Introduction to My Financial Journey: Paying Off $154,802.52 in Debt
👋 Welcome to The Hidden Payoff
Hi there — I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m a Millennial based in Southern California, and I’m on a mission to pay off $154,802.52 in debt. This blog is my accountability partner, creative outlet, and honest place to process everything that comes with being buried in six figures of debt.
But this journey is about more than numbers — it’s about healing my mindset, overcoming emotional spending, and building a more stable, free future.
💳 How I Got Into Debt
Like many, my debt crept up over time. Years of overspending, trying to keep up with friends, and maintaining a lifestyle I couldn’t truly afford led me here.
I don’t regret the memories. The trips, the nights out, the experiences — they shaped who I am. But now, I’m ready to own the consequences and take full responsibility for cleaning up the mess.
Over the coming months, I’ll share the exact breakdown of my debt:
Credit cards
Personal loans
Student loans
…and more.
📝 What to Expect on This Blog
This isn’t just another “how to budget” blog — it’s a real-time documentation of one woman’s mission to become debt-free, emotionally grounded, and financially strong.
You’ll find:
💰 Monthly Debt Payoff Reports
A full breakdown of how much I paid, what went where, and what changed.🚀 Side Hustle Experiments
What I try, what earns money, and what totally flops.📚 Productivity, Book & Tool Reviews
Things that help (or don’t) along the way — from planners to finance books.💡 Mindset & Money Habits
Shifting the emotional relationship I have with money.
🎯 My Big Goal
I’m aiming to pay off $154K in 5 years. That means getting creative with my income, staying consistent with my spending, and being transparent — even when it’s uncomfortable.
This journey will be full of joy, sweat, tears, and everything in between — and if you’re on a similar path, I hope it inspires you to keep going too.
Let’s unbury ourselves. Let’s rewrite the story.
Welcome to The Hidden Payoff.
