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Can you tell me about your background? How did you accumulate your debt?
I was born in New Zealand and grew up in Auckland and migrated to Australia 2004. I am the fourth child of 3 brothers and 2 sisters. My parents worked very hard to feed, clothe and put a roof over our heads and instilled the strong value in working hard for a day’s wage but had no knowledge in how to save money.
I accumulated this debt through reckless spending and putting everything on the fantastic plastic and when one card was used up I got another and over time I could not pay the debt off and fell behind in my payments and then I thought by ignoring the payments it would go away but it caught up with me and I needed to face my demons.
Was there a “light bulb” moment when you decided you were going to get debt free?
The light bulb moment is when I came to an understanding that I did not want to live my life this way trying to avoid phone calls, mail and convincing myself that I was ok when I wasn’t. That is when I made that phone call and everything seems like history.
How long did it take you to get debt free? How did you stay motivated?
It took me over four years to get debt at the end of last it was a great accomplishment and what kept me motivated was my partner and being there through the hard times and good times.
What advice would you give to people with large amounts of debt who don’t see a way of getting debt free?
I needed to come to the understanding that I needed to surrender and accept that I had a problem with debt and just because you surrender it doesn’t make me a lesser person it only give him more hope that you can get through it one step at a time.
What mistakes do you see others making with their money?
I think the mistakes that some people make with money is the lack of respect you have for money and taking it for granted that if you keep spending you can get more and forget about the long term effects it does to you, family and friend and your community.
What was the most important thing you’ve learnt along the way?
What I have learnt along the way is to learn to have respect for money and not take it for granted. I heard that saying that money is the root of all evil but I think it’s the lack of it.
What goals or aspirations are you going to achieve now you’re debt free?
I have achieved a few goals becoming debt free and during that time I have learnt to save money for trips away and now the money I have saved I use for further education.
Do you have any final words of wisdom for the readers?
The final word I have for the readers is know that when you look at you statements that you receive in the mail from DCS and see the total going down and it’s a wonderful things to see and celebrate that achievement with rewarding yourself each time with going to a restaurant with your partner, mini holiday weekend etc….
Beyond Debt is a trading name of DCS Group Aust Pty Ltd. Australian Credit License: 382607. RDAA Number: 1126. PO Box 3074 Newstead, QLD, 4006.
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