In today's episode, you'll hear the powerful story from Deanna who writes at Recovering Women Wealth.

Deanna would bounce around the world while sprinkling in college which she graduated from at age 28.

By that time she had already been married and divorced but found her passion in teaching.

Unfortunately, she then became addicted to drugs and alcohol and found her self six figures in debt.

Thankfully at age 36 she got sober and now at 46 is debt free and on solid financial ground.

Listen to one of the more powerful episodes we've ever had and let us know what you think.Episode Summary

Her parents were good with money and she was rebelliousShe knew money was necessary to be able to get out on her ownDeanna did some learn some money lessons but they didn't sink in until much laterShe admits that they wanted for nothing and were middle classDeanna's parents also saved up for her collegeHer dad was a successful salesman and her mom stayed at homeShe would end up bouncing around while sporadically going to collegeDeanna would end up in Europe, Colorado, and OhioAt 25 she was married and 27 she was divorcedDeanna would also have to file for bankruptcy because so much debt was in her nameAt 28 she would finish her undergraduate degree and find her passion in teachingWhile it took her 10 years to get her undergrad, she got her graduate in just one yearTo pay for her lifestyle during all this she would rely on being a waitressShe started out on a promising career in education as a mathematics teacherThen someone from her past came back to her life and got her hooked back on drugsShe stopped teaching and got offered a job at a country club she used to work atUnfortunately, it was a job surrounded by alcoholDeanna would continue to spiral and found herself six figures in debt

The Turning Point

She recalls seeing three paths including insanity, death, and a glimmer of hopeAt 36 she realized she was done and quit cold turkeyShe was able to do this without entering a treatment facilityInstead, she just utilized anonymous groupsHer money journey started to turn around tooA church friend introduced her to the Dave Ramsey techniquesNow four years she was making a lot of progress but still had strugglesShe would end up losing her house due to foreclosureNow with little debt remaining, she was extremely motivatedAt age 43 she made the decision to move in with her parents to accelerate thingsShe became debt-free in December 2017Today she works in the insurance industry and loves her jobShe started that career-making $40k and is now up to $70kDeanna is actually looking to take a year and volunteer at an orphanage in UgandaWe can't wait to see where life takes her and her powerful story

Key Takeaways

Financial freedom > Retiring Early: Deanna is 46 and not near the end of her FI journey but she feels so free without the burden of debtUse these powers for good: I love how this community takes there freedom and uses it help others the way Deanna doesIt doesn't have to be a sprint: Deanna has made huge strides but many would not feel comfortable taking a year off but that's what she wants to do so she can volunteer at an orphanage in Africa... and that's pretty awesome!

Call to Action

If you know someone facing addiction, send them Deanna's story. Even if you don't, we all have bad habits. Face one unhealthy habit this month and eliminate it!

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