: Choose a debt payoff method (avalanche or snowball) and stick to it.
5. Track Progress: Review your budget weekly to stay on track.
6. Celebrate Wins: Reward yourself for milestones to stay motivated.
Remember, your financial situation doesn’t define you. You can change your story with dedication, focus, and creativity.
Paying off $32K in debt wasn’t easy, but it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I now live with less stress, financial stability, and a clear path to my goals.
If I can do it as a single mom, you can too. Start small, stay consistent, and keep your eyes on the prize.
And when you’re sipping that well-deserved latte after paying off your debt, think of me—cheering you on every step of the way.
Here’s to your financial freedom!
Let’s Chat!
What’s your most significant financial goal? Please comment below—I’d love to hear from you and support your journey!
And if this story inspired you, share it on social media or with a friend who might need a little motivation to tackle their debt. Comment with queations or if you too want to pay off significant debt quickly.
With love, humor, and a whole lot of budgeting magic,
Jax
Let me reintroduce myself. I`m Jax — 48, Cleveland mama, loan officer by day, glow-up coach by choice. Down 180 lbs since 2022 with 90 more to go. This account is for every woman 40+ ready to SHOW UP for herself. 💪
Comment YOUR Day 1 below 👇 Let`s go together.
#midlifeglowup #weightlossover40 #womenover40 #over40 #midlifewomen weight loss journey, glow up
My healing was not just about food. It was about waking up.
Midlife made me honest. Honest about my habits. Honest about my pain. Honest about the life I wanted next.
This was bigger than weight loss. This was a full life shift..
.
If midlife has been waking you up too, drop a ✨ in the comments..
.
#MidlifeWomen #MidlifeTransformation #EmotionalHealing
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Day 54 of my Walking for Wellness Challenge 💪✨�Down 180 lbs… 90 lbs to go.
This morning started with stretching, then a walk, and core work to finish. Simple. Consistent. Repeatable.
But here’s what made today different…�I fed my mind too.
Listened to The Best One Yet podcast and it had me thinking about money, habits, and how the world around us is constantly influencing our choices—even how we spend.
That’s when it clicked…
This journey isn’t just weight loss.�It’s awareness.�It’s discipline.�It’s taking back control of your body, your habits, and your life.
If you’re on your own glow-up journey… keep going. One walk at a time.
Follow for daily midlife glow-up, weight loss, wellness, and money mindset 💫
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Walking for Wellness Challenge
Day 53
Down 180 lbs. since May 2022
90 lbs to go till goal weight
48 years old, natural weight loss
Stretched for 10 minutes
Walked 40 minutes - 30 seconds springts every 4 minutes (HIIT)
#walkingchallenge
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My Sunday Reset is basically a full-time job… but it makes Monday feel easy.
4AM wake-up, workout, meal prep, garage clean up, everything shower, family dinner, a full weekly planning reset and early bed routine.
This is how I stay consistent, grounded, ready for a strong week and become 1% better everyday.
Save this Sunday Reset checklist and comment “RESET” if you too do this on Sundays.
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2 Piece Outfit linked in BIO - Amazon Shop
Or DM and I will send you the link.
Are you feeling restless in midlife? Like something inside you is shifting… and you know you want more for your life?
Save this for later. Share it with a friend who is ready to awaken in midlife. Like this if you’re ready for your next chapter.
Follow for more Midlife Awakening, GlowGetter Mindset, Wellness, Money, Beauty & Style Inspiration and Motivation.
Love,
Jax
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A lot of women think emotional eating is about willpower. For me, it was about pain, stress, and survival.
Food was not the real issue. It was the outlet.
When I started looking at the emotions under the habit, I finally began to heal.
Comment “root cause” if you know your eating is about more than food.
#StressEating #MidlifeAwakening #HealingJourney
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My Weekend To Do’s.
Every Friday night or Saturday early morning I plan my to do’s for the weekend.
First I make notes in my notes app on my phone on Friday at work. I brainstorm and thought download all the things I want to accomplish this weekend.
Then by Saturday morning I transfer it to my To Do Notebook. I keep track of everything that weekend and check off what I complete.
It keeps me organized and productive.
So I thought I’d share with you my process so incase you were looking for some inspiration.
Have a great weekend! Get all your things done so you too can be productive and successful in this season.
Love Jax
xoxoxo
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For a long time, my emotional eating happened in private. Late nights. Heavy stress. Heavy shame. Heavy emotions.
This was one of the hardest parts of my story to admit, but it was also the start of my healing.
I was not weak. I was overwhelmed. And once I understood that, everything began to change.
Have you ever used food to cope with stress at night? Tell me “me too” in the comments.
#EmotionalEatingRecovery #MidlifeGlowUp #WomenOver40
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Walking Challenge Day 52
Down 179 lbs since 2022
91 lbs to go till goal weight
Age 48 year old
Stretched for 10 min. first thing this morning
Walk/Sprint 20 min. this early morning at 4:45AM
Raspberry Chia Protein Yopgurt for breakfast
Love the Bend App. for early morning stretching!
#walkingchallenge
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Comment or hit that ♥️ if you would be intereted buying a Wellness & Weight Loss Guide with matching podcast series. Cost $37-$47 one time.
I wrote a guide, 9 chapters. Everything that has worked for me in order to shed 180 lbs naturally in the last 3.5 years and I am 48 years old, in Perimenopause, with PCOS, on Anti-Depressents/Anxiety Medication.
If you would have interest please let me know in this post. I still have another 90 lbs to go. Not sure if I should release the guide now or when I hit my goal weight.
Thank you for reading my reel.
Jax
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Comment “AWAKENING” and I will DM you my FREE Awaking Guide!
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DAY 51
Naturally Down 179 lbs., 91 lbs. to go - since May 2022
Age 48
Stretched for 8 min. (Love the BEND App.)
Walked 35 min.
#walkingchallenge
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This one hit me deep because it is true.
Sometimes the people we love most are sitting right in front of us… and still feeling far away.
Today’s challenge:
Give someone you love 10 full minutes of your undivided attention.
No phone.
No multitasking.
No rushing.
Just presence.
Look them in the eyes and ask, “How are you really?”
Then listen with your whole heart.
That is how connection grows.
That is how love feels safe.
That is how relationships get stronger.
Save this for later.
Share it with someone you love.
Like and follow for more everyday life lessons, midlife inspiration, and motivation for women over 40.
#womenover40 #lifelessons #relationshipsdvice
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👟 Walking Challenge Day 50 (on camera)
Down 179 lbs., 92 lbs. to go.
Mostly natural, 30 lbs, was when I was on Zepbound for 3 months back in 2024.
On a dedicated weight loss and wellness journey since May 2022.
I am 48 years old.
I walk, stretch, body weight exercies, kettle ball exercises & diastasis recti exercises. Was part of a gym for 1.5 years. Now doing at-home workouts.
Meal prep every Sunday. Have certain high protein, high fiber meal on rotation. Drink a ton of water. Cut out sugar & white flour.
Meat, Veggies, Fruit, Dairy, Fish, Whole Grain - Whole foods. Very little processed foods.
Today…
Stretched for 15 min. (Love the BEND App.)
Walked 45 min.
#walkingchallenge
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#glowupover40
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“Awakening is the shift from role-based living to soul-based living.”
Share & Save
Like and Follow for more Midlife Awakening, Inspritation & Motivation to living 1% better everyday.
Love,
Jax
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Early 4:30AM stretch
8-10 minutes of stretching and bending.
Really wakes me up and gets my blood flowing.
I learned these on the bend app or you can try youtube.
Then I do kettle ball exercises, body weight exercises, diastasis recti exercises adn walking on my walking pad
About a 75 minutes and then breakfast and shower.
Get moving ladies, your future self will thank you.
Love,
Jax
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Day 49
179 lbs down since May 2022
91 lbs to go
48 years old, natural weight loss
Stretched for 10 min.
Body Weight Exercises 30 min.
Walked 30 min.
#walkingchallenge
#womenover40
#glowupover40
Daily Movement
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