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
As of August 7, 2017
The Debt Diaries (1): Introduction
August 7, 2017
Tracked Debt: $10,945.33
The debts, the plan, the sinking funds, and the original starting balance.
The Debt Diaries (2): August 2017
September 7, 2017
Tracked Debt: $10,682.63
The first monthly update and the first signs of progress.
The Debt Diaries (3): September 2017
October 5, 2017
Tracked Debt: $10,648.76
Unexpected expenses, small victories, and staying the course.
The Debt Diaries (4): Reconfiguring!
November 8, 2017
Series Update · No Balance Reported
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
As of April 4, 2018
The Debt Diaries (5): The Reboot
April 4, 2018
Starting Debt: $153,156.47
A fresh start with a much larger financial snapshot.
The Debt Diaries (6): April 2018
May 8, 2018
Total Debt: $152,478.31
Slow progress, better habits, and a few frustrations.
The Debt Diaries (7): May 2018
June 7, 2018
Total Debt: $151,599.80
Tracking, adjusting, and pushing toward bigger goals.
The Debt Diaries (8): June 2018
July 9, 2018
Total Debt: $150,780.79
A focused month with extra money thrown at debt.
The Debt Diaries (9): July 2018
August 4, 2018
Total Debt: $150,006.51
Wins, setbacks, and lessons learned.
Chapter Three: The 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
$29,427.16
As of July 1, 2026
The Debt Diaries (10): A New Chapter
July 23, 2026
Starting Debt: $29,427.16
Nine years later, the series returns with two loans remaining and a new definition of financial freedom.
The Debt Diaries (11): July 2026
August 2026
Total Debt: $29,192.82
The first monthly update of the relaunch, with retirement-loan progress, a savings setback, and a higher credit score.
An ongoing series about debt payoff, financial goals, money habits, and the numbers behind the journey.