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You are here: Home / Fundamentals / WE’RE DEBT FREE!!!!!

by Stacy  98 Comments

WE’RE DEBT FREE!!!!!

Rejoice with me friends! WE’RE DEBT FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Recently we paid off the remainder of our townhouse and now we’re 100% debt free! I had always told Barry that when we were done with the house debt that I wanted to take a trip to Nashville and do our scream live on The Dave Ramsey Show. So, for my 30th birthday, Barry took me, Annie, and my mom to Nashville to celebrate.

Financial Peace Plaza is a must visit. You can watch the Dave Ramsey show live from the lobby and Dave comes out occasionally so you can meet/speak with him. There is a great bookstore there and a lovely little snack area where you can get homemade goodies and free coffee (or in Annie’s case, milk). You do your debt free scream from the bookstore on a little phone they have for that purpose. Plus, you get to meet all sorts of like-minded people who have traveled far and wide to scream that they are also debt free!

Every time someone does their yell on the air, the whole lobby stops what they’re doing and everyone begins to clap and yell. It’s AWESOME!

Once you’re done on the air, you get to sign your name on the Debt Free Wall. I was afraid I’d misspell something or write something totally lame and it would be there for all of eternity….I am NOT the Queen of Spelling. Of course, I was the obvious choice since Barry’s writing looks like chicken scratch. Annie was quite perplexed as to why Mommy got to write on the wall, but she is not permitted to do so at home. She was more concerned that her Nina was eating her brownie in the other room while she was busy with her Mommy writing on some wall.

Here is our inscription…..no spelling errors. Whew. In 8 months, we were able to pay off $20,000 by cutting our budget to the bare bones and doing lots of extra side jobs. One thing I’ve learned about paying off debt is that you HAVE to be focused. If you’re not focused and determined, it makes your job longer and harder.

We were very excited and honored to meet Dave Ramsey. I got so excited that I just so happened to tell him that he “rocked my face off.” I know he had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. Uh, oops? Leave it to me to say something totally dumb. If I meet you for the first time and say something dumb, just overlook it.

It was a really great trip and one we’ll remember forever. We’ve changed our family tree and we’ve also changed how Annie will always perceive money. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6We were able to get our call taped because I wanted to share it with you. Let it be an encouragement to you. If you’re on the road to being debt free, you WILL make it! And things are so much better on the other side. 😀  Please know that Barry and I are always here to help you however we can. “Debt is normal. Be weird.” –Dave Ramsey

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About Stacy

Stacy is a Homemaking and Business Mom Mentor, the author of two cookbooks, creator of multiple e-courses, seasoned life coach, and comedian extraordinaire. Her first priority is her husband and her children - family first. She presses on each day because her calling is to teach, train, and mentor other ladies to have their dreams. She believes if it’s not easy, you won’t do it – because she’s lived it. She’ll bring YOU the awesome so that you can get your home back into control and watch your business soar. For tips and easy strategies, you can follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the content above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I may receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Comment Policy: I love reading your thoughts and input on what you read here. I'm sure we'll disagree sometimes and that's okay! In those cases, do what's right for you and yours. As with any form of communication, only post comments that move the discussion in a positive direction.

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Comments

  1. Anya says

    October 10, 2015 at 11:31 am

    I am inspired by your recipes, your frugality, your freedom from debt, but mostly by your Godly principles.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 10, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Well thank you, Anya. Please let us know if we can be of any help.

      Reply
  2. Kei says

    October 3, 2015 at 9:57 am

    What are your thoughts on renting? We are a large family (7) in a small townhome (1800sq.ft.). We live in an affluent county and my hubs has a big time job but we sold our house in March. Now I have the itch to buy but we still a have a rental property in Texas that we owe 66K (we’ve got it on the market but no buyer yet) on…then we’d debt free but were renting this small townhouse.

    I’d love to hear from you both.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 7, 2015 at 3:42 pm

      Barry – Renting is not necessarily a good or a bad thing. It is a choice that should be made based on your current situation and your short- and long-term plans. Some think renting is “throwing away” money and often they are right. At the same time, there are plenty of good reasons to rent. I wrote about this some in this article: http://www.barrymyers.me/should-i-rent-or-buy-a-home/

      Stacy – It wouldn’t be smart to buy another house right now. Then you would have two payments instead of just the one. I would work as hard as I could to get that Texas house sold, and then sock money away like no one’s business to get a downpayment on a house. 🙂 Hope that helps!

      Reply
  3. Kate @ Life on the Pavement says

    December 31, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    Congrats! I know this is an older post, but it still feels good! We have also done Dave Ramsey’s program and have enjoyed living debt free!

    Reply
  4. Fresh Start Solutions says

    October 4, 2013 at 10:53 am

    Wow, Great to read your story and glad that you are in debt free now. It is really such a nice feeling being a debt free.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      October 5, 2013 at 9:48 pm

      Like no other.

      Reply
  5. Letty says

    November 29, 2012 at 11:00 pm

    WOw oh wow! I just bought Dave Ramsey’s book, and it has been amazing! Watching your video got me all teary’d eyed. Its wonderful to see a family happy and debt free! Amen!
    You are truly an inspiration. My husband and I are 27yrs old, no kids, no mortgage but with credit card and student loans and let me tell you its been tough. It definitely is a behavior change, please keep us in Prayer, I know we can do this. THank you so much for your website and blessings to you and your family!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 30, 2012 at 8:10 am

      You can DO IT! I know you can! 🙂 I am praying for you even now!

      Reply
  6. Stacy says

    November 8, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    This is soooooo awesome! You should be so proud! I am a huge fan of Dave Ramsey and we too are debt free! Life is great with one less worry in the financial area. We plan to make a trip to see Dave next May on our way to Florida for a family vacation. Just stumbled on your website thru Pinterest and think we have a lot in common. I’m trying your fajaita chicken recipe for dinner tonight. Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing all this great information! You Rock!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 8, 2012 at 12:48 pm

      Financial Peace Plaza is awesome!!! You will love it! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by – and I hope you like the fajitas. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kayla @ Cash Flow Your College says

    September 18, 2012 at 9:17 am

    Oh my goodness! I REMEMBER hearing this one! 😀 We listen to Dave Ramsey’s show on an almost daily basis, and somehow I recall when I’ve heard an episode before. So excited for you all. We’re hoping to visit Financial Peace Plaza by the time we turn 25 (some student loans from my husband’s first two years of college)!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      September 18, 2012 at 2:45 pm

      Yeah, Barry is pretty memorable. I’m glad I didn’t get to talk. I would have said something like “Dave, you rock my face off!” 🙂

      Reply
  8. Heather :) :) :) says

    February 25, 2012 at 8:34 pm

    This is FANTASTIC!!!! I just finally finished reading the article and listening/watching to the video 🙂 🙂 🙂 I love listening in to the callers who scream “We’re debt free” I”m still looking for a job, so I can pay off my student loans for GOOD…oh, this is fantastic!!!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 26, 2012 at 7:55 am

      🙂 Thanks Heather!

      Reply
  9. Heather :) :) :) says

    February 20, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    Yep, this is definitely the article I saw 🙂 🙂 Thanks for reposting the link. I”ll listen to your video tomorrow 🙂 🙂 🙂 I LOVE that Dave Ramsey proves that it IS POSSIBLE to live a debt free life 🙂 🙂 It really is freedom 🙂 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 😉

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 21, 2012 at 9:30 am

      Woohoo! I heard the spirit in that comment! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Allie says

    February 12, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Wow what a cool video! Good job talking Barry! He oved you guys 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      February 12, 2012 at 6:14 pm

      Good thing he didn’t ask me to talk. lol I would have yakked the poor man’s ear off. HA!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Hensley says

    December 2, 2011 at 12:38 am

    That is amazing! Good for you. I can’t imagine how great that must feel! How would one go about getting this Dave Ramsey program?

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      December 2, 2011 at 8:03 am

      You can look on his website and see if there are any local classes happening near you. 🙂 See here: http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locate-class/

      Reply
  12. Willa@ArmstrongFamilyFare says

    November 29, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    AWESOME!! That’s very exciting! We’ve big Dave Ramsey fans here too! We’re working on Baby Step 6, encouraging to hear that you made it! 😉 Can’t wait until we’re there as well!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 29, 2011 at 2:21 pm

      🙂 You’ll make it!

      Reply
  13. Kendra says

    November 27, 2011 at 4:36 pm

    We just finished step 2! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 27, 2011 at 4:55 pm

      Awesome!!!

      Reply
  14. Mary@The Encouraging Home says

    November 24, 2011 at 11:34 am

    CONGRATULATIONS!! We love Dave Ramsey and did great with FPU last year. We paid off a lot in a few months. I saved a lot couponing…but found I have a hard time gardening, canning, and couponing. 🙂 Then we had a year of just trying to survive a family trial. Excited to get back on the envelope system and couponing in the new year! Thanks for all your wonderful information!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 24, 2011 at 12:10 pm

      🙂 Good luck in your new resolve! Secret – I have something coming out for my readers very soon along this same line. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Katie Lucas says

    November 17, 2011 at 9:02 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 17, 2011 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks Katie! 🙂

      Reply
  16. Diana Barr says

    November 15, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    This is wonderful Stacy…way to go! Congratulations on being DEBT-FREE!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 15, 2011 at 9:12 pm

      Thank you Diana! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Dana Witt says

    November 4, 2011 at 8:54 am

    I don’t know what it was, but I actually teared up during this video! Thank you for being an inspiration to many people! Congrats on being DEBT-FREE!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 4, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      Thank you Dana! 🙂 I appreciate your heartfelt comment.

      Reply
  18. Erin@TheHumbledHomemaker says

    November 3, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Congrats!!! This is an AMAZING feat–especially at 30!! What a testimony to so many people! The video was amazing! I watched it the other day but am just now getting to comment. Annie is an absolute doll! I just love her pig tails!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 4, 2011 at 12:55 pm

      And you didn’t notice she was picking her nose and burping? LOL

      Reply
  19. Jamie says

    November 3, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Woo Hoo!!! Congratulations!!!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 3, 2011 at 4:12 pm

      Thanks Jamie! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Pary Moppins says

    November 2, 2011 at 11:32 am

    Wow! I am so happy for you! What an amazing birthday present and legacy for your children. Many blessings!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 2, 2011 at 12:33 pm

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  21. Dianne@Baking4Six says

    November 1, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    Hey there… Happy (Belated) Birthday!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 2, 2011 at 6:20 am

      Thanks! You’re the only one who caught that. 😉

      Reply
  22. Anne @ Quick and Easy Cheap and Healthy says

    November 1, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    Wow, that’s amazing! Congratulations! I have to admit to jealousy that only $20K would pay off your mortgage. 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:29 pm

      🙂 Well, we’ve been kicking it for 7 years on that.

      Reply
  23. Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Wow! I can feel your excitement from here. CONGRATULATIONS!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:30 pm

      Thank you Lea! I’m glad you could tell how happy we were. 🙂

      Reply
  24. Patty Eller says

    November 1, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    Congratulations! You and Barry are an inspiration to young couples everywhere. Enjoyed the video and enjoy your columns…you’re a hoot!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:36 pm

      Thanks Patty. 🙂

      Reply
  25. Carla says

    November 1, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    Congratulations! That makes me so envious (but in a good way). Made me want to cry… I am very happy for you guys! It must be the most awesome feeling to be completely debt free! I really hope to be in your shoes soon! Take care god bless and THANK YOU and Barry for all your help and guidance!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:36 pm

      You WILL be there one day!

      Reply
  26. Kim Russell says

    November 1, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    I’m soooooooooooo Happy for you guys!! Tears of joy 😀

    Reply
  27. Stephanie says

    November 1, 2011 at 1:50 pm

    Congrats!

    Reply
  28. Wendy says

    November 1, 2011 at 2:11 pm

    Congrats. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      Thanks Wendy! 🙂

      Reply
  29. Suzanne says

    November 1, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    PRAISE THE LORD!!!! So proud of you guys! I got “Ghost bumps” watching this. The Lord is smiling on you today!! Bless you for your ministry to others and your wisdom! You inspire so many! Thanks too for sharing this awesome event with the rest of us!! Love you! S<

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 1:13 pm

      Awww, thank you Suzanne! You’re a ray of sunshine!

      Reply
  30. Stacy says

    November 1, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    Don’t cry! Laugh! Just think about the reason why I was giggling with Annie – she burped really loud during the call. LOL

    Reply
  31. Janie Gentry says

    November 1, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Congratulations!!! I’m working on it, too. Sometimes it seems like the end will never come, but a little good news, like yours, helps a lot.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 1:04 pm

      It WILL come! You can do it!

      Reply
  32. vickie morgan says

    November 1, 2011 at 12:31 pm

    great job!

    Reply
  33. Nicole says

    November 1, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Way to go! Before we started having children, we made sure all debts (except the house) were paid off. Because of that I was able to stay home full time for 1.5 years with our oldest (and through my huband’s 4 month very unexpected layoff) and 1.5 years if not permanently with our second. We often say that if we won the lottery tomorrow, we’d first pay off our house and then invest/save the rest. Frugal we are (which sometimes even works against us). In fact, my husband’s favorite book (that I read too) is the The Millionaire Next Door. People often ask how we live on one income and eat primarily local and/or organic food. My response is that we have chosen to invest in our health rather than fancy cars, big houses, or extravagant vacations. Finally, I love Barry’s response that it has nothing to do with money and everything to do with behavior. I can’t wait for the day we pay off our house! In the meantime, congratulations and way to practice what you both are preaching!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 1:05 pm

      That’s one of Barry’s favorite books. 🙂 Thanks for your lovely comment! I love meeting other SAHMs.

      Reply
  34. jenny says

    November 1, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    That’s totally awesome! Keep up with your “rockin” website posts, so the rest of us can achieve the same goal :o)

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      You betcha! 🙂

      Reply
  35. Blake says

    November 1, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    Hey Guys! Congrats…
    We are slated for that accomplishment just before Christmas… (It’s my Christmas gift!)… 100% debt free (including the house… the way it should be…) Our plans after that are to set up 529’s for the kids so we can continue to stay debt free! Take care guys, and congrats again!
    -Blake

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 1:07 pm

      Thank you Blake! 🙂 What a GREAT Christmas gift!!!!

      Reply
  36. lisa says

    November 1, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Congrats!!!! That is such a HUGE accomplishment, especially when u have a small child… We will have have our home paid for in less than 5yrs and that is the only thing we owe for….. congrats again on ur hard work!!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 11:55 am

      Thanks Lisa! 🙂

      Reply
  37. Carrie says

    November 1, 2011 at 10:41 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! Even if I don’t know you, I’m so very happy for your accomplishment.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 10:57 am

      🙂 You do know me…..just not “in person.” Thanks!!!

      Reply
  38. Leigh Ann @ Intentional By Grace says

    November 1, 2011 at 10:38 am

    I got goose pimples watching that!!!! Whoo hooo!! So excited for you guys. Debt free is awesome! Looking forward to hearing about your next goals. We’re debt free, but find it harder to save than it was to pay off debt! Hmm…tips? 😉

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 10:57 am

      Hmmmm. Not sure with that one. 🙂 We’re natural savers. Might be a good Ask Barry question. 😉

      Reply
  39. yvonne says

    November 1, 2011 at 10:33 am

    Awesome news,When is it going to air so we can hear it.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 10:58 am

      It already aired….that’s why we taped it to play on the website. 🙂 You can hear it if you play the video at the bottom.

      Reply
  40. JoAnna Mobley says

    November 1, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Congrats! and welcome to the club!!! We made it this year too!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 10:10 am

      Congratulations!

      Reply
  41. Justyn says

    November 1, 2011 at 8:02 am

    LOL, silly spell-check… I meant “such a huge goal”

    Reply
  42. Justyn says

    November 1, 2011 at 8:02 am

    That is so exciting Stacy!!! What a wonderful feeling it must be to accomplish sure a huge goal and not have debt hanging over your head!! We are down to just our house payment, which is wonderful, but we’re aiming for 100% debt-free, too. 🙂 Way to go!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:18 am

      Thank you Justyn! 🙂

      Reply
  43. Allison says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:58 am

    Wow that is awesome! Congratulations! It must feel so great!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:18 am

      It DOES feel great! 🙂

      Reply
  44. Peggy G says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:46 am

    So happy for you. Great feeling isn’t it. As I have said before, you and Barry are doing a great job with Annie. What wonderful examples you are showing her.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:19 am

      Thanks Peggy! That means a lot coming from a wonderful lady like you.

      Reply
  45. Tammy L says

    November 1, 2011 at 8:39 am

    Awesome!! Congratulations! 😀

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 10:10 am

      Thanks Tammy! 🙂

      Reply
  46. Haley Phipps says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:36 am

    Yay!! I am so happy for you guys!! If we could sell our house in VA, we’d we debt free, too! Of course, we wouldn’t be homeowners either :-p at least not for a little while. Congrats again!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:19 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  47. Snapper says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:17 am

    FANTASTIC!!!
    All of that would rock my face off too, not just meeting Dave, lol!
    High five to you guys, nice job! 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:20 am

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  48. Kathy says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:16 am

    Congratulations!!!!

    That is so awesome and inspiring!!!!

    Thank you for sharing with us!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:20 am

      Thank you for the wonderful comment!

      Reply
  49. Brandy says

    November 1, 2011 at 6:44 am

    Shucks, that’s just great! Makes me all sniffly.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 7:03 am

      🙂 Thanks Brandy.

      Reply
  50. Amanda says

    November 1, 2011 at 6:43 am

    Congrats! That’s awesome!!!!

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 7:03 am

      Thank you!!!! 🙂 We’re super excited!

      Reply
  51. Mandy says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:20 am

    Congratulations!!! And as a side note, Annie is adorable 😀

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:19 am

      🙂 Thanks Mandy……she burped right in the middle of the call. That’s why you saw us giggling.

      Reply
  52. Carmen @ Natural and Nourished Family says

    November 1, 2011 at 7:16 am

    WooHoo! Congratulations! You are an inspiration…we hope to be there someday too.

    Reply
    • Stacy says

      November 1, 2011 at 8:20 am

      You CAN do it!

      Reply


Hello! I’m Stacy!

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