Day 22: Face Your Debt Monsters—It’s Time to List Them All

Welcome to Day 22 of our 30-day financial transformation journey! Today, we’re diving into the ultimate reality check: listing every single debt you owe. Yes, even the one to your Aunt Karen for that “emergency” $50 she bailed you out with at Thanksgiving.

Think of your debts like a band of monsters hiding under your financial bed. It’s time to shine a flashlight on them. Knowing your numbers is the first step to taming them—and trust me, you’re braver than you think!

Why You NEED to Know Your Numbers

You can’t pay off what you don’t acknowledge. Pretending your debts don’t exist is like ignoring a growing pile of laundry—it only gets messier. Listing your debts gives you clarity, direction, and a dose of accountability. It also allows you to answer the most important question: Where is all my money going?

How to Create Your Debt List Without Crying

1. Grab a Pen, Paper, or Spreadsheet

This is your battle plan. Whether you’re a tech-savvy spreadsheet warrior or an old-school notebook fan, pick your weapon of choice.

2. List ALL Your Debts

Include everything:

• Credit card balances

• Student loans

• Car loans

• Medical bills

• Personal loans

• That $10 you owe your coworker for lunch last month (optional, but hey, integrity counts).

3. Note Down Key Details

For each debt, jot down:

• Total balance

• Interest rate (cue dramatic music)

• Minimum monthly payment

• Due date

Trust me, seeing it all laid out in one place is both terrifying and liberating—like organizing your closet after years of denial.

What Happens When You Look at the Total?

You may feel:

• Shock: “Wait, I owe HOW much?!”

• Denial: “This calculator must be broken.”

• Determination: “Okay, I’m handling this like the boss I am.”

Let yourself feel whatever comes up. But remember, numbers are just facts. They don’t define you—they’re just telling you where you stand today.

Now, Choose Your Debt Strategy

Once you’ve listed your debts, it’s time to pick an approach. Here are two crowd favorites:

1. The Snowball Method:

Pay off your smallest debt first, then roll that payment into the next smallest debt. Momentum is your best friend here—small wins build confidence.

2. The Avalanche Method:

Focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first. It’s the fastest way to minimize interest payments, though it requires a little extra patience upfront.

Pro Tip: Add a Dose of Motivation

Next to each debt, write WHY you want to pay it off. Maybe it’s to stop worrying about credit card bills every month. Or to save for your dream vacation. Whatever fuels your fire, make it personal.

The Bottom Line

Facing your debts isn’t easy—it’s like stepping on the scale after the holidays. But avoiding it doesn’t make the problem go away; it just keeps you stuck.

Today, take that first brave step: list every single debt you owe. You might feel overwhelmed, but you’ll also feel empowered. After all, you can’t fix what you don’t face—and now, you’re officially in control.

See you tomorrow for Day 23, where we’ll turn this debt list into an actual action plan. Let’s keep moving forward!

Your Challenge for Today

List all your debts, and share your biggest “aha moment” in the comments. Did seeing the total light a fire under you? Or did it just make you crave pizza? Either way, we’re in this together!