Paying Off $109,000 of Credit Card Debt
On this episode of Martinis and Your Money, I am talking to Brian Brandow from Debt Discipline about his experience with credit card debt. He thought making the minimum payments on their credit cards was doing good with money. Then he woke up when they couldn't go on summer vacation because all the cards were maxed out. After 4 years, they paid it off - all of it! They celebrated by taking that vacation - but with cash! Now he works with their local Board of Education committees on financial literacy for students. Listen and enjoy!As a side note: the first week in March, I will be recording a special listeners’ only Happy Hour with three lucky listeners! If you’d like to be selected, you must:
Enjoy a good Happy Hour
Be a member of the Martinis and Your Money Facebook group
Between now and February 24, you need to post in the Facebook group something you’ve learned or thought about differently since listening to this show.
I will pick the top three responses and schedule a Happy Hour call to record the podcast!
What are we drinking?
Brian — English Breakfast Tea
Shannon — Coffee
Podcast Notes
Brian and his wife started their debt repayment journey in 2010 after ten years of accumulating debt.
He attempted to raise his credit limits on his maxed out cards to finance his family’s summer vacation.
When he was denied, he realized they needed to change something.
Brian found Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and used it as a resource.
It took them 4 years to pay down their $109,000 debt.
He says the first couple of months were really tough as they were breaking bad habits and adjusting their routines.
After 3-4 months, things started to smooth out and become easier.
Once they didn’t have their debt payments, they began to build an emergency fund and save for their children’s college.
Thankfully they did because after 21 years at his job, he was let go.
Shannon says if you are financially healthy, you are able to handle those types of situations.
Brian and his wife have been very open with their children about their debt repayment journey and money in general.
Two of their children will be attending college this Fall, and they want them to graduate college debt-free.
Brian says his views now on credit cards are positive.
They utilize credit card rewards and payoff their balances in full every month!
Now Brian works with local Board of Education committees about the financial aspects of college education.
TAKEAWAY: Remember the importance of making a plan and sticking to it!
Random Three Questions
What was your best debt-free purchase you made?
What is a show you like to binge-watch?
If you were to win a free vacation anywhere, where would you go and why?