Stilettos or Savings

There’s something liberating about knowing you don’t owe anyone a dime—well, almost. As of today, the only debt left in our lives is a $16,500 mortgage balance. That’s it. No car loans, no credit card balances, and no student loans. Just a tiny mortgage that feels more like an afterthought than a burden.

Why I Joined the Army: Loans

Right after college, I joined the Army to pay off my student loans—with a little help from my brother, who was my recruiter (yes, even my recruiter lied to me 😉). Little did I know when I enlisted at the end of August 2001 that just a few weeks later, while waiting to head to basic training, the world would change forever with the events of 9/11. The military offered a way to set me up for a future without student debt hanging over my head, and see Europe for the first time. It was a decision driven by both adventure and financial strategy, and looking back, it set the foundation for my debt-free mindset.  Not many people from my financial background are able to graduate college, pay no student loans, and leave the Army fully trained in a career and with contacts galore.

From Divorce Papers to Afghanistan: Taking Control 

After the Army, like many dumb 20-somethings I jumped into a marriage that was wrong for me from the very start.  Fast forward a few years, and my marriage ended. I chose to rebuild my life, starting with my bank account. And not just anywhere—I spent the first days of my divorce in one of the most scenic corners of the world, Afghanistan as a government contractor. Talk about a change of scenery.

That was the first time I had a real nest egg, money that was mine to manage however I saw fit. I had never even lived alone before—going straight from my mom’s house to college roommates, to Army barracks, to marriage. So having independence (financial or otherwise) for the first time wasn’t just empowering; it was necessary. It was in Afghanistan that I first got my feet wet in investing, realizing that money shouldn’t just sit—it should work for you.

Later, when I met Mr. Cabbage, he reinforced everything I had started to figure out for myself. He emphasized the importance of true financial independence, and with his influence, I leveled up my approach to money.

Leveling Up: Spending on What Matters

Now that we’ve leveled up, we buy our cars in cash, plan and save for our trips, and spend on what’s really important to us. As for the Joneses? We skip all the things they’re buying—because let’s be real, when you’ve got kittens like Coal and Vanilla running the show, your priorities shift. Credit cards are zero. Car loans are nonexistent. Student loans? You guessed it—zero. We’re a dual-income, no-kids (DINK) household, so no college savings to stress over. And no mandatory debts—just our monthly expenses, our future, and our endless kitten cuddles.

Living Debt-Free (Almost) 

Being (almost) debt-free isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about the peace of mind that comes with it. It means every dollar we earn is ours to decide what to do with. It means we’re never at the mercy of a lender. It means we can invest, travel, and enjoy life without feeling chained to financial obligations.

The last piece of the puzzle is that small mortgage balance, and I can already see the finish line. After that? Who knows. But one thing’s for sure—I’ll continue living life on my terms, spending money on what matters, and staying financially fearless.

Have you ever made a major financial shift after a big life event? Drop your story in the comments or share your post with someone who needs to hear it.