I was being swallowed by £120k debt but cleared it AND became mortgage free on a low income using the ‘pound job' method

The Sun

8 hours ago

ONCE drowning in £120,000 worth of debt, Harriet has completely transformed her life.
Not only has she paid it all off, but she's also become mortgage-free - all while living on a low income.
Now, through her TikTok account, ' thefreedomfinancecoach,' she's on a mission to help others achieve financial freedom by sharing practical and empowering advice."
'No one teaches you this when you're broke, but I will,' Harriet says in one of her videos.
'If you're barely making it through the month and your debt feels like it's swallowing you whole, this is for you.'
With a relatable and empowering approach, Harriet introduces herself as someone who has been through the same challenges and comes out the other side debt-free, including her home.
Her step-by-step advice is designed for those who feel overwhelmed by their finances, especially when every pound counts.
Harriet begins by urging people to prioritise survival: 'Food, shelter, electricity - these come first.
" Debt collectors will have to wait, especially if your essentials aren't covered.'
She then emphasises the importance of using a zero-based budget, where every pound is assigned a specific job.
Even for those earning between £800 and £1,000 a month, Harriet insists that budgeting down to the last penny gives greater control over finances.
Her tips don't shy away from tough decisions either. 'Cut ruthlessly,' she advises.
I'm in £15k worth of debt but STILL have TWO gardeners - people might judge me but they are an essential and a godsend
'No Netflix, no takeaways, no unnecessary subscriptions. You're in survival mode now - luxuries can wait until you're out of debt.'
Tracking every penny is another cornerstone of Harriet's strategy.
Whether it's through a notebook, an app, or her favourite method - the Cash Envelope system - she believes that awareness is key and not to 'bleed money' that you can't see.
Harriet also recommends creating a mini emergency fund, even if it's just £100.
She warns that without it 'every emergency' like a flat tire 'can wipe out your entire budget.'
While she acknowledges that the journey to financial freedom isn't easy, Harriet reassures her audience that it's possible.
'I did it too,' she says with confidence.
Her video, which was shared on 9 June, has received 48.1k views and 51 comments.
One person wrote: 'This is such great advice.
'It's the only way to change your situation. It's really hard but possible.'
A second commented: 'In £5k of debt and paying off slowly, also paying myself £25 a week with the goal to make £5k whilst paying off my £5k.'
And a third said: 'Thank you Queen, The Zero Based Budget! Never heard of this before.'
How to shift your credit card debt quickly
By James Flanders, Consumer Reporter
UK Finance reports that we spend a whopping £2 billion a month using our credit cards.
While that little strip of plastic makes everyday spending easy peasy, it comes at a huge cost.
According to The Money Charity, the average credit card debt sits at £2,485 per household or £1,312 per adult.
And if you're stuck on a credit card with a high APR and only making the minimum repayments, you could be forking out hundreds of pounds extra in interest charges.
For example, if you owe £1,312 on your credit card and are charged 24.8% APR.
If you don't make any more transactions and pay £100 a month in repayments, you will pay off the card by September 2025 but at £207 in interest.
However, by hunting around for a better deal elsewhere and switching to a balance transfer credit card with a lengthy interest-free period, you can save yourself £162.
If the same person was accepted for a 28-month-long zero-interest credit card with a 3.4% balance transfer fee and made the same £100 repayments each month.
They would pay off the debt sooner, in July 2025, and only fork out £45 towards the 3.4% balance transfer fee.
Before taking out a new credit card or increasing the amount you borrow, it's vital to consider the consequences.
You should only borrow money if you can afford to pay it back.
It's always vital to ask yourself if you need to borrow before committing to a new credit card, personal loan or overdraft.
If you use a credit card, I'd recommend that you always pay off your balance in full at the end of each statement period.
Lenders have a responsibility to help customers who are in debt.
If you're in a debt crisis, your first point of call should be your lender.
They might help you out by offering you a reduced interest rate or a temporary payment holiday - so check in with your lender if you're struggling.