by Chapter 1: The Beginning of Debt
It was a cold winter. Bills piled up like mountains, and my phone was constantly ringing with debt collection calls. I sat in that small apartment, holding the bills in my hands, staring at the numbers—strings of negative figures, like invisible ropes, tying me down. My monthly income barely covered living expenses, leaving no extra money to pay off the debts. Every time I tried to plan a budget, it felt like I was blindly groping in the dark.
Everything in life seemed suffocating and heavy, with pressure mounting every day. I was always thinking about how to survive the next month, but never once did I consider how to break free from this cycle and change my financial situation.
I remember one time when I went out to eat with friends. As I sat at the table, holding the menu, I couldn’t focus on the food in front of me. My mind was fixated on those numbers on the bills—could I afford this meal? Even when hanging out with friends, I always felt this unshakable anxiety in the back of my mind.
Chapter 2: Attempting to Escape and Temporary Relief
Under the pressure of debt, I tried to find short-term “escapes” to relieve my inner anxiety. For a while, I bought various online courses, thinking that these investments would pay off in the future. However, most of these courses were filled with generic advice and failed to solve my immediate problems. I once fantasized that these courses would help me change my destiny quickly, but the result only drove me deeper into debt.
I recall attending an online seminar about “quick wealth.” The speakers were persuasive, promising that if I invested in certain financial products or joined a so-called “money-making plan,” I could easily turn my life around. At that moment, my anxiety clouded my judgment, and I impulsively decided to invest a portion of my money. The result, of course, was disastrous—my investment vanished, and not only did it not improve my situation, but it also pushed me further into debt.
During this period, I often felt lost and helpless, believing I would never escape this predicament. Fear and helplessness consumed my thoughts.
Chapter 3: Awakening and Determination
One night, as I lay in bed, I suddenly became acutely aware: If I continued like this, it wouldn’t just be a financial issue; my entire life and mindset would be dragged down by this debt. I began reflecting on where I had gone wrong. Why was I unable to break free from this cycle of debt? At that moment, I decided to stop running away from reality and face it head-on to find a real solution.
A simple yet profound thought crossed my mind: If I wanted to change my financial situation, I first needed to tackle the root of my debt problems rather than escaping them through fleeting investments or dreams. This wasn’t an impulsive decision—it was one I made after careful reflection.
So, I took the first step and proactively contacted my creditors, trying to negotiate for extended payment terms or reduced interest rates to alleviate the burden. Although the process was grueling, I knew that this was my first step towards financial freedom.
Chapter 4: Creating a Budget and Strictly Following It
Once I made the decision to confront my debts, I understood that only through strict budget management could I slowly crawl out of this hole. I started diligently recording every expense, cutting down on unnecessary spending, and no longer allowing myself to make excuses for impulse purchases.
For the first few months, I meticulously tracked my spending every day to ensure that I wasn’t overspending and that I was eliminating unnecessary costs. I realized how wasteful my spending habits had been. A large portion of my monthly expenses wasn’t for essentials, but for things like frequent dining out or buying things I didn’t really need. By tracking and analyzing my expenses, I discovered I could reduce my spending by at least 30%.
I then directed all the money saved through these cuts toward paying down my debt. Every time I saw the debt numbers decrease, I felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment. Although the changes weren’t immediate, every little bit of progress brought me closer to financial freedom.
Chapter 5: Finding Additional Sources of Income
Relying solely on my salary, I knew that it wouldn’t be enough to eliminate my debt quickly. I realized that without finding additional income streams, it would take me much longer to escape this financial hole. So, I began exploring ways to earn more.
Initially, I took on part-time work. As someone with a writing background, I began offering freelance writing services. While the income wasn’t significant, the extra money helped me deal with my debts more comfortably.
Over time, I expanded my sources of income. Besides writing, I also ventured into online sales and offered short-term consulting services. These income streams helped ease my financial pressure further. By diversifying my income sources, I no longer had to rely solely on my regular job. My financial situation began to stabilize.
Chapter 6: The Turning Point of Financial Management and Investment
As my debts started to be under control, I began thinking about how to invest my remaining funds to further accumulate wealth. Initially, I was cautious because my past failures had taught me that blindly investing could lead to even more losses.
Therefore, I started systematically learning about finance and investment. I read books, attended seminars, and sought advice from experts to gain a deeper understanding of various investment methods. Gradually, I chose relatively safe, low-risk investments, such as index funds and bonds. These investments not only provided stable returns but also helped me mitigate risks.
As my investments began to generate returns, I experienced an unparalleled sense of accomplishment. I finally understood that financial freedom wasn’t an overnight achievement but a process of accumulation and perseverance.
Chapter 7: The Dawn of Financial Freedom
After several years of hard work, I recently reached the first milestone of financial freedom. When I checked my bank account, I realized that not only was I debt-free, but I had also started to accumulate some wealth. I could now choose my lifestyle independently, no longer constrained by financial worries. My monthly income had far surpassed my expenses, and I no longer had to worry about paying bills.
Looking back on every step of the journey, I realized that although the process was challenging, each effort and every bit of perseverance had become invaluable. More importantly, I had learned how to manage my finances, how to plan for the future, and that financial freedom isn’t achieved overnight—it’s a goal reached through consistent effort and learning.
I began engaging more in activities I enjoyed and also started using part of my wealth to help others. I no longer worked just to survive but could now live according to my interests and values.
The transformation I’ve experienced over these years feels like stepping into a whole new world. The road from being buried in debt to achieving financial freedom was not smooth, but every small step I took toward progress strengthened my belief that with enough effort and perseverance, life will eventually reward you in ways you never expected.
