An ongoing series about debt payoff, financial goals, money habits, and the numbers behind the journey.Welcome to The Debt Diaries, my long-running series about debt payoff, financial goals, spending habits, setbacks, wins, and the numbers behind it all.
The series began in 2017 as a way to be more honest and accountable about money. Over time, the format evolved as my financial situation changed, creating several distinct chapters in the journey.
Chapter One: The Original Snapshot (2017)
The Debt Diaries began with a narrower focus on consumer debt, including credit cards and personal loans.
Starting Balance
$10,945.33
Original tracked debt balance
The Debt Diaries (1): Introduction
August 7, 2017
The debts, the plan, the sinking funds, and the original starting balance.
The Debt Diaries (2): August 2017
September 7, 2017
The first monthly update and the first signs of progress.
The Debt Diaries (3): September 2017
October 5, 2017
Unexpected expenses, small victories, and staying the course.
The Debt Diaries (4): Reconfiguring!
November 7, 2017
A pause to rethink what the series should track moving forward.
Chapter Two: The Reboot (2018)
In 2018, the series returned with a broader financial picture that included savings, mortgage debt, student loans, and other long-term obligations.
Starting Balance
$153,156.47
Expanded debt snapshot
The Debt Diaries (5): The Reboot
April 4, 2018
A fresh start with a much larger financial snapshot.
The Debt Diaries (6): April 2018
May 8, 2018
Slow progress, better habits, and a few frustrations.
The Debt Diaries (7): May 2018
June 7, 2018
Tracking, adjusting, and pushing toward bigger goals.
The Debt Diaries (8): June 2018
July 9, 2018
A focused month with extra money thrown at debt.
The Debt Diaries (9): July 2018
August 4, 2018
Wins, setbacks, and lessons learned.
Chapter Three: The 2026 Relaunch (2026)
After an eight-year hiatus, The Debt Diaries returns. The debts are different. The goals are different. Life is different. But the purpose remains the same: honest conversations about money, progress, setbacks, and the numbers behind it all.
Starting Balance
Coming Soon
The 2026 relaunch snapshot
An ongoing series about debt payoff, financial goals, money habits, and the numbers behind the journey.