Why I’m Choosing to Be Debt Free, Not Just Rich

Why I’m Choosing to Be Debt Free, Not Just Rich

There’s this narrative online that glorifies “looking rich.” The nice car. The designer bags. The all-inclusive trips. The soft life. But the truth is, I don’t just want to look like I have money—I want actually to own my freedom. And for me, that means one thing right now: choosing to be debt-free.

Let me be honest with you. Right now, half of my paycheck goes toward debt payments. That’s money I could be putting toward savings, investing in another property, traveling, giving more freely, or just resting without that weight on my chest. Instead, it’s going toward credit cards, personal loans, and business expenses I took on while building my dreams. And I get it. Sometimes we have to borrow to build. But I also know this: I don’t want to live like this forever.

Debt Feels Like Bondage

I used to convince myself that it was normal, that everybody had debt, and that I could just make more money, and it would all balance out. But the truth is, debt feels like bondage, plain and simple. And biblically speaking, that checks out, too.

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” — Proverbs 22:7

That scripture hits differently when you're the borrower. Every swipe, loan, and interest payment reminds me that I owe somebody and that I’m working to make sure someone else gets paid before I do. That’s not the kind of wealth I want to build.

Freedom Over Flexing

Here’s the thing: I’ve got big goals. I want to build wealth, give generously, invest, travel, live well, and make sure my family is well. But I’ve realized I can’t do any of that in peace if I’m always playing catch-up. Being debt-free is the foundation.

I don’t want just to be rich. I want to be free. Rich people can still be stressed, overextended, and overleveraged. But debt-free? That’s a kind of peace money can’t buy.

Overwhelmed but Not Giving Up

I’d be lying if I said this journey wasn’t overwhelming. It’s hard seeing that number and wondering how long it’ll take to pay it off. It’s frustrating when unexpected bills pop up or when you have to say “not right now” to things you want to do.

But here’s what keeps me going
• I know my “why.” I’m not doing this for the aesthetics. I’m doing it for my future peace.
• I trust God’s timing. He’s given me the wisdom, resources, and strength to handle this.
• I’m already rich in discipline. And that’s going to take me further than flexing ever could.

So yes, I’m choosing to be debt free. Not just rich. Because freedom is the real flex.