My Journey from Surviving to Thriving

Ten years ago, I was a single mom, just trying to keep my head above water. Frustration and helplessness grew like weeds as I racked up debts just to survive. I desperately needed a job to support my infant son, but the bills piled up faster than I could pay them, and no job would pay me enough to pay a babysitter and the rent. I tried the assistance I heard was available for daycare, but my child support (which amounted to less than $500/ month) made me unqualified for those programs. I was drowning. 

I was in a constant state of anxiety. Though anyone that asked how I was, I’d tell them I was “better and better everyday.” I’d feel my stomach drop every time the phone rang. I got to a point that if I didn’t recognize the number I didn’t answer. The guilt I felt was relentless. Guilt for not being able to provide more for my child. Guilt for getting into debt in the first place. Guilt for feeling like a failure every time I asked the phone company to keep my phone on so I could continue looking for jobs and “wait just a little longer” for me to pay them.

Debt is heavy. Not just in dollars and cents but in the emotional toll it takes. It makes you feel powerless, trapped, ashamed and worse of all helpless.

The breaking point came one night when I was on the phone with my mom because I’d put the last diaper I had on my son and I didn’t know what I’d do next. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and tired of feeling stuck. I told her, “I’m tired of just surviving. I’m ready to thrive.” That statement became a mantra.

I knew I couldn’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. I also knew by this time that no one was going to come “save me,” I had to get myself out of the mess I had slipped into. I had no choice but to create my own opportunities. Since I couldn’t get a job, I created one. I started a business. With terrible credit I couldn’t get a loan. Every penny mattered. I had to hustle harder than ever before, and I had to get smarter about money.

It wasn’t just about budgeting, saving or investing. It wasn’t even just about the plan and the system I put in place to pull myself out of the hole I was in. It was about more than that. 

Every payment I made felt like a small victory. I started being grateful for the payments I was making on my bills. Paying off debt isn’t just about money, as I learned. It was about reclaiming my sense of power, my belief in myself, and my vision for the future. 

If you’re feeling the weight of debt pressing down on you, I see you. I’ve been there. It’s a place where every day feels like a battle just to keep the lights on, where you avoid answering the phone because it’s probably another collection call. It’s exhausting.

Here’s the thing: You don’t have to stay stuck. There are options. That’s why I connected with Debt Navigator—a law firm that helps people with debt negotiate lower payments and settle for less.

This isn’t about quick fixes or shady tactics. It’s about real solutions that can give you some breathing room and a clear path forward. It’s about shifting from feeling like a victim of debt to feeling like the one in control.

Tools for Transformation: Creating a Plan That Works

While I was pulling myself out of debt, I didn’t just want to pay off bills—I wanted to transform my entire relationship with money. I wanted to go from feeling powerless to empowered.

That’s where the Money Magic Planner came in. It’s about more than just tracking expenses; it was about setting clear financial goals and breaking them down into manageable steps. It was about mapping out my income, expenses, and debt repayment plan in a way that made sense.

It was about aligning my financial actions with the life I wanted to create—one where I could breathe easily, feel safe, and start building wealth instead of just scraping by.

If you’re ready to take control, the Money Magic Planner is here to support you. It’s more than a planner—it’s a blueprint for transforming your financial reality.

Debt may feel like a heavy shadow, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right tools and support, you can take control, one step at a time.

If you’re ready to start your own journey from surviving to thriving, check out Debt Navigator or grab a Money Magic Planner and start creating your path to financial freedom.

If you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay. I didn’t know where to start either, I needed help. You’re not alone. I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way—to be a reminder that it’s possible to rise, to rebuild, and to thrive.