How I Escaped Debt and Started Investing: A Real-Life Financial Turnaround

A few years ago, I was in a situation that felt impossible to escape. My monthly expenses kept climbing, but my salary remained stagnant. The workload kept growing—more job descriptions, more expectations—but without any raise in sight. On top of that, I was drowning in debt.

Yes, I had fallen into the trap that many people silently struggle with: taking loans to cover everyday needs, hoping things would get better next month. They never did.

And then COVID-19 hit.

The Breaking Point: When Bills Outweighed My Sanity

It was 2020 when things spiraled out of control. I had to admit to myself that I had no idea where my money was going. Bills, subscriptions, random spending—none of it was tracked. I was constantly stressed, mentally exhausted, and financially drained.

One day, I sat down and opened Excel. I listed everything: income, recurring bills, daily spending. It was painful to see how much I wasted every month, but it was also empowering. That was the turning point.

Starting Over with a Spreadsheet

Using a simple spreadsheet, I began to track every rupiah. It wasn't fancy—no finance apps or AI tools, just rows and columns. But it gave me clarity. And clarity gave me courage.

That same year, I started learning about investment. Everyone around me was talking about it: forex, crypto, gold. I figured, if I wanted to turn my financial life around, I needed to make money work for me too.

Entering the World of Trading—and Losing

My first experiences with investing were anything but glamorous. I went into gold trading with high hopes, buying when prices were low—only to watch them drop even further. I hit margin call after margin call.

That frustration taught me something critical: you can't invest with emotions. I was making decisions out of fear and greed, not logic or research.

So I stepped back. I began studying risk management and developed a strategy that matched my mindset and limitations—not someone else's.

Building Smarter Habits

Today, I still use that same Excel file. I’ve added sheets for investments, savings goals, and monthly reviews. I’ve started saving more, spending less, and making peace with the fact that getting rich quick is a myth. Building wealth is a process.

I still invest in crypto and gold, but only after careful analysis. I also diversify and set clear exit strategies. The goal now isn't to get rich overnight—it's to be financially secure long-term.

My Advice for Anyone Starting From Scratch

If you’re where I was—buried in bills, overworked, and unsure how to begin—start small. Here’s what helped me:

1. Track your spending. Use Excel, Google Sheets, a notebook—whatever works. Just be honest with yourself.

2. Avoid emotional decisions. Whether spending or investing, always pause before making big moves.

3. Don’t follow the crowd blindly. What works for others might not work for you.

4. Save first, spend later. Even if it’s just a small amount each month.

5. Invest in what you understand. Learn the basics before putting money on the line.

Most importantly: don’t be wasteful. Living simply is not a sign of failure—it’s a strategy for freedom.

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I’m still learning. I’m not a financial guru or a millionaire. But I’ve come a long way from where I was, and I believe you can too.

We don’t have to be perfect—we just have to be aware, intentional, and consistent.