1. How I Paid Off My Debt
At the start of the year, I had a little over two thousand dollars on my American Express card. It wasn’t something I was drowning in, but it was definitely a balance I wanted gone. I made it my goal to get serious about paying it off without completely giving up the things I enjoy.
I used the same saving schedule I talked about in my last finance post: take out what you need for bills and groceries, and the rest goes directly into savings. It sounds simple, but it’s been such a game changer for me. By paying myself first and being intentional with my spending, I started to see real progress each month.
Fast forward to today, I finally paid off my card in full. Seeing that zero balance was the best feeling. What made it even better was knowing I still had enough left to pay rent and keep my savings plan on track.
It’s such a reminder that being consistent with your habits, even when it feels small, adds up. You don’t have to make huge sacrifices to make financial progress. You just have to stay consistent and be honest about where your money is going.
2. Making Smart Money Moves That Still Fit My Lifestyle
When I first got my Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card, I wasn’t planning to run up a balance on it. I signed up because it came with a deal where I earned 50,000 bonus points just for meeting the spending requirement. For someone who loves to travel, that felt like a smart move. I could earn rewards for the things I already buy and eventually turn those points into experiences.
That strategy just paid off (literally). I used those points to book a three-night stay in Washington, D.C. for under 50,000 points. The only things I’ll have to pay for are NHL tickets (knocking another arena off the list!) and whatever food or activities we want to do while we’re there.
The best part about this trip is that D.C. is such a budget-friendly city to explore. You can spend hours walking around the memorials, and most of the museums are free. It’s the kind of trip that proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing time.
Traveling while paying off debt isn’t about being careless, it’s about being intentional. I planned ahead, used my points wisely, and built this trip into my budget so it didn’t derail my progress. That balance is what keeps me motivated.
3. Tips for Planning Trips While Paying Off Debt
If you’re trying to pay off debt but still want to enjoy life, here are a few things that have worked for me:
1. Take advantage of reward programs.
If you use credit cards responsibly, choose one that actually benefits your lifestyle. I love using travel rewards because they turn everyday purchases into free flights or hotel stays. Just make sure you’re paying off the balance so those points don’t come with interest attached.
2. Plan experiences that don’t require overspending.
Trips don’t have to be luxurious to be memorable. Some of our best experiences have been low-cost adventures, such as exploring cities, walking tours, free museums, or local food spots. It’s about the experience, not the price tag.
3. Don’t feel guilty for enjoying your money.
Paying off debt is important, but so is living your life. The key is doing both in a way that feels sustainable. If you plan ahead and save intentionally, you can travel and make memories without feeling like you’re taking a step back financially.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on our own experience and should not be taken as financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different—find what works best for you and your family.
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