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June Challenge Post 3: Breaking Free from Debt (Financial Goal

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Immediate Home Solutions

One of the most powerful uses of my fictional funds from the ActiveRain Point Store is to achieve total freedom from debt with the exception of our primary home (for now).

The amount I’d need to wipe out all other obligations? About $65,000, maybe (I’m just spit balling a figure here). That includes credit cards, auto loans, college loans left for the kids and a few miscellaneous small balances that have stacked up like they always seem to do in real life.

Total cost: $65,000 (or 650,000 points)

But this isn’t just about numbers or wiping out balances. It’s about freedom and peace of mind from most monthly obligations. Imagine waking up each day knowing that everything is paid for. (This makes me think of the old Toyota commercial where the people are jumping in the air and throwing their arms up “oh, what a feeling!”)

There’s no monthly juggling act. No mental math to figure out what’s due when. No balancing act between minimum payments and interest. Instead, every dollar earned can now go toward growth, savings, travel, or giving. Basically, whatever makes YOU (or in this case, me) happy.

Being debt-free would open up flexibility in my personal life. I could make decisions based on strategy and values, not on stress. I’d have more options, fewer limitations, and more fearlessness to take risks because I wouldn’t be weighed down by the fear of missing a payment or carrying a heavy financial burden.

This kind of financial clarity also improves your health, your marriage, your sleep, you name it. You walk lighter, think clearer, and feel more in control of your life.

In this fictional Point Store, I’m not chasing luxury (well, sort of), I’m buying back peace of mind, mental clarity, and the ability to say “yes” to the things that matter most.

And that, my friends, is a dream worth cashing in on.

Posted by

With Enthusiasm,

Jeffrey M. Richman

Comments(19)

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Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

Being debt-free is one of the best feelings you will ever have.  We paid our house off, even though the rate was less than 3% 2 years ago.  We are still making the payments into a savings account to boost our retirement fund while I am still working.  Our financial future is looking better every month.

Jun 19, 2025 06:41 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518,

What a great feeling it is to have!  Congratulations!

Jun 19, 2025 06:47 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Jeffrey. Being debt free or free from the worry of debt are two different things but the emotional stress each can place on a person seem to be the same. Enjoy your day.

Jun 19, 2025 06:47 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Wayne Martin,

Yes, the day to day stress not only takes a toll on you, but on your family as well.

Jun 19, 2025 06:53 AM
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I love debt (strategic debt), and have ZERO stress about it.

Jun 19, 2025 07:10 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Jeffrey - even if imaginary, stress-free sounds good-to-me.  

Jun 19, 2025 08:13 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing this insightful post, Jeffrey Richman. I really appreciate your honest take on how freedom from debt can transform not just finances but overall well-being. Your perspective truly resonates and offers a refreshing reminder of what’s possible when we prioritize peace of mind over possessions 😊.

Jun 19, 2025 11:58 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Jeffrey- this reminds me of an episode of the Waltons. There was a big celebration where family and friends were invited. And in a blink, Pa Walton, to help his best friend, who was in a financial situation, put the house up for another mortgage. 

Jun 19, 2025 12:30 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Jeffrey Richman ,

I'd say that is a very worthy goal to spend your AR points on! When you put your mind to it it's amazing what you can accomplish!

Jun 19, 2025 03:51 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Jeffrey Richman this is a great goal.  I got rid of all my credit card debt several years ago, I am only left with mortgage and small car payment.  It made a HUGE difference in my monthly finances.

Jun 19, 2025 04:19 PM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Pete Xavier,

You are absolutely right.  Strategic debt is good.  As a matter of fact, I'm going to be taking on another almost 2MM in that type of debt.  I should've been clearer about being Personal Debt Free

Jun 20, 2025 04:29 AM
Pete Xavier

Amen, amen! 👍 👍

Jun 20, 2025 07:21 PM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Michael Jacobs,

Imaginary or not, it's always a great feeling

 

Jun 20, 2025 04:30 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Lew Corcoran,

Thank you for your kind words

Jun 20, 2025 04:34 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Kathy Streib,

I will say that I never saw the Waltons.

Jun 20, 2025 04:35 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Dorie Dillard Austin TX,

It definitely is a worthy goal!

Jun 20, 2025 04:36 AM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi George Souto,

It does make a huge difference in one's life.

Jun 20, 2025 04:36 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Great post Jeffrey! Years ago we had that dream and thankfully achieved it! And you are so spot on - you sleep better not thinking about ……

My Dad was a child of the great depression and he drilled pay cash idea into our heads. Wish I would have listened to him earlier!!

 

Great entry for the June Challenge!  Thank you !

Jun 20, 2025 10:32 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

I wish we'd done it sooner also, Anna "Banana" Kruchten. It is SUCH a liberating feeling!

Jun 29, 2025 07:34 PM
Jeffrey Richman
Immediate Home Solutions - Myrtle Beach, SC
Creative Real Estate Specialist

Hi Anna,

Congratulations on achieving it.  You definitely sleep much better 

Jun 20, 2025 11:01 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I love this post, Jeffrey! What a powerful and honest vision—true freedom isn’t about luxury, but the peace of mind that comes from shedding the weight of debt. I can feel the relief and lightness in your words, and I’m cheering you on as you dream of a life where every dollar goes toward joy, growth and what truly matters.

Here’s to waking up every day with that Toyota-commercial feeling! Oh, what a feeling!!

Jun 29, 2025 07:33 PM