Debt has a way of creeping into your life quietly.
One swipe here.
One swipe there.
One “I’ll worry about it later” decision that turns into years of repayment.
This isn’t a post about shame — it’s about awareness. Because most of us weren’t taught how debt really works, how long it lingers, or how deeply it affects our future selves.
Here are five honest debt mistakes I made, and what I would do differently if I could go back — so maybe you don’t have to learn them the hard way.
1. Swiping Credit Cards Without Having the Cash
One of my biggest early mistakes was using my credit card without actually having the money to back it up.
I told myself:
“I’ll pay it off later.”
“I’ll make more money next month.”
“It’s not that much.”
But those small swipes added up quickly. Interest made sure of that.
What I’d do differently:
I’d treat credit cards as delayed debit, not extra income.
If I didn’t already have the cash, it wouldn’t go on the card — period.
Credit cards can be a tool, but only when you control them — not the other way around.
2. Using Credit Cards for Medical & Dental Expenses
This one still hurts to think about.
In 2019, while I was in college, I put my wisdom teeth removal on my AMEX. At the time, it felt normal. I needed the procedure, I didn’t have the cash, and credit felt like the solution.
What I didn’t think about was the long-term impact.
That dental expense turned into years of payments, interest, and stress — long after the pain in my mouth healed.
What I’d do differently:
I would’ve:
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Asked about payment plans
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Shopped around for lower-cost options
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Built even a small emergency fund beforehand
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Avoided high-interest credit for medical expenses
Medical debt feels unavoidable — but there are often more options than we realize.
3. Not Having an Emergency Fund
If there’s one thing that could’ve changed everything, it’s this.
I didn’t have an emergency fund.
So when life happened — dental work, unexpected expenses, basic needs — debt filled the gap.
What I’d do differently:
I would start with anything:
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$500
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$1,000
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Even $25 a paycheck
An emergency fund doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to exist.
It’s the difference between a setback and a spiral.
4. Not Thinking About Student Loan Repayment at All
I took out student loans without fully understanding what they meant.
I didn’t think about:
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Monthly payments
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Interest
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How long repayment would last
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How it would affect future goals
At the time, loans felt distant — like a “future me” problem.
Now, future me is here… paying the bill.
What I’d do differently:
If I could go back, I would:
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Borrow less where possible
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Work more while in school
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Understand repayment plans before signing
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Take pauses to ask, “Do I really need this full amount?”
Student loans aren’t inherently bad — but they deserve respect and strategy.
5. Buying a Brand-New Car Without Exploring Other Options
I don’t regret having a reliable car — but I do question buying brand new off the lot.
At the time, it felt like the “right” adult move. But depreciation hit fast, and the payment stuck around longer than the excitement.
Would I never buy new again?
Maybe. Maybe not.
These days, gently used cars can be expensive too — but I would’ve taken more time to explore all options.
What I’d do differently:
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Compare used vs. new more thoroughly
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Run the full cost of ownership
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Ask myself if a lower payment would’ve served me better long-term
Debt decisions should support your life — not just your lifestyle.
6. (BONUS) Not Asking People I Wanted to Be Like for Advice
This might be the most overlooked mistake of all.
I didn’t ask questions.
I didn’t seek guidance.
I didn’t learn from people who were already where I wanted to be.
Instead, I figured things out the hard way.
What I’d do differently:
I would:
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Ask mentors about money decisions
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Learn from people who’ve paid off debt
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Study habits of financially stable households
Wisdom shortens the learning curve — if we’re willing to listen.
Final Thoughts: Debt Doesn’t Define You
Debt mistakes don’t make you irresponsible.
They make you human.
What matters most isn’t what you did — it’s what you do next.
You can:
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Build better habits
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Learn new systems
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Create a plan that supports your future
And if you’re carrying debt right now?
You’re not behind. You’re becoming aware — and that’s powerful.
Your past decisions don’t get the final say.
Your next ones do. 💛