How I Paid Off My Debt Without Earning a High Salary

 For the longest time, I thought only people with big incomes could be debt-free. I used to think, “Once I start earning more, I’ll fix everything.” But the truth is, I was earning just enough to get by — and yet, I still managed to pay off all my debts.

It started with a single moment of honesty. I sat down with all my bills and wrote down every amount I owed. It was overwhelming to see the total, but at least now I knew what I was dealing with.

The first thing I did was start tracking my spending. I had no idea how much money I was wasting on random things — snacks, online shopping, subscriptions I didn’t even use. I deleted most of those apps and started noting every expense on my phone.

Next, I created a budget — not a fancy one, just the basics. I called it my “survival mode” budget. I listed only the essentials: rent, food, travel. Everything else was either cut or reduced. I cooked more at home, took fewer rideshares, and found ways to entertain myself without spending.

With that tiny surplus I created, I started the snowball method. I paid off my smallest debt first — just a few thousand — but it felt like a big win. That win gave me motivation to tackle the next one. Slowly, I built momentum.

I also got creative. I sold an old phone and a couple of unused items online. That gave me a few thousand more to clear one of my credit card bills. Any unexpected cash — cashback, bonus, or a gift — went straight into my debt payments.

Most importantly, I changed my mindset. Instead of thinking about what I was missing out on, I focused on what I was gaining — peace of mind. I visualized the feeling of being debt-free, and that kept me going.

In less than a year, I paid off 90% of my debt. Not because I earned more, but because I made smarter choices. Being debt-free gave me freedom, clarity, and the confidence to take control of my finances.

If I could do it without a high salary, anyone can — all it takes is a decision to start.

July 20, 2025

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