Progress Doesn't Always Look Like Paying Off Debt

July 22, 2026

When I started Project Money, I thought success would be measured by one thing: watching my debt balances go down.

It turns out there's a lot more to it than that.

One of the biggest steps I took this month was opening a 0% interest balance transfer credit card through Summit Credit Union. I moved the balances from my existing credit cards over to the new card, paying a 3% transfer fee in exchange for something I haven't had in a long time: breathing room. For the next 12 months, every payment I make goes toward the balance instead of disappearing into interest charges. That feels like a huge win.

Something I didn't realize? Opening the new card also increased my total available credit. As long as I don't go filling it back up (which is definitely not the plan!), lowering my credit utilization can actually improve my credit score over time. It's funny how much there is to learn about money that no one ever really teaches you.

I also had a change in coaches this month. I was genuinely sad to see my original coach move on because she was incredible, but she received an amazing opportunity, and I'm so happy for her. Meeting someone new can always feel a little awkward, but after my first meeting with my new coach, I left feeling excited. She has already shared some great ideas, and I think we're going to make a great team.

One of my favorite moments over the past few weeks wasn't even about me.

During one of my meetings with my previous coach, she mentioned that Summit allows kids as young as 10 to have their own debit card. My son is only 8, but it got me thinking about the kind of financial habits I want him to grow up with. We opened him a savings account with the goal of teaching him about saving and money management as he gets older.

When I met with my new coach, one of the first things she helped me do was set up an automatic monthly transfer into his account.

It's a small amount, but it means we're building his savings little by little without me having to think about it each month. And while that money is ultimately for him, it's also helping me build a savings habit of my own. I've learned that if I wait until I have "extra" money to save, it usually never happens. Automating it takes the decision out of my hands and helps me stay consistent.

My hope is that by the time he's old enough for that debit card, managing money will feel normal, not intimidating. If I can help him avoid some of the mistakes I've made, then that's a pretty great investment.

The other unexpected thing that's happened?

I've started talking about Project Money.

A lot.

People ask questions. They share their own stories. They admit they're struggling too. And every conversation reminds me that debt isn't something only a few people experience, it's something many of us quietly carry while pretending everything is fine.

One quote has really stuck with me throughout this experience:

"Shame dies when stories are told."

For a long time, I carried a lot of shame about my debt. I thought talking about it meant admitting failure. Instead, talking about it has done the exact opposite. It's helped me realize I'm not alone.

If sharing my story makes one other person feel a little less embarrassed, a little more hopeful, or motivates them to take that first step, then every vulnerable post has been worth it.

This journey is still far from over. I haven't crossed the finish line.

But I'm making smarter decisions. I'm building better habits. I'm thinking about my son's financial future. And maybe most importantly, I'm learning that progress isn't always measured by the balance on a statement.

Sometimes, it's measured by the confidence to keep going.