After Almost Losing Her Investments, Helen Retired At 49
Not bad for a person who never heard of a 401(k).
Brian Bienkowski
Brian Bienkowski has been writing about personal finance for over 15 years covering debt recovery, fraud, and credit topics. He has worked on several personal finance books and guides that help consumers navigate the US credit system. When he’s away from the keyboard he enjoys craft beer and fishing — and once enjoyed a cold Sweet Water IPA after catching a sailfish.
Katie Ignored Her Student Loan Debt
But it wouldn’t go away until she turned and faced the truth with help from a friend.
Gary Understands That Money Isn’t Everything
His frugal living couldn’t save one thing, and that nearly cost him his life.
The Financial Graduate Would Rather Save Than Spend
She even analyzes her smallest purchases.
Kara Sat in Fear at Her College Graduation Ceremony
She had no job lined up, and owed a bunch of student loan debt — but that didn’t stop her.
For Ruth, Getting Out of Debt isn’t Only About Money
It’s also about tension, conflict and controlling your “money blueprint.”
It Took a Financial Jolt to Wake I Dream of Fire
From that day on he vowed to learn more about money management.
Derek Tackled Debt With a Vengeance
Some say he went off the deep end, but he didn’t care.
Olivia Wants to Reach Financial Independence Before 30
People doubt she can do it, but she has a plan.
Cal’s Childhood Taught Him That Having “Things” Meant Nothing
And it motivated him to save his money and gain financial independence.
Chris Went From Playing Xbox to Paying Off Debt
Now his goal is to build his own financial kingdom.
John Came Back From the Brink of Bankruptcy
It took tough love, but he paid off his debt and prospered.
Materialistic “Things” Don’t Make Carl Happy
He believes people waste too much money on stuff they don’t need.
Matt Never Wants to Repeat These Two Words
His father used them, and Matt remembers them well.
Jason is Known as “The Student Loan Whisperer”
But before he earned that title, he made many “idiotic” mistakes.
How Kelan and Brittany Formed The Savvy Couple
It wasn’t always easy, but their sacrifices paid off.
Kalen’s Wife Became Fed Up With His Spending
So, she did the unlikely — and things changed.
Searching For a Book Changed Grant’s Life
He went from being unemployed to a millionaire in five years.
Colin Paid Off $21,000 in Student Loan Debt
It took hard work, sacrifice and a lot of sweat.
Financial Struggles During College Taught Stephanie About Saving
She made mistakes but worked hard to fix them. As soon as she graduated, she started saving for retirement.
One Bad Relationship Almost Ruined Lisa’s Finances and Self-Esteem
She went from living alone in an empty apartment to finding success and happiness.
Marine on Fire is Focused on Financial Independence
He also helps other military personnel improve their money management skills.
Rybo Does His Best On a Limited Budget
He got a late start on his career and financial goals, but he’s making a comeback.
Living “Free” Became the Financial Samurai’s Biggest Motivation
But in order to reach his goal, he worked and saved big time — and also lived like a pauper.
Kat Thrives as a Stay-At-Home Mom
She went from an “utter failure” to a successful businesswoman.
David Slowly Built Up $80,000 in Debt
He also paid it all off — but it cost him some memories.
J. Money’s Financial Blunder Turned into a Success Story
He went looking for an apartment but found something else…
Nick Hustled to Build His Own Business
He worked nights and weekends to become an entrepreneur.
Jackie’s Garnered a Quarter Century in Personal Finance
But even with that experience, she still suffered through her own debt issues.
How to Find the Real Deals for Black Friday
Look no further for deep discounts on electronics, toys and appliances.
Hard Work and Sacrifice Helped Lance Pay Off Debt
It’s a cliché but it worked for Lance and his wife.
Elle Focuses On Money and Marriage
She believes couples should be completely honest about their finances.
Bola Uses Her Parents’ Sound Financial Advice
And she hopes it will help other women improve their finances.
David Works Hard for His Financial Freedom
He works two full-time jobs and still makes time to write about money.
Andrew Lives the Vagabond Life When Traveling
He avoids tourist traps and saves money by relying on others.
Interest Payments Shocked Chris into Paying Down His Debt
He and his wife “took action” after receiving a year-end tax document.
Michael from Financially Alert Dreamed of Financial Freedom
He made it happen by working hard and not buying into the “consumer culture.”
Mama Fish Believes Financial Success Starts at Home
She strongly advocates educating your children about money early.
The Day Andy Decided He Was Done With Debt
He and his wife realized they weren’t rich, they were broke.
Brian Thought Having Debt Was Normal
Now he teaches students and his former coworkers about personal finance.
Carl Started Saving Money at an Early Age
He was a born saver and hustler — even if it meant cleaning up poop.
Khaleef Kicked the Eating Out Habit
He and his wife eat healthier now and save more money.
Personal Finances Saved Amanda
With employment opportunities scarce for a literature major, she discovered a new calling
Jessi Accepted Responsibility for Her Debt Problems
She stopped making excuses and started her own financial and personal revival.
Lauren Went on a “Spending Freeze” to Pay Off $8,000
The debt she accrued wasn’t her fault this time, but it was her responsibility.
Zina Paid Off $28,000 of Debt in Three Years
She put every extra penny toward her student loans and carefully tracked her spending.
Moving Saved The Groovy Family a Ton
Once they relocated, they set their sights on their retirement goals.
Eva Teaches Young People About Money
She started blogging at 16 years old, and a few years later became a full-fledged entrepreneur.
Dishes Helped Steve Improve His Finances
They remind the My Family On a Budget writer of his money mistakes.
The Financial Panther Avoided Lifestyle Inflation
And he embraced the personal finance community as he paid down debt.