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Sep 22, 2025    |       7 comments

10 Years of Debt Repayment – A Look Back

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I just had my ten year anniversary at work and it hit me – I remember blogging when I was first offered my position! That means I have been blogging here for over 10 years, too!

It’s a wild thing to consider. On the one hand I’m like, “Dang, 10 years of debt repayment and I’m still here. Still not finished!” On the other hand, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and all I’ve accomplished in that time.

So today I thought it would be fun to take a trip down “memory lane.” For newer readers, it’s also a little context into where I started and  how far I’ve come!

Quick caveat – at one point the blog ownership changed hands and some of my old posts are no longer available. When available, I’ll link directly to the articles in case you want to read more. My apologies that some of the earliest ones are gone.

2014 – Where It All Began

I “interviewed” for a Blogger position here by writing My Debt Story back in February 2014. By March, I’d been selected as one of the bloggers. (That original post isn’t available anymore, but I talk about starting my Debt-Reduction Mission in this old post, circa 2015)

When I first started blogging, I had nearly $150,000 in debt – the vast majority (just over $100k) in student loans. This blog and its readers were a great accountability network for me! I ended up paying off over $10,000 in credit card debt in just my first 3 months as a blogger!

In total, I paid off just over $25,000 of debt in 2014, just over $26,000 of debt in 2015, and over $30,000 of debt in 2016!!! Another major milestone was becoming Consumer Debt-Free in 2016! We still owed medical debts and student loans, but it was such an amazing feeling to pay off my car in full!

By early 2017, we  (FINALLY) hit the half-way point in our debt-reduction journey.

 

2017 – The Backward Slope Began

Then things stalled. It felt like one step forward, two steps back in terms of debt reduction. I didn’t share it at the time, but my then-husband and I were struggling in our marriage. Money was a big source of conflict.

It’s tough to look back at my 3.5 Years Into Debt Repayment: Reflections & Looking Ahead post. I was filled with so much hope, and yet things were not going well. Our debt started creeping up again.

We separated in 2018 and for a while I couldn’t make progress at all. Between legal costs and being financially responsible for two homes (my rental and our marital home), debt continued to increase.

Eventually, I had to step away. I focused on my kids and cleaning up my life and returned to blogging in 2022.

 

So Much Life Has Happened Since I’ve Been Blogging!

I landed my full-time job in 2015!

I separated (and later divorced) in 2018.

I developed Chronic Kidney stones and subsequently was diagnosed with Kidney Disease in 2019 (one particularly bad case of kidney stones left me hospitalized with sepsis!)

I met my “person” and re-married in 2020.

I suffered some major losses – my Dad was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Degeneration (Bruce Willis’ disease) in 2015, dying just this year (2025), and my brother unexpectedly passed away in 2021. This all caused me to change my view of the debt payoff process.

I continued to set strong financial goals – especially the desire to pay off my new-to-me car (which I’d bought during my time away from blogging), but I became more focused on savings than on paying off my student loans.

I paid off my car, officially becoming consumer debt free (again) in October 2023!

We adopted a second dog in 2024 and we went on a dream vacation as a family to Hawaii in Summer 2025. 

That pretty much brings us up to date! 

You can catch-up on my 2025 Goals, and a mid-year status check as well.

 

Thoughts and Reflections

Things are so vastly different now than 10 years ago when I was a newby blogger! At that point, I was drowning in debt up to my eyeballs! Now, I get to track our monthly net worth (which is no longer negative! lol) and consider things like what to do with a raise, finding a financial advisor, and what to do with an inheritance. 

There have been some tough times, but I’ve been so, so blessed as well.

Thank you to everyone who’s cheered me on, offered advice, or given tough love in the comments over the years. I know I’m still about a year away from being fully debt-free (my original target debt-free date was 2018 – ooof!). But I’ve lived so much life in these past ten years, and I’ve come to understand the importance of balance and of changing courses when necessary.

This may be a little sappy or “woo woo” for some, but I really believe we each have lessons we are supposed to learn in life that are specific to us alone. One of mine has been that it’s okay to let go of some dreams in order to make room for others. My personality is such that I will try repeatedly to jam that square peg into a round hole and WILL NOT GIVE UP! 

With age and maturity, I’ve learned that it’s not a sign of weakness or lack of character to let these things go. Instead, it may be a mark of courage, and wisdom, and growth.

 

What about you? Looking back over the past decade, what’s one financial decision (big or small) that changed your life the most?



Sep 15, 2025    |      0 comments

How to Be a Great Guest at End-of-the-Season Pool Parties Without Breaking the Bank

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As summer winds down, pool parties become the perfect way to celebrate the season’s end. Being a thoughtful guest not only makes the event more enjoyable but also ensures you’ll be welcomed back next year. From bringing the right items to respecting house rules, there are many ways to make a positive impression. By paying attention to etiquette, showing gratitude, and participating in the fun, you’ll contribute to an unforgettable gathering. These thoughtful actions don’t require much money but show genuine appreciation for your host and create lasting memories that carry into the next season.

Be Mindful of Pool Safety

Safety should always come first at pool parties. Hosts often go the extra mile to keep the water safe and clean, and industry trends highlight this focus. According to Precedence Research, the pool water treatment chemicals market is expanding due to increased health and safety awareness and is growing at a remarkable CAGR from 2024 to 2034. Guests can show consideration by following posted rules, supervising children closely, and avoiding behaviors that could put others at risk. A guest who values safety saves the host both stress and money that might otherwise go toward unnecessary repairs or emergencies.

Bring a Thoughtful Gift

Showing up with a small token of appreciation is a classic way to thank your host. Simple gestures like bringing beverages, snacks, or even a pool-themed gift basket can make a big difference. According to Business Research Insights, the global gift baskets market size was valued at approximately $10 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $16.96 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6%. Gifts don’t have to cost much money—what matters most is the thought behind them. A creative or personalized basket can make your contribution stand out while showing respect for your host’s efforts.

Respect the Space and Atmosphere

Pool parties are about creating memories in a relaxed environment. With an estimated 70 million residential swimming pools worldwide, according to worldmetrics.org, poolside gatherings are a common way for people to connect and unwind. Guests should respect the host’s property by cleaning up after themselves, using designated areas for food and drinks, and treating the pool and surrounding space with care. When people are careless, it can cost the host extra money in cleaning or repair bills. Respecting the space ensures everyone has a good time without creating additional burdens, and it shows maturity as a guest.

Participate and Have Fun

Parties are meant to be enjoyed, and hosts appreciate when guests engage in the festivities. Whether that means jumping into the pool, playing games, or simply starting conversations, participation makes the event livelier. Offering to help set up or clean up can also ease the burden on the host. While you don’t need to spend money to be helpful, investing your energy and time shows your appreciation. Striking this balance between fun and responsibility will leave a lasting impression and often means money doesn’t have to be the way you demonstrate gratitude.

Being a great guest at end-of-the-season pool parties comes down to thoughtfulness, safety, and respect. A small gift, courteous behavior, and active participation go a long way in making these gatherings enjoyable for everyone. Even without spending much money, you can show genuine gratitude and create wonderful memories with friends. By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll not only strengthen relationships but also guarantee more invitations in the future. Pool parties mark a joyful close to summer, and your presence can make them even more memorable and meaningful for all.

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