Episode #3 -Paying off Debt and Pursing New Dreams
If you could do anything for a living what would it be?
Have you ever stopped to think what it would be like to quit your regular job and pursue a dream career? Does your current financial situation hinder you from trying to reach that goal? Do your finances stress you out, or give you anxiety?
If you have answered yes or pondered these things then you should give a listen to my most recent podcast episode. I interviewed my neighbor and friend Charis Barg who paid off her student loans and debt before she was 25. This led her to start a blog called Choosefrugal.com where she shared the wisdom she had learned. She became a financial coach which allowed her to quit her steady job as a nurse, and pursue her dream of freelance writing!
What is the hardest thing when getting control of your finances?
Charis gave us some interesting insights. Most of her clients had anxiety when looking at their bank statements. Has this happened to you? Starting is often the hardest hurdle to make. You know what you need to do and you have an idea of what you want it to be but it’s difficult to pull the trigger.
Many people make the mistake of starting out with a killer budget and spreadsheet. The problem is they are already overwhelmed, taking on something so overwhelming can be a recipe for disaster.
Charis encourages to start small. First just track what you are spending, then make small changes that will drive you to your goal!
What are the benefits of being debt free?
Charis and her hubby Matt paid debt and pursued dreams. They were able to pay off their student loans and all debts before they were 25. This allowed her the breathing room to not feel tied to a job she was still paying for becoming qualified in.
They have now traveled extensively as well, without the burden of those extra payments on top of living expenses.
The peace of mind you gain from not owning anyone anything is not just a great idea it’s Biblical:
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.
Romans 13:8 NKJV
From financial coach to freelance writer
Financial coaching was a stepping stone on her journey to writing. Stepping out in this way was also a good practice of faith.
Charis told me she has always loved writing! She used to write fiction novels as a kid because she thought it was fun. When in school she was always relieved when the assignment was a writing one. She would have likely not pursued this as a career if she hadn’t paid off her debt and wanted to share about it. What thing could God be preparing you for in your next season of life?
Have you ever considered a career change?
To sum it up
Walking with God is an adventure! He created us with individual talents and dreams, He wants to walk along side us as we recognize and weld them. One of my favorite things Charis said is “it’s ok if you don’t know everything, or how it’s gonna turn out”.
When God tugs at your heart and provides an opportunity to do something, keep in mind it may be out of the ordinary. Is your dream big, but this thing God is presenting you with seems small? Remember we serve a mighty God who commands the wind and the waves, don’t discount the small things. They may just lead to the thing you have been dreaming of!
