Let’s talk about debt honestly. Debt doesn’t always come from bad habits. Sometimes it comes from trying to build a better life.
That was my situation. I bought a house, invested in land, paid for my kids’ college tuition — all meaningful decisions. But even with the best intentions, the numbers added up quickly. Renovation costs ballooned. Currency rates shifted. Unexpected expenses piled on. And I found myself facing a mountain of debt I never saw coming.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even ashamed about your debt, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not stuck.
Here’s how I turned things around.
How It Happened: The Real Story Behind the Numbers
We closed on our new home, and I thought I’d planned well, budgeted for renovations, saved responsibly, and prepared for the transition from renting to owning.
But unexpected costs hit fast. Contractors added new suggestions, and what started as manageable upgrades turned into a financial stretch. Tuition for my two kids hit at the same time, and I’d committed to a land purchase that suddenly became more expensive when the Canadian dollar dropped.
It all snowballed. What felt like a solid plan crumbled under unexpected weight, and soon I was in debt so deep that I felt it every day.
How It Happened: The Real Story Behind the Numbers
We closed on our new home, and I thought I’d planned well, budgeted for renovations, saved responsibly, and prepared for the transition from renting to owning.
But unexpected costs hit fast. Contractors added new suggestions, and what started as manageable upgrades turned into a financial stretch. Tuition for my two kids hit at the same time, and I’d committed to a land purchase that suddenly became more expensive when the Canadian dollar dropped.
It all snowballed. What felt like a solid plan crumbled under unanticipated weight, and soon I was in debt — deep enough to feel it every day.
What I Learned: Mistakes, Mindset, and Course Corrections
Looking back, I saw the gaps:
- I hadn’t set tight enough contracts with contractors.
- I didn’t leave enough room in the budget for the unexpected.
- I hadn’t prepared for currency fluctuations in international deals.
But I also realized something bigger: my intentions were good. I was investing in home, family, and future. That perspective helped me shake off guilt and focus on solutions.
Books That Helped Reframe My Thinking
Two books made a real difference:
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
- The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Kiyosaki taught me that wealth isn’t about income; it’s about how you think the rich focus on building assets that create income. Everyone else often ends up with liabilities that drain their finances.
Ramsey, meanwhile, gave me a roadmap. His debt snowball strategy, budgeting focus, and mindset on financial freedom helped me structure my recovery.
The Practical Plan That Got Me Back on Track
Here’s exactly what I did to regain control of my finances step by step.
Debt Recovery Checklist
- List Everything You Owe
- Total amounts
- Interest rates
- Due dates
- Track Your Monthly Income and Expenses
- Know what’s coming in and where it’s going out
- Spot areas to cut or adjust
- Cut Back on Non-Essentials
- Pause subscriptions, reduce eating out
- Free up cash to apply to debt
- Create a “Debt Accelerator”
- Set a fixed amount to pay extra each month
- Start with the highest-interest debt
- Keep Saving — Even Just a Little
- Aim for 1–5% of income
- Build the habit, even while in debt
- Don’t Stop Planning for the Future
- Keep contributing to retirement if possible
- Remember: debt is temporary; your future still matters
Final Thoughts: Debt Doesn’t Define You
Debt can feel overwhelming. It can shake your confidence. However, it doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of. What matters is how you respond and whether you take the steps to change the story.
I’ve been there. I’ve felt the weight of it. But I also climbed out, and so can you.
You don’t need to be perfect you need to start.
Ready to Reclaim Control?
Use the checklist above to get started today. Need help tracking your plan? Let me know, and I can create a personal budgeting template or a printable version of this checklist to guide you.
Your future is still yours to shape, and it starts with one decision.