Sitting at the kitchen table, Steph and I faced the daunting reality of our finances. £18,500 in debt and another baby on the way—it felt like an impossible mountain to climb.
Our biggest challenge wasn’t the living costs or the baby; it was the crushing weight of debt. We needed a plan.
Late into the night, I created a spreadsheet, logging every bill and debt down to the last penny. The numbers were grim, but there was hope.
By cutting all non-essentials—takeaways, nights out, even holidays—we calculated that we could save around £500 a month. Over eight months, that could knock £4,000 off our debt. It wasn’t perfect, but it was progress.
It was a gruelling few months. We lived on a shoestring, but we stuck together as a family. I even mustered up the courage to ask for a pay rise, knowing we couldn’t rely on cuts alone. Thankfully, my boss agreed, and that was a huge relief.
Despite the daily grind, we held onto hope for the future. Steph and I had always dreamed of moving abroad, and we found a potential path through a digital nomad visa. Though distant, it gave us something to hold onto while we worked toward a debt-free life.
Each small step was tough, but it reminded us that progress, no matter how slow, is still progress. We weren’t there yet, but we were moving forward—together.
Now, as we stand on the brink of living the life we always dreamed of, it feels surreal. The dream of living abroad, once a distant fantasy, is about to become a reality.
Looking back, it’s a powerful reminder that you never know what’s around the corner. Every struggle felt overwhelming at the time, but each was a step forward. It’s proof that, no matter how difficult things get, you have to keep pushing.
Never give up—you might be closer to your dreams than you think.
