💸 Debt Freedom: The Peace You Didn’t Know You Were Missing

Aug 3
4 min read

How becoming debt-free changed everything — and why you won’t want to go back!

There’s a certain kind of freedom no one really talks about until you’ve lived it.

It’s not the “quit your job and travel the world” kind of freedom (though, go you if that’s your thing). It’s not flashy. It’s not even particularly Instagrammable.

It’s the kind of freedom where you're walking your dog, minding your business, and a wave of calm hits you — you’re not in debt anymore. There’s no card balance hovering over your head. No late night panic about a bill you forgot. No guilt for buying that iced coffee or treating your bestie on her birthday. Just peace.

And that’s exactly what happened to me one day while out walking Cookie.

🧠 The Mental Load of Debt — It’s Heavier Than You Think

Debt doesn’t just cost you money. It costs you headspace. Time. Confidence. Your sleep. Your sanity. Whether it’s credit cards, Buy Now Pay Later, car loans, overdrafts, or lingering student debt — there’s often a cloud of shame, worry, and guilt that follows you around.

That £60 impulse buy? You’re thinking about the interest. That last-minute meal out? You’re spiraling the next day. You avoid checking your bank app. You promise yourself next month will be better.

It’s exhausting. And more importantly — it’s not how you’re meant to live.

✨ The Moment It Changed for Me

When I paid off my last debt, I didn’t throw a party. There were no balloons or “I’m debt free!” banners. But what I did have was this quiet, deeply emotional moment on a walk with Cookie. I realised I wasn’t carrying the weight of money stress anymore.

I could take care of myself. I could breathe. I wasn’t scared of my bank account. I wasn’t running from a spiral of shame every time I wanted to enjoy my life.

That freedom? It’s addictive. And once you’ve had a taste of it — trust me — you’ll never want to go back.

Person walking a black and white dog on a leash through a sunlit forest path. The scene conveys a peaceful, autumnal mood.

💡 What Is Debt Freedom, Really?

Debt freedom doesn’t just mean having zero balances. It means:

Owning your money instead of your money owning you
Making choices based on what you want — not what you owe
Being able to save, give, spend, and live — without guilt or fear

It’s the foundation for everything else you want to build in your life: Confidence. Security. Generosity. Travel. Starting a business. Owning a home. Rest.

🛠️ How I Got There (And How You Can Too)

Getting out of debt didn’t happen overnight. It took real change. But I promise — it’s not about being perfect. It’s about getting intentional.

Here’s the 3-step process that worked for me (and can work for you too):

1️⃣ Set a Budget That Works for You

I know, I know — “budget” feels like a boring word. But when it’s done right, a budget isn’t about restriction. It’s about clarity and choice.

👉 I started using zero-based budgeting so every £ had a job.👉 I tracked my spending without shame — just awareness.👉 I made space for fun money and guilt-free treats.

Budgeting gave me control back. And honestly? It’s empowering.

Helpful blog links you might like:

2️⃣ Reset Your Mindset Around Money

You can’t out-budget a scarcity mindset. If deep down you believe you’re “bad with money” or that you’ll always be broke, you’ll sabotage your own progress.

I had to unlearn so much — like the idea that money is evil, or that debt was normal, or that treating myself made me irresponsible.

Instead, I started seeing money as a tool. Not something to fear. Just something to learn how to use.

Here’s what helped:

Journaling about my money story
Reading books by women who’ve healed their finances
Following creators who made money feel safe, not scary
Reminding myself daily: I am not my past mistakes

3️⃣ Get Determined (and Stick With It)

You don’t need more willpower. You need a plan.

Once I had my numbers down and worked on my mindset, I got strategic:

I used the debt snowball method to build momentum
I stopped adding to my debt completely
I created a visual tracker and celebrated every milestone

I even used fun savings challenges to build up mini-emergency funds and sinking funds. It made the journey less about deprivation and more about progress.

🌱 What Happens After You're Debt-Free?

Here’s the thing: Being debt-free doesn’t mean you never spend again. It means you spend with intention.

These days:

I treat myself without guilt
I give to others generously
I sleep better
I walk through life a little lighter
I plan for the future without fear

And best of all? I have peace.

No revolving balances. No fear of the postman or checking my inbox. No hiding.

Just space to build a life I actually love.

💬 Real Talk: You Deserve This Too

You don’t have to stay stuck. You don’t have to be the girl who’s always struggling. You don’t have to live with that constant pit in your stomach when payday comes (and goes).

You deserve to feel proud of how you manage your money. You deserve to go on a walk and feel that same peace I felt. And if no one’s told you yet — you absolutely can get there.