SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A Vista couple is celebrating a moment four years in the making, paying off their final debt.
Amanda Williams began her debt-free journey after getting out of college. She realized she wouldn't be able to make it in San Diego unless she got control of her student loans, credit cards, and car payment.
Together, she and her husband Josh were up against $133,000 in debt.
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"It's terrifying looking at a mountain of debt, not knowing how you're going to pay it off," remembers Amanda.
The couple slashed their spending and adopted a zero-based budget. Once expenses were paid each month the rest went to paying off debt.
Now that the William's are debt-free, the hard work continues. While they will have a little more freedom to spend money, the couple will now start saving money to have a six to eight-month emergency fund.
Amanda began documenting their journey on her Instagram page Debt Free in Sunny CA and now has over 34,000 followers. She says the community is strong and helps motivate during the difficult times.
"If you're trying to start out this lifestyle, getting out of debt and living your dreams, you have to start with the why," said Amanda. "Why do you want to do that?"
For Amanda and Josh, their "why" is a dream to one day quit their jobs and sail the world.
With their debt fully paid off, the couple is one step closer to achieving that dream.
