Why We Stopped Telling Friends We Are Debt Free

We are done telling friends and family we are debt free... and this is why.

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👨 Who am I?
I am Jereme - my wife and I paid off 50k in debt, quit our 9-5 jobs, sold most of our stuff, drove across country from Oregon to Michigan, and bought a small A-Frame Cabin in cash to live simply.

This decision gave us more control over our time to actually focus on the things that matter to us - serving Christ, each other, and our community better.

I created this channel to empower you to become more intentional with your time, talent, and money in order to live the life that you want to, not what society expects of you.

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[jettqk]

I can imagine that people would have an existential crisis in seeing people they know finding success in having/owning less when society tells us that we should always want more and that we need to work more to get it. It probably terrifies them to know that their own chase is making them miserable — and that they're also too scared to change it.

[debblouin]

Never feel like you have to apologize for reaching your goals.

[nickbehrooz]

One thing I’ve learned in my young 34 years is keep quiet about goals and keep a low profile with what’s going on. Family and friends, especially family, can be some of the biggest haters.

[misspriss]

I have never understood the envy that people display when they find out someone is financially doing well. Hell, pick their brain and find out what they know so you can use it. I have a co-worker who is financially better off than me. I started asking his advice a few years back and I've learned so much. My own financial situation has vastly improved due to the knowledge that he has shared with me.

[ginah.]

Unless my friends asked financial advice, I would never tell them I’m debt free. Just seems like that’s a private matter and could come across as boasting. 😊

[barbarabertini]

In the past being in debt was seen like a shame, nowadays, if you are debt free, you are met with hostility.

[jamiesmiles]

People WANT to be debt free, but don't want to do what it takes to actually BE debt free. I think when they see that you are debt free and they aren't, they are actually jealous, but also mad at themselves because they aren't willing to do what it takes. They feel like you are pointing that out to them - when in fact all you want is for them to be as happy as you are. It's a THEM problem, not a YOU problem. Keep on keeping on!!!! Congrats!

[solaydbak]

The hardest reality I had to come to terms with is that most people aren't happy for you. It's crazy how some people think when you better yourself it's a personal attack upon them. I lm on my way to debt free everything. Only think left is the house. I don't need a new car. I bought smart and have a great used vehicle. I'd love to have the newest and greatest but I'd rather not stress over money. Congrats to you guys.

[Rocioslane]

I’ve had my closest friend and my mother tell me things I’ve actually done cannot be done. You have to do this for yourself and not let the outsiders drag you down. People don’t always mean to do it maliciously, which is why you have to stay the course no matter what they say! 🙏🏼♥️

[Shiryone]

Someone we know (in their early 40's) were always harassed by friends because he and his wife never upgraded from their starter home. A few years ago, while out to lunch with the buds, he announced that he was quitting his job and retiring early, because he could. They were stunned, and no longer made fun. So kudos to you for not falling for the trappings.

[tayross]

If people aren’t supportive and happy about you winning than they are not your real friends. Keep crushing it!

[jacobsoby]

You hit the nail on the head. People seem weirded out when you tell them you're pretty much retired, like it's not ok. I now only work fun jobs, for my enjoyment. I spend the extra time with family.

[Susanhartman.]

I would be retiring or working less in 5 years, and I'm curious to know best how people split their pay, how much of it goes into savings, spendings or investments, I earn around $90K per year but nothing to show for it yet.

[mseg]

My husband and I are also retired at 40 because we decided to live with less. We bought a rundown mobile home with land on the beach area in Fl for 20k. Everybody thought we were crazy for remodeling it. Now we're mortgage free and living the beach life. Ignore the haters and do what's best for your family. God bless 🙏

[katrinagauld]

I have friends that looked down on me because I worked less hours and made more money than they did. They just thought I was lazy for not working 40-50 hrs a week. I worked 28 and made plenty to cover my needs and wants. I say well done

[EmilyNora]

The problem we have is because Most people always taught that " you only need a good job to become rich " . These billionaires are operating on a whole other playbook that many don't even know exists.

[renatal]

I feel you, I have a lot of friends and family that are pissed off that I’m going to retire at age 52, after working there for 27 years. Only debt I will have is my house, I have paid off all of my other debt including $156k in student loans

[Jeff-rnkd]

I stopped telling people. Only because I get very enthusiastic about it. And if they don't share the same energy it will come off as smuge. When really I just wanted them to be free as well. You can walk them to water. Can't make them drink.

[lgee]

I bought my home in cash in 2/09 in the crash. Because of health issues I only work 30 hours a week!!! Im so thankful and grateful to God I dont have a house payment or a car payment 🙌🏽🙌🏽 Im working on becoming debt free. It helps me to be less stressed

[jessicah]

I always felt weird admitting to friends I have ZERO student loans bc usually they bring it up as something for us to relate to. So when they find out I don't have that debt, I can sense or see the looks on their faces, the feelings it brings up. I have explained how I managed to do school and avoid debt. The main thing is community college first, work/save up, shop tuitions at the BA level.... even MA... yes you can get an affordable degree in the USA.... it just is awkward to talk about with people who already went through the process and are tens of thousands deep in loans. Nowadays if someone brings up student debt I learned how to keep convo away from “how much do you owe?” and change topic to something else. No one really wants to talk about that stuff anyways. I am open to discuss methods of avoiding student loans with people who are still debating how to afford their schooling *and* ask me.