![](https://files.steempeak.com/file/steempeak/nonsowrites/GMtOEoKg-money-2724241_1280.webp)



The funny thing is you never know how deep you are in debt until it is too late.

One of the major things that affected my earnings and investment last year was debt. All the money I was making went to a different entity. It did help out in moments of crisis but in the long run, it had a negative impact on my finances.

By September last year, I was debt-free and I was determined never to fall into that rabbit hole again. My two small businesses were covering my daily expenses and I was making some money from my posts, some of which I was investing in steemmonster cards at that point.

Fast forward to December. One of my businesses wasn't doing too well and I needed capital. So I borrowed some money from my bank to keep it afloat. Unfortunately, I was robbed on the 24th--Christmas. That was the turning point for me. 

January is usually quite difficult for many because of the excessive spending most people do during the festive season. I was reasonable with my expenditure because I knew I had fees to settle come January and I did not want to be in a tight corner. Unfortunately, the whole robbery incident changed all that.  My phone was taken and money from my bank account was withdrawn. So I spent the latter part of December going from the police station to my bank and network provider in my bid to apprehend the culprits and get my money. That was futile and I spent more money throughout that stressful process.

So now I didn't have enough money to get a decent phone, had to buy one on credit. Made a 60% down payment and the rest was spread for a period of 6 months. The payment I made was from a loan I secured on steem from @neoxian (glad doing business with you sir), making it three loans. So I am basically owing to three persons simultaneously.


I am not hard on myself because these events weren't planned. Sometimes things happen in our lives that are totally out of our control and all we can do is damage control. I probably should have managed the situation better. I probably prioritize better but I am looking forward to getting back on my feet by the end of February. Part of my goal for 2020 is to learn a code language, so I am getting a laptop soon and also writing a professional course. I want to be a chartered insurer as soon as possible so I can fancy my chances of getting a decent job by the end of the year when I am done with my services. Immigrating is still part of my plan but hey who wants you in their country when you're not adding value to their system. Those who end up moving up the ladder in the cooperate world or any sphere are those who provide the most value either be it their capital or human resources.

So I am looking forward to being debt-free by February. That way my steem investment doesn't suffer and I can invest some of the money in building my capacity as an individual. That's the only way I think I can be financially free. 


***

Image source: https://pixabay.com/images/id-2724241/