Paying off debt isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s undoubtedly more difficult if you are a single parent. This week, I’m bringing you an inspirational story – a single mom pays off debt to the tune of $11k in 3 years. Meet my friend Kerri. She faced what seemed like the impossible, yet through hard work and grace was able to pay off a large sum of debt. My hope and prayer is that her story will bring you joy in your journey and perhaps allow you to see that you can also do this thing, whether you’re married or not.
Kerri’s Story
Kerri is one of those people who seems to seep love and life, no matter what’s thrown her way. In all of the challenges and what I consider to be “unfair” circumstances, she has chosen joy time and time again. Her husband left her when she was pregnant, parenting a toddler, and without a job. He soon after filed bankruptcy and she ended up saddled with about $11,000 worth of debt. Almost immediately, she moved back in with her mom because she realized she couldn’t do it all on her own.
“Living with mom was a humbling experience after being on my own, but we needed more than financial support, we needed the emotional support as well. And I am thankful for it all.”
Kerri took on any and every opportunity to work that she could. At first, she babysat and then began cleaning the houses of others. She eventually found a full-time position. She also began to exercise extreme intentionality when it came to her finances.
“I quickly learned the difference between a need and a want. We bought everything at yard sales. After I paid minimum monthly payments, I tried to pay extra on one bill focusing my efforts until I could pay it off. Then I would snowball that payment amount into the next debt.”
Answered Prayers
Like many others, Kerri witnessed a miracle in her midst.
“Looking back, I have no idea how I did it. Well I do know – God did it. We were never hungry or without. He gave us a home to move to at an outstanding price and we were poor but God always provided. At one point we all slept in one room because our heat was in each individual room so we shut off rooms and had a slumber party (as the kids remember it now).”
Her extreme sacrifice was blessed time and time again.
“I cannot tell you how many times we were without food on a Thursday before payday and God would have someone invite us to dinner. Never once did my kids go without supper.”
Gratitude Over Grief
Kerri’s grateful outlook prevailed in the midst of what most would consider extreme lack.
“I tried my hardest never to compare my life to everyone else’s lives and out of that came a thankful attitude. I praised God for good medical insurance for the boys because we have had lots of bills for surgeries and doctors. Hand me downs and yard sales and Goodwill provided well. Life was hard and oh so good. I learned so much in those days. And the boys and I bonded so much. We are close because we weathered the storm together.”
Kerri’s two sons are teenagers now and she’s since remarried.
“My goal is to have our house paid off before Jeremiah graduates and that is so possible. I never imagined our lives this good. A home, nice car, living well within our means. God has been so good to us and He will always get the praise.”
Getting out of debt wasn’t easy or even quick for Kerri. But, I think she would encourage you with the words that with God all things are possible. In the midst of doubt, pain, worry, and struggle, Kerri held tight to her faith and her two kiddos, focusing on what mattered most. She worked hard and exercised focus on her finances, watching every penny and making it count.
She strategically attacked her debt from smallest to largest. And she took on whatever work she could find and was unafraid to ask for help. Her story leaked into the lives of others as she started a single moms’ group to encourage others in the midst of the same battle, providing a safe place for their kids to play and find community. Thank you for being a rock star debt slayer Kerri. You are a true inspiration to me (and so many others!).
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
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