Break Up With Bad Debt
- liveyourmoneystyle
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Hi!! Welcome back to Deeply Invested! In today’s bonus episode, we’re tackling a subject that’s personal, practical and let’s be honest, a little bit emotional: breaking up with bad debt.
We’ve talked in the past about how not all debt is bad. Some debt, like mortgages or student loans, can be strategic when used wisely. But there’s one kind of debt that consistently weighs people down: high-interest credit card debt.
If that kind of debt has been lingering in your life, it might be time to face the truth: You’re in a bad relationship.
Debt That Drains You: Recognizing the Problem
You wouldn’t keep texting someone who ghosted you three times, so why are you still hanging on to a high-interest credit card balance that’s been haunting your statements for months (or years)?
What may have started as a one-month balance can quickly snowball into long-term debt that costs you hundreds or even thousands in interest over time. It eats away at your financial confidence, your ability to save or invest, and even your peace of mind.
But here’s the good news: You can walk away. And it starts with setting better boundaries.
Setting Financial Boundaries that Protect You
Just like in any toxic relationship, the first step in breaking up with bad debt is protecting yourself — from temptation, from bad habits, and from falling into the same trap again. In the episode, Maddie shares simple but powerful ways to create space between you and that high-interest debt:
❌ Say no to new store credit cards — even if they offer you 20% off at checkout. It’s rarely worth it.
🛍️ Use the 24-hour rule for purchases — give yourself a full day to think before buying. Chances are, you won’t miss it.
📩 Unsubscribe from store marketing emails — fewer promotions = fewer impulse buys.
🔒 Don’t save your card info online — make it harder to spend.
🧠 Don’t memorize your credit card number — if it’s too easy to access, it’s too easy to swipe.
💵 Build an emergency fund — so when the unexpected happens, your credit card isn’t your only safety net.
Why This Breakup is the Best Thing You’ll Do for Yourself
Once you start putting distance between you and your toxic debt, you open up room for what actually matters:
Saving with intention
Investing for your future
Enjoying peace of mind and financial freedom
Debt doesn’t define you. But how you respond to it can absolutely reshape your future.
Helpful Resource: Get Out of Debt Template
Need a little support to make your debt breakup stick? We’ve created a simple, free Get Out of Debt Template to help you organize your balances, track your progress, and stay focused. Grab it in the show notes!
Final Thoughts
Breaking up is hard but staying stuck is harder. This bonus episode is your permission slip to say, “This isn’t working for me.” And to start building a financial future that does.
If this episode helped you feel seen, motivated, or supported, please:
✅ Share it with a friend
⭐ Leave a rating
🎧 Subscribe to the Deeply Invested podcast for more empowering money content
Thanks for listening, and until next time — byeeee!
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