106 Miles: What I Learned from Paying Off 6 Figures in Debt

The most unconventional debt-free celebration you’ve ever seen – and the 106 life-changing lessons learned along the way

When most people pay off their debt, they ring a bell on a radio show or maybe treat themselves to a nice dinner. Me? I decided to walk 106 miles with my parents to celebrate paying off $106,000 in debt – one mile for every thousand dollars me and Jesus conquered, alongside the people who cheered me on the most throughout the journey.

At every single mile marker along our journey on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Alabama and Tennessee, I stopped to take a photo with a quote representing the key themes, discoveries, and reminders that guided me throughout my debt payoff journey (and through those 106 miles!). These weren’t just random inspirational quotes – they were the actual truths, mindset shifts, and spiritual anchors that carried me through the hardest moments and biggest victories of my transformation. What started as a celebration became a powerful reflection on the real foundations that made financial freedom possible.

The Journey That Started It All

My debt-free story isn’t unique in its beginning – $106,000 in debt (student loans, car loan, credit cards, and more) that felt like a mountain I’d never climb. What changed everything was discovering a podcast in October 2017 that gave me hope for the first time. Suddenly, I could see a path forward instead of just an endless cycle of minimum payments.

The turning points came in waves: deciding to get serious about the debt, adopting a plan that actually worked, finding ways to increase my income, and most importantly, realizing this wasn’t just about money – it was about freedom, purpose, and becoming the person I was meant to be.

Three and a half years later, I made that final payment. And towards the end of our 106-mile celebration walk, I got to do something I’d dreamed about (and practiced!) for years – my debt-free scream on The Ramsey Show:

But instead of just celebrating the end of debt, I wanted to honor the journey itself. That’s when the idea struck: walk 106 miles, one for every thousand paid off, and capture the wisdom gained along the way. (Of course, the best ideas come last minute, in this case on the airplane, and so the night before we started our walk I was grabbing cardstock and those big fat markers from the local Walmart, and every night and lunch break I was hustling to write the next few quotes!)

106 Miles, 106 Lessons

What follows are the 106 quotes I carried with me during those miles – some from books that changed my thinking, some from mentors who guided me, some from Scripture that anchored my faith, and some from my own heart as I processed this life-changing journey. Each one represents a truth I discovered about money, life, and what it really means to be free.

Mile 1: “You win when you show up.” – @DebtFreeJoy

If you’re going on a hike, if you can make it to the trailhead with your hiking shoes, you’re going to do the hike. Half the battle is showing up. The same is true with your side hustle, your budget meeting, your coaching session. If you can show up, the rest will follow.

Mile 2: “The truth comes out after mile 2.” – Mary Hunt

When we used to take our Mpact Girls Clubs on hikes, my sister would say “the truth comes out after mile 2.” Spend enough time going through a challenge or an adventure with someone, and they’ll start to share their heart. Go on a journey with someone – literally or figuratively – and you’ll truly learn who they are, and who you are.

Mile 3: “You have to submit to someone else’s plan.”

Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps worked because I finally admitted my way wasn’t working and submitted to a proven system.

Mile 4: “Who is your battle buddy?”

Financial transformation isn’t a solo journey. You need someone in your corner, cheering you on when motivation fails.

Mile 5: “Stop to make adjustments along the way.”

If you’ve ever been on a hike, you’ve probably had to stop and retie your shoes, adjust your socks or your backpack a few minutes into the hike. You won’t be able to fine-tune your process or your gear until you get moving.

Mile 6: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” – US Navy Seals

Rushing leads to mistakes. Steady, consistent progress gets you to your destination faster than frantic sprints.

Mile 7: “Put on your own oxygen mask first.”

If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you’ve heard this one. You can’t help others financially until you’ve secured your own foundation. Self-care isn’t selfish – it’s strategic.

Mile 8: “‘No’ is a complete sentence.”

Learning to say no to spending, to social pressure, to keeping up appearances – this two-letter word is incredibly powerful.

Mile 9: “Celebrate every win.”

Progress deserves recognition. Every debt paid off, every budget month completed, every small victory matters. Celebrating the wins cultivates gratitude and helps you stay motivated.

Mile 10: “Me + Jesus are in charge of my life.” – DebtFreeJoy

My freedom journey started a few months before getting on the Baby Steps and kicking my debt payoff into gear. Struggling with anxiety and feeling like life was on a path to self-destruct, I decided I wouldn’t cower to past failures anymore. I decided Me + Jesus are in charge of my life – not my job or my coworkers, not my past decisions, not people who had hurt me in the past, not people who had opinions. And I took action: I found a great Christian counselor to help make that statement my new reality.

Mile 11: “Set big crazy goals.”

Small goals are important to make incremental progress (see #12), but small goals on their own produce small results. Sometimes you need an audacious target to unlock extraordinary effort.

Mile 12: “Set small goals…and DESTROY them.”

Balance big vision with small, achievable milestones. Charge after those small goals like a maniac. Momentum builds through consistent small wins.

Mile 13: “You can’t FAIL if you don’t QUIT.” – Michael Hyatt

Persistence trumps perfection. The only way to truly fail is to stop trying entirely. As long as you keep getting back up, you can’t fail.

Mile 14: “It’s not about where you start; it’s about where you’re going.” – Gunny Parker

When I started Navy ROTC training in college, I showed up to our orientation (think “mini boot camp” and could only do 3 situps. 3! By the end of the week I could do 10, and a few months later I could do enough to pass the PRT. And our drill instructor told me, “Hunt, it’s not about where you start, it’s about where you’re going.”

Mile 15: “Hike your own hike.”

In the hiking community, HYOH (Hike Your Own Hike) means that you should choose your own pace, gear, and style, and hike for your own fulfillment, not for validation from others. Your financial journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Comparison steals joy and derails progress. (HYOH also means mind your own business!)

Mile 16: “More is caught than taught.”

When you start paying off debt, some people will think you’re crazy. And you’ll also be fired up to see other lives changed around you. But you’ll find that people aren’t ready to receive your advice. Don’t worry! People learn more from watching what you do than hearing what you say. When they are ready, they’ll know who to ask about life, love, and paying off debt – and you’ll get to be the one that inspires a change in their lives.

Mile 17: “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

It’s okay that you’re not strong enough to do this. You’re not supposed to do it on your own strength.

Mile 18: “Be weird.” – Dave Ramsey

Normal is broke. Paying off debt is weird. The lifestyle choices you will make to pay off debt are weird. Embrace being different to become financially free.

Mile 19: “Extreme Ownership.”

Taking complete responsibility for your financial situation is the first step toward changing it.

Mile 20: “Hunts do hard things.”

This is our unofficial family motto!

Mile 21: “I came so that they could have life – indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.” – John 10:10

Jesus wants you to live abundantly, not just survive. If you are drowning in debt, chances are you aren’t living life to the fullest. (Full of stress, maybe!) And for me, living life to the fullest didn’t start when I paid off the last student loan…it started pretty early on in the process of paying off debt, as I started to experience financial peace from walking in God’s plan and working a process that actually worked.

Mile 22: “The plans of the diligent end up in profit, but those who hurry end up with loss.” – Proverbs 21:5

Slow and steady wins the race. Get-rich-quick schemes fail, but consistent effort compounds.

Mile 23: “Here comes a comeback.” – Danny Gokey

Setbacks are setups for comebacks. Your story isn’t over yet.

Mile 24: “More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23

What you think about becomes your reality. Guard your mental input carefully.

Mile 25: “Mind your business (your mind).” – AO

What you think about matters. Guard your mental space like the valuable real estate it is.

Mile 26: “Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25

Generosity creates abundance. The more you give, the more you receive.

Mile 27: “Fools see their own ways as right, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

Pride keeps you broke. Humility opens the door to wisdom and growth.

Mile 28: “The tortoise always wins.” – Dave Ramsey

Consistency beats intensity. Slow, steady progress trumps sporadic bursts of effort.

Mile 29: “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20

God’s plans for your life exceed your wildest dreams. Trust the process, and remember who the credit goes to when you hit a milestone or win a battle.

Mile 30: “God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes.” – Philippians 2:13

Desire and ability both come from God. He gives you the want-to and the how-to.

Mile 31: “When you fall, get back up.”

Failure isn’t final unless you stay down. Resilience is more important than perfection.

Mile 32: “People > Things”

Relationships matter more than possessions. Invest in people. It doesn’t even have to cost any money!

Mile 33: “Take the next best step.”

When the path isn’t clear, just take the next logical step. Progress happens one decision at a time.

Mile 34: “If you want to know God’s direction for your life, go finish the last thing he told you to do.” – Papa

Something my grandfather always says. Obedience in small things qualifies you for bigger assignments. Finish what God told you to do first.

Mile 35: “Create intentional margin.”

Breathing room in your budget and your calendar creates peace in your life. Margin prevents crisis.

Mile 36: “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” – John 8:36

True freedom comes from Christ. Spiritual freedom enables financial freedom. And if I’m not living out freedom in every area of my life, I’m not making full claim to my inheritance as a Jesus follower.

Mile 37: “Get more sleep. Tired brains make bad decisions.”

Financial discipline requires mental clarity. Rest isn’t laziness – it’s wisdom.

Mile 38: “I choose JOY.”

Happiness is a choice, not a circumstance. Joy comes from progress, not perfection.

Mile 39: “Pay a price to win.” – Dave Ramsey

Success costs something. Are you willing to pay the price that others won’t?

Mile 40: “Live like no one else, so you can live, and give, like no one else.” – Dave Ramsey

Short-term sacrifice enables long-term generosity. Today’s discipline funds tomorrow’s dreams.

Mile 41: “Whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

Faithfulness in small things qualifies you for bigger opportunities. Stewardship matters. I literally watched this verse play out in my financial journey as I started to be obedient to biblical money principles.

Mile 42: “If you think you can’t or you think you can, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Your mindset determines your outcome. Check your language to yourself; your words matter. If you keep saying “I can’t do X,” you’ll never get there!

Mile 43: “Yes, he did, so yes, he can!” – Cain

God’s past faithfulness guarantees His future provision. He’s done it before, He’ll do it again.

Mile 44: “All my hope is in Jesus. Thank God, yesterday’s gone!” – Crowder

Past mistakes don’t define future possibilities. Every day is a fresh start.

Mile 45: “Sharing takes away the shame.”

Secrecy feeds shame, but transparency breeds healing. Share your story. Sharing was the catalyst for my debt-free journey and so many others.

Mile 46: “Go the extra mile.”

Excellence sets you apart. Do more than expected, become more than ordinary. Walk one more mile, make one more call, put one more dollar towards paying off debt.

Mile 47: “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, you should do it all for God’s glory.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Every action, including financial decisions, can honor God. Make Him proud.

Mile 48: “You were made for more.”

Your current circumstances aren’t your final destination. You were created in God’s image, and you were created with purpose! You have untapped potential. Quit living in the shadows of the past.

Mile 49: “The breastplate of righteousness (from the Armor of God in Ephesians 6:14) means you guard your heart with right living.”

We think we need to guard ourselves by putting up walls (or even with that emergency credit card), but wise choices are God’s design to protect our hearts.

Mile 50: “Courage = Faith + Grit.”

My friend and fellow author Susan K. Beatty writes powerful stories of courageous women. She defines courage as “the intersection of faith and grit.” Faith gives you confidence, grit gives you staying power.

Mile 51: “You are one step away from a new life.”

Transformation can happen in an instant. Your next decision could change everything.

Mile 52: “Commit your plans to the Lord, and they will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3

Success comes when your plans align with God’s purposes. Seek His blessing on your goals, and align your heart to his heart.

Mile 53: “The cross has made you flawless.” – MercyMe

Jesus’ sacrifice covers your mistakes. So quit living in them!

Mile 54: “Produce fruit that shows you have changed your hearts and lives.” – Luke 3:8

Real change shows up in your actions. Let your behavior reflect your transformation.

Mile 55: “Create a clean heart for me, God; put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!” – Psalm 51:10

If you want lasting change, ask God to transform your heart.

Mile 56: “The wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

Wisdom comes through teachability. Stay humble, stay learning.

Mile 57: “Burn the ships (or cut up the credit cards).”

Sometimes you need to eliminate the option to retreat. Destroy escape routes to ensure victory.

Mile 58: “Never, ever give up.”

Quitters never know how close they were to breakthrough.

Mile 59: “Hope is just around the corner.”

When you can’t see the light, keep walking. Relief is closer than it appears.

Mile 60: “Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” – The Hunger Games

Choose hope over fear. Hope makes the evil one quake in his boots. He’ll try to steal your hope because he know it can keep you going! Don’t let your hope get squashed.

Mile 61: “Do, or do not. There is no ‘try.'” – Master Yoda

Decide what you’re going to do and how you’re going to live, and then just go do it. The language you use matters. If your language is unsure, your victory will be unsure.

Mile 62: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart for the Lord and not for people.” – Colossians 3:23

Work as if God is your boss – because He is. Excellence honors Him.

Mile 63: “Ask for help.”

Some of the best decisions I have made? Talking to a therapist. Finding a mentor. Asking someone to train with me or hold me accountable.

Mile 64: “By his wounds you were healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

Healing is available for every hurt.

Mile 65: “Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

God can help you carry all those burdens. He’s got this! Let him help.

Mile 66: “Don’t you realize that God’s kindness is supposed to lead you to change your heart and life?” – Romans 2:4

When God gives you grace or an unexpected blessing, celebrate with gratitude – but then let that propel you towards a new life.

Mile 67: “Focus your eyes straight ahead; keep your gaze on what is in front of you.” – Proverbs 4:25

Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay focused – remember your “why.”

Mile 68: “He has sent me to bring good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release for captives, and liberation for prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1

God specializes in setting captives free. Debt is bondage, but freedom is waiting for you.

Mile 69: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” – Isaiah 40:30

When your strength fails, God’s doesn’t. He renews those who trust Him.

Mile 70: “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

God’s strength enables supernatural endurance. You can go farther than you think.

Mile 71: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37

Your impossible situation is God’s specialty. Nothing is too hard for Him.

Mile 72: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” – Philippians 1:6

God finishes what He starts. Trust Him to complete your transformation.

Mile 73: “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” – Psalm 32:11

Joy is your birthright as a believer. Celebrate what God has done. Praise will get you through every season.

Mile 74: “Testing of your faith → Endurance → Maturity.” – James 1:2-4

Trials produce character. Hard times develop strength and wisdom.

Mile 75: “And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

Persistence pays off. Keep doing the right things and harvest will come.

Mile 76: “Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no.” – Matthew 5:37

Integrity means keeping your word. Say what you mean, mean what you say. Don’t be afraid to say “no” so that you can keep your word. And make sure to keep your word to yourself, too!

Mile 77: “And yes, you want truth in the most hidden places; you teach me wisdom in the most secret space.” – Psalm 51:6

God cares about your private thoughts and motivations. Inner transformation matters most.

Mile 78: “Make the work of our hands last!” – Psalm 90:17

Build something that endures. Let your efforts create lasting value.

Mile 79: “I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2

When challenges seem mountainous, look to God for help. He’s bigger than any obstacle.

Mile 80: “God won’t let your foot slip. Your protector won’t fall asleep on the job.” – Psalm 121:3

God watches over you constantly. His protection never fails.

Mile 81: “Unless it is the Lord who builds the house, the builders’ work is pointless.”

Success requires God’s blessing. Include Him in your plans. More than that, lean into your relationship with God so that your plans match His.

Mile 82: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

Gratitude transforms your perspective. Count your blessings regularly.

Mile 83: “Get wisdom! Get understanding before anything else.” – Proverbs 4:7

Wisdom is life’s greatest treasure. Pursue it above wealth or status.

Mile 84: “Those who acquire good sense love themselves; those who keep understanding find success.” – Proverbs 19:8

Wisdom benefits you first, then others. Invest in your own understanding. It’s the ultimate in self-care.

Mile 85: “Any hope based on money perishes.” – Proverbs 11:7

Money makes a terrible master but a wonderful servant. Don’t worship wealth.

Mile 86: “Those who love discipline love knowledge, and those who hate correction are stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1

Embrace feedback and correction. They’re gifts that accelerate growth.

Mile 87: “A slacker goes hungry.” – Proverbs 19:15

Hard work feeds success. Seriously, get ready to work really, really hard.

Mile 88: “Freedom reigns in the house of the Lord.” – Art Aguilera

If you’re in God’s family and you’re NOT living in freedom, it’s time to do some examination. What area do you need to turn over to God?

Mile 89: “I have learned how to be content in every circumstance.” – Philippians 4:11

Contentment is a superpower. It frees you from the tyranny of comparison and hurry.

Mile 90: “Christ has set us free for freedom. Therefore stand firm and don’t submit to the bondage of slavery again.” – Galatians 5:1

Freedom requires vigilance. Don’t go back to the things that once held you captive!

Mile 91: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

You’re God’s masterpiece with a divine purpose. Your life has meaning, and our world needs YOU to do what God has created you to do.

Mile 92: “I went to the enemy’s camp, and I took back what he stole from me.” – Brownsville Revival

Fight for your freedom. If Satan has stolen your peace or your joy, it’s time to take action to take it back. And that action starts on your knees in prayer.

Mile 93: “Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Eliminate everything that distracts us from Jesus and from what he’s set in front of us to do. Travel light, run fast.

Mile 94: “I want to see you be brave!” – Sara Bareilles

Courage is contagious. Your bravery inspires others to take risks.

Mile 95: “Am I going to trust God or a credit card?”

If God’s Word says that debt is foolish, and I’m leaning on an “emergency” credit card, I’m not trusting God.

Mile 96: “You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a spirit that shows you are adopted as His children.” – Romans 8:15

You’re not a slave – Stop living in fear, and start handling your problems like a child of the King.

Mile 97: “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Even financial struggles serve a purpose. God wastes nothing in your story.

Mile 98: “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” – Romans 12:2

Think differently than the culture around you. Let truth transform your thinking.

Mile 99: “Be the best at showing honor to each other.” – Romans 12:10

Relationships matter more than riches. Honor people above profit.

Mile 100: “So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.” – Romans 14:19

Peace and unity should guide your decisions. Build bridges, not walls.

Mile 101: “God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world.” – Ephesians 1:4

Your identity was secured before you were born. You’re chosen, loved, valuable.

Mile 102: “God is rich in mercy!” – Ephesians 2:4

When you fail, mercy is available. God’s compassion never runs out.

Mile 103: “We aren’t fighting against human enemies.” – Ephesians 6:12

The real battle is spiritual. If you’re trying to win this one with just physical weapons, you’re in trouble. It’s time to put on your spiritual armor. And when you get frustrated with people along your journey, remember that they are not the enemy.

Mile 104: “Don’t participate in the unfruitful actions of darkness. Instead, you should reveal the truth about them.” – Ephesians 5:11

Expose lies with truth. Share your story to help others find freedom.

Mile 105: “Become the example.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

Leadership isn’t about setting a perfect example. It’s about modeling a work in progress.

Mile 106: “This is what freedom looks like.” – Brandon Lake

Freedom isn’t just the absence of debt or the presence of an emergency fund – it’s intentional choices, peace, purpose, and the joy of the Lord. Freedom looks like praising God with joy for who he is and all he has done.

What This Journey Taught Me

These 106 miles and 106 lessons represent more than just a debt-free celebration – they’re a roadmap for anyone who wants to transform their relationship with money. The journey from $106,000 in debt to complete financial freedom isn’t just about budgets and spreadsheets. It’s about:

Identity transformation: Moving from victim to victor, from spender to saver, from slave to free
Mindset shifts: Changing how you think about money, debt, success, and what really matters
Spiritual growth: Recognizing that true security comes from God, not credit limits or bank accounts
Character development: Building the discipline, patience, and wisdom needed for lasting change
Purpose discovery: Understanding that financial freedom isn’t the goal – it’s the tool that helps you fulfill your calling

Every mile reminded me that this journey was about so much more than money. It was about becoming the person God created me to be, free from the bondage of debt and empowered to live generously.

Your Journey Starts with One Step

Maybe you’re looking at your own financial mountain right now, wondering if freedom is really possible. Maybe you’ve tried before and failed, or maybe you’re just starting to dream about a different kind of life.

Here’s what I want you to know: if I can walk 106 miles to celebrate paying off $106,000 in debt, you can take the first step toward your own freedom story. It doesn’t matter how big your mountain looks – what matters is that you start climbing.

The lessons from these 106 miles aren’t just my story – they’re universal truths that can guide anyone toward financial freedom. But reading about transformation isn’t enough. You need a plan, a system, and the tools to turn inspiration into action.

That’s exactly what I’ve created for you in my DebtFreeJoy Financial Goals Workbook. This isn’t just another goal-setting exercise – it’s the same step-by-step system that helped me stay focused and motivated throughout my entire debt-free journey.

Inside, you’ll discover: