Remarkably, over the course of this year, I’ve completely changed my budget — both in spending and income. The aim is simple: I want to destroy my student loan debt as rapidly as possible while in graduate school. Over the last few months, I’ve deposited more than ever into the federal government’s coffers by paying everything off early.
In August, one of my student loans — the unsubsidized at 6.8% — was actively gaining interest and sat around $25,000. My debt had metastasized and was snowballing into a serious concern. I thought I was doomed to this reality until I started Frugaling, found more ways to make money, and prioritized debt reduction. Then, it all clicked, and debt started disappearing.
Today, I’m shocked and proud to announce that I’ve paid off the biggest hurdle. The $25,000 loan in August now sits at $0 — completely paid off. Instead of losing thousands of dollars over the years and struggling to pay it all back, I have shortened everything. Now, it’s gone!
I know this is shorter than normal, but I just wanted to share this little achievement with all of you. Trying to keep personal finance… Well, personal!
Thank you everyone for your support and help thus far. I have a ways to go, but this is the biggest mountain to climb.
That’s awesome that you were able to pay off a 25k loan in such a short amount of time Sam! Congrats! 🙂
Thanks GMD! It’s been hard road, but I’m paying it off as rapidly as I can!!! 🙂
Agreed! This is an incredible accomplishment and an inspiration for those of us with huge mountains of debt.
Love hearing stories of people beating student loans into oblivion. I have a $35,000 gorilla at 6.5% I’m getting to now. My goal is to get rid of it in 18 months. Great job Sam you’re my hero.
Aww… You’re awesome man. Thanks for the kind words. Good luck on that debt of yours!
Congrats on accomplishing this goal. It’s very impressive that you did it in less than a year.
Thanks so much for the encouragement! 🙂
Wow! Congratulations. That is defintely worth boasting about!!!
Haha! Thanks so much, Victoria.
That’s awesome Sam! $25k in a matter of months! These are the types of posts that give other hope. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Krista! Means a lot that you’re following along.
That is an amazing achievement. You are my hero too! Can you loan me a few dollars? 🙂
Thanks Adrienne! Glad to have you support. 😉
Congratulations! What a fabulous accomplishment! Hope you celebrate this milestone 🙂
Dee,
The celebration was all internal. Hah. Trying to keep it frugal, as I work to keep school student-loan-free. Thanks for the kind words.
This is great news Sam! Way to kick that debt’s ass. All it takes is hard work and determination. You just proved that point.
Grayson!
Thanks for your support and tweet. Great to have it. 🙂
It’s been a tough road, but I’m continuing to work hard to reduce my debt. Definitely getting there!
Hot damn! You are doing a great job! Keep up the good work.
Thanks Melanie! Haha. It’s awesome getting this far.
Congrats! 25k since August, that’s amazing!
Thanks Zee! Hope the blogging is going well.
Super sweet! Nice job tackling that debt. I know it feels really good.
You are absolutely right! Feel like I’m well on my way having the biggest hurdle behind me.
You are an inspiration! I like the graph you made to show how you intensely focused on reducing that debt to nothing. Congratulations.
Eliza! Thank you so much for commenting. You are too! I read your Denver Post article! 🙂
Wow, that is AWESOME! My total student loan debt is about $20,000 and I want to pay it off in the next 2 years of less. Any additional advice? Did you just throw all extra monies at this debt?
Congratulations!
Jacque,
Thanks for the comment. Hopefully I can help! Here’s the deal: everyone’s situation is different and one size of advice does not fit all. Generally speaking, you need to strategize how to reduce costs (extremely), pay as much as you can, and skim the bottom of your checking account. That’s my best advice, as the sooner you pay it off, the sooner the interest clock stops ticking. Check out my article on 5 Essentials for Paying Student Loans.
Sam
Congratulations!! Now life can begin 😀
Haha! I’m pretty sure I was already living!! 🙂
Congratulations! That is such an accomplishment!