Category: Debt Free Me

Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: April Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk


Ending April, I’m thankful to say I’ve made a significant step toward paying off another credit card. By the middle of May, the card I’m targeting should be paid off. I’m very thankful. With each card, or loan I’m paying off I’m taking the loan payment I was paying and rolling it into the amount I’m paying toward debt. It is a snowball effect. There are at least three different ways to pay down debt. The core principles of debt reduction are targeting a balance, targeting an interest rate, and using extra income to target a balance. My wife has taught me a very important extra principle in my journey to be debt free. The extra principle is to set aside a portion to save. I’ve focused on paying down debt and building assets, but it’s important to set aside a reserve. To be honest, getting out of debt is exhausting, and so is saving. But if through your spending whether responsible or irresponsible, you’ve ended up in this position, then I think it’s your responsibility to fight to get to your original place. A place of debt free. It’s exhausting if you’re alone, but I want you to know that you’re not alone. A key component of your journey to being debt free is believing and knowing that you are not alone.

Even if you don’t have a significant other, you have an inner voice that says you can do it, keep going, and press on. Listen to the voice that gives you hope and strength. And if the voice doesn’t say those things, then know I believe you can be debt free. Plan your work and work your plan. You may have to work harder than most, but the seed you plant if it is a good seed will reap a good plant.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income while reducing debt, or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

This month’s video is WHEN LIFE HITS YOU AND YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP | MOTIVATIONAL VIDEO from the Lion of Judah YouTube channel.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬
‭28:12‬
‭NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me


Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: March Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk

At month end, I’m so thankful for what God has done. Honestly, it’s nothing that I could do on my own, and I haven’t been able to do what’s happening now in all my years of fighting debt. Including what you see in the snapshot, a term loan, and a credit card balance have been paid to zero. I had to sell an asset to pay off the term loan, but the peace of mind is worth it. Also, we received back our Alabama tax refund, and I’ve been able to increase my savings at an amazing rate. All these miraculous changes are because of my willingness to be open and honest with the one I love the most. It’s freed up something that I was meant to have for a long time. This situation applies to my life, and your situation is different than mine. But I encourage you to not do life alone, and if you need help seek help. Nonetheless have a vision, and a plan to be debt free. Build a space in your life for what it will look like. You weren’t born into this life with credit card and or student loan debt. Somewhere at some point, you may have made a choice to enter debt. But the truth is you can, and you are meant to be FREE. Ask yourself, if the Borrower is slave to the Lender then how can I be both at the same time? Build a budget to know how much you have at the end of the month, and when do your debts have to be paid. Ask yourself can I find a way to make an extra $100 to $200 a month?

Your journey to a debt free me truly begins when you can be honest with your self both financially and internally.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income while reducing debt, or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬ 28:12‬ NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me

Here’s this month’s video: Motivation To Get Up Early- BE UNCOMMON – Motivational Video from the Mulligan Brothers YouTube channel.


Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: February Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk


I had a little more progress this month. I was able to reduce the debt on one of my cards, and I plan to pay off another card next month. What’s changed the most isn’t the way I pay down my debt, but my relationship with my wife and myself. I feel like I’m becoming more like the person I was meant to be. A more honest and authentic version. I still make mistakes, and I can’t change the mistakes I’ve made, but I take responsibility for them, and because of my wife and who she is, I’m blessed to face this life together. Even if you’re single, you’re not alone. Find someone you can be your true self with. Be both strong and broken, but be the most honest version of who you are. If the person truly understands you, the person will accept you. It’s where true healing can begin.

Your journey to a debt free me truly begins when you can be honest with your self both financially and internally.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income while reducing debt, or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬ 28:12‬ NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me

Here’s this month’s video: WHAT IS YOUR WHY? | Motivational Video from the Mulligan Brothers YouTube channel.

Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: January Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk


My pastor called this year, a year of reconciliation and restoration. I completely agree. I’m trusting God to really take over my finances and bring clarity to my debt reduction. I’ve also openly discussed my finances with my wife. I realize that last year was a year of me, and I’m committed to a lifetime of WE. I haven’t disclosed my entire debt that I’m currently paying down. The actual number may shock you, but I’m still believing in a dramatic reduction. I’ve seen it happen, because two of my credit cards have been paid to zero. Did I do anything different? Yes. I simply opened up and said the truth. Because I did, we came out with a clear direction and plan together. I focused what money I did have, sold things I didn’t need, liquidated assets, and cut back expenses.

I do still have income producing assets, but my focus now is on my marriage. What’s the point of being debt free, if you have no one to enjoy your life with? Don’t let your goals destroy the life you build.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income, while reducing debt or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬ 28:12‬ NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me

Here’s this month’s video: THROUGH ADVERSITY – 2018 Motivational Video from the Basquiat Picasso YouTube channel.

Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: December Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk

This year didn’t end the way I expected, but honestly, I’m not surprised with the results because of the choices I made. I sacrificed my eternal riches, because of my own selfish delusions and decisions. What is the point of being debt free if you have no one to share the victory with? Looking in the mirror, I know I need to make serious and genuine changes not just in my finances, but in my life. A friend of mine has said, “What’s in the darkness, always comes to light.” I need to change my heart, change my direction, and change my life. I’m going to need serious help to live my life as a whole person. I never realized how much my life was fractured until the end of this year.

Looking at 12/31/16, I had $23,785.14 in total debt both in installment loans and credit cards. I’ve progressed to $15,879.20 in total debt, and reduced my debt by $7,905.94 or 33.2%. Honestly, I had hoped to have it paid off by the end of 2018, but after much reflection, I realize that it was an unrealistic goal. I could possibly do it, but it would mean putting my family, body and mind through such an intense stress that I decided to re-evaluate this decision. You shouldn’t allow your debt free strategy destroy your family and yourself. Finally, I believe if you’re married your spouse needs to know everything completely. Not just finances, but your dreams, nightmares and who you truly are.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income, while reducing debt or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬  28:12‬ NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me

Here’s this month’s video: 10 Minutes To Start Your Day Positively |START YOUR DAY RIGHT | MORNING MOTIVATION | 2018 MOTIVATION from the Be Inspired – Daily Motivation YouTube channel.

Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: November Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk

I was thankful this month to be able to travel up to Delaware to meet my wife’s grandfather. Unfortunately, he couldn’t attend our wedding, but I enjoyed getting to meet him and see how everyone interacted with each other. I did end up using the Barclay’s Mastercard, and with Christmas approaching, I feel like I’m going to end up using the cards. If you don’t have money in savings, you may end up falling back into the cycle of charging things on credit. My advice is if you must do it then, make sure you can pay off what you charge. If you can’t then be willing to sacrifice a Christmas where you can’t buy gifts. The holidays should be about spending time together, and not about spending. If you’ve used the self-lending principle, then you’ve had the opportunity to build up your savings account at an accelerated rate.

It’s important to make small and measurable steps, and celebrate the small victories.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income, while reducing debt or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬ 28:12‬ NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me

Here’s this month’s video: The 13 Truths – Matthew McConaughey [MOTIVATIONAL SPEECH] from the MULLIGAN BROTHERS – DAILY MOTIVATION YouTube channel.

Posted in Debt Free Me

Month End: October Snapshot

Posted on by jamesmachawk


Make sure you don’t try to pay off your debt on your own. This month was rather frustrating for me, and I feel like my debt reduction is too slow. Always remember that being debt free can be a slow process. When you feel overwhelmed, stop, breathe deeply, and close your eyes. Do these three steps over and over again. With your eyes closed, imagine being debt free and feel it with all your heart, mind, and strength.

If you want to learn more about how I’m increasing my income, while reducing debt or if you want to have someone to discuss your debt reduction strategy with, or if you need a financial check-up, contact me.

Also, learn more about how I use the self-lending principle through Mustard Seed in the mustard seed section.

“The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.”
‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Deuteronomy‬ 28:12‬ NLT‬‬
‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

http://bible.com/116/deu.28.12.nlt‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

I believe in your journey to….

A Debt Free Me

Here’s this month’s video: The Power of Habit – One of the most Motivational Talks Ever from the Video Advice YouTube channel.