.jpg)
.svg)
Financial Makeover
The $500/Week Plan to Fix Your Finances Fast
How One Parent Wiped Out $22K in Credit Card Debt
By Chris Navarro
In 18 months, single parent Laura D. eliminated $22,000 in credit card debt without a raise or windfall — just discipline and a strategy anyone can use.
List Every Balance + Interest Rate
Laura gathered every debt into a spreadsheet: balances, interest rates, minimum payments. The simple act of visibility gave her control.
Switched to the Avalanche Method
She started paying minimums on all cards, but sent extra payments to the one with the highest interest first. It saved her over $3,000 in interest.
Automated All Minimum Payments
This kept her from missing due dates or falling into late fees. It also protected her credit score during the payoff period.
Used Cash-Only for Spending
No more new credit card debt. She shifted to a cash/debit system and gave each dollar a job.
Sold Items + Freelanced for Extra Payments
She sold furniture, picked up weekend gigs, and applied every dollar to her debt. Her motto: 'Money has to move.'
Celebrated Milestones, Not Just the End
Every $1,000 milestone came with a mini celebration. This kept her momentum high — and her mindset positive.
Takeaway: Laura’s win wasn’t luck — it was a shift in habits, visibility, and commitment. You can do it too.
.jpg)
.jpg)
