[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||22px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
I realized I haven\u2019t shared my full story with you yet. It\u2019s deeply personal, but I hope it inspires those of you who may be going through financial struggles.<\/p>\n
After a messy and financially abusive divorce, I had to file for bankruptcy. But for me, it wasn\u2019t just about financial hardship\u2014it was about reclaiming my peace of mind. The journey from bankruptcy to building $200k in savings wasn\u2019t easy. It required discipline, sacrifice, and a lot of patience. However, I learned invaluable lessons that helped me regain control of my finances and achieve financial freedom.<\/p>\n
Here are the five key strategies<\/strong> that helped me go from bankruptcy to $200k in savings during my 7-year bankruptcy wait:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/How-To-Go-From-Bankruptcy-to-200k.jpg” title_text=”How-To-Go-From-Bankruptcy-to-200k” url=”instagram.com\/livingfreeofd” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n instagram @livingfreeofd<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n The first step in my journey from bankruptcy to $200k<\/strong> was making saving a top priority. Even when my financial situation seemed overwhelming, I found ways to set aside small amounts of money. Budgeting<\/a><\/strong> became my lifeline\u2014I tracked every penny that came in and allocated it intentionally. Saving doesn\u2019t have to be about setting aside large amounts; it\u2019s about consistency. Over time, those small savings added up, bringing me closer to my financial goals.<\/strong><\/p>\n Cutting back on unnecessary expenses was crucial in building my savings<\/a><\/strong>. During my journey from bankruptcy to $200k, I focused on reducing subscriptions, avoiding impulse shopping, and being mindful about every dollar spent. Thrift stores became my go-to for affordable purchases, and I only bought groceries on sale to make my money stretch further. These small sacrifices allowed me to save more, pushing me closer to financial stability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n One of the most impactful strategies in my journey from bankruptcy to $200k<\/strong> was increasing my income. I explored side hustles and negotiated raises at work to bring in extra money. Each time I received a raise, I saved the difference, continuing to live on my previous income. This strategy ensured I had more to save and invest, propelling me toward my financial goals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Budgeting was essential throughout this journey. I tracked every dollar<\/a><\/strong> and maintained a strict budget, ensuring I stayed in control of my finances. Even though I followed a strict budget, I didn\u2019t completely deprive myself. I still treated myself occasionally, like going out to eat once a month\u2014always with a coupon or during promotions. This balance allowed me to stay focused while still enjoying life\u2019s little pleasures, contributing to my success from bankruptcy to $200k<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rebuilding my credit<\/a> <\/strong>was a key part of regaining financial freedom. After bankruptcy, I carefully worked on paying off my credit card balances in full each month. Every 1.5 years, I applied for a new credit card to strengthen my credit score. I also regularly reviewed my credit reports to ensure all bankruptcy-related items were removed. This approach not only helped me rebuild my credit but also contributed to my overall financial health and stability.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/PsychologyofMoney.jpg” title_text=”PsychologyofMoney” url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/3A0Rhc3″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|20px||20px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/TheSimplePathtoWealth.jpg” title_text=”TheSimplePathtoWealth” url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/3A4qWK2″ url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|20px||20px|false|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/AtomicHabits.jpg” title_text=”AtomicHabits” url=”https:\/\/amzn.to\/40a3JRt” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|20px||20px|false|false” border_width_all=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n If there\u2019s one thing my journey from bankruptcy to $200k<\/strong> taught me, it\u2019s the importance of patience. I didn\u2019t travel for years and avoided unnecessary purchases. Staying committed to my long-term goals and being patient with the process was absolutely crucial to reaching this financial milestone. My family admires what I\u2019ve accomplished, but I always remind them it took a lot of sacrifices to get here.<\/p>\n Once I hit $100k, the next $25k came from investment gains. They say the first $100k is the hardest, and I can confirm that\u2019s true! But after reaching that point, my investments started working for me, accelerating my path from bankruptcy to $200k<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n My journey from bankruptcy to $200k<\/strong> was long and filled with challenges, but with discipline, determination, and patience, I was able to turn things around. Whether you\u2019re facing financial difficulties or simply looking to improve your savings habits, remember that with the right strategies and mindset, anything is possible.<\/p>\n If I can do it, so can you!<\/strong><\/p>\n Follow my journey and get daily financial tips and tricks on Instagram @livingfreeofd<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Photo by Katt Yukawa<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n Note: This page contains affiliate links. I earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.I only recommend products I genuinely love and use myself.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" My Journey from Bankruptcy to 200K I realized I haven\u2019t shared my full story with you yet. It\u2019s deeply personal, but I hope it inspires those of you who may be going through financial struggles. After a messy and financially abusive divorce, I had to file for bankruptcy. But for me, it wasn\u2019t just about […]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":242309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,52,51],"tags":[88,126,73,86,74,76,70,67,127,72,66,75,90,71,87,65,68,69,89],"class_list":["post-242294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-master-your-finances","category-money-management","category-personal-finance","tag-50-30-20-budget","tag-bankruptcy","tag-budget","tag-budget-by-paycheck","tag-budgeting","tag-budgeting-101","tag-credit-card-debt","tag-emergency-fund","tag-financial-abuse","tag-financial-freedom","tag-money-management","tag-money-strategies","tag-needs","tag-net-worth","tag-paycheck-budget","tag-personal-finance","tag-savings","tag-sinking-funds","tag-wants"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=242294"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":242312,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242294\/revisions\/242312"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/242309"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=242294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=242294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kellydeluca.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=242294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/h2>\n
01. Prioritize Saving<\/h2>\n
02. Reduce Spending<\/h2>\n
03. Increase Your Income<\/h2>\n
04. Budget Consistently<\/h2>\n
05. Build Credit Strategically<\/h2>\n
<\/h2>\n
Books I’ve read & recommend<\/em><\/h2>\n
<\/h3>\n
Patience is Key<\/span><\/h3>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n