The short answer: Dave and Michelle earned a high income but spent four years with another budget provider while $100,000 of debt barely moved. Within two years of working with us, they’re debt-free and saving over $1,000 a week towards their forever home.
✅ Debt cleared: over $100,000 of consumer debt.
✅ Time with us: two years.
✅ Savings: from around $50 a week to over $1,000 a week.
✅ Car loan: a 5-year loan paid off in 9 months.
✅ No car loans, personal loans, credit cards or AfterPay.
✅ Next goal: building their forever home.
Why Were Dave & Michelle Done With Their Last Budget Provider?
Because after four years, nothing had changed. When Dave and Michelle first walked through our door, they were done with false promises, done with sleek apps that delivered nothing, and done with feeling like failures despite earning a high income.
Their previous provider offered smooth-talking support and a polished system. Bills got paid and there was the occasional “fun money.” But the $100,000 debt barely moved, and home ownership stayed out of reach.
They were barely saving $50 a week, if they managed to save at all. Most months it disappeared before it had a chance to grow. Despite the high income, they were living week to week. Sound familiar? See Jo & Ryan’s story of going from paycheck stress to financial success.
Why Did It Take A Year To Pick Up The Phone?
Because their trust was shattered. A broker who believed in what we do passed Dave and Michelle our details, and they held onto that referral for a whole year, wanting to reach out but too scared to hope again.
When they finally sat down with us for a first discovery session, their hope was barely flickering. But they showed up, nervous, cautious and ready to try one more time.
If another service has left you feeling the same way, read Has Another Budgeting Service Left A Bad Taste In Your Mouth?
What Did Dave & Michelle Do In The First Three Months?
They stopped outsourcing their future and started owning their outcomes. We welcomed them into our 3-month program, and the first few weeks were raw, gritty and full of honest conversations and confronting truths.
We looked at real numbers, not hopes or guesses. We began closing down old systems that weren’t serving them, redirecting income and reshaping priorities. Together, we rebuilt their financial world from the ground up.
By the end of three months, they were saving $200 a week consistently. Genuine savings that stayed put.
How Do You Pay Off $100,000 Of Debt?
With a clear, prioritised plan, followed consistently. We built Dave and Michelle a debt strategy with nine clear priorities, snowballing smartly and consolidating wisely, and a plan that felt achievable.
For the first time in four years, they were making confident decisions about their money. When the 3 months ended, they chose to keep going with us, and over the following 12 months we watched more debt go, more savings build and more life get lived.
Debt-clearing works the same way whatever the starting point. See how Daren and Angela lifted their credit score from 436 to 800 in 11 months, or Greta and Jason’s story of becoming debt and mortgage free in their 40’s.
Can A Budget Survive Setbacks Like A Car Accident?
Yes, if it’s built for real life. There were setbacks along the way, including a car accident that could have derailed everything. But this time Dave and Michelle were prepared, and their custom budget plan was their anchor.
When they replaced their car with a brand-new model, they paid it off in just 9 months. A loan that was meant to last 5 years was gone in less than one. That’s what happens when strategy meets momentum.
Where Are Dave & Michelle Now?
Debt-free. Two years into their journey with Your Budget Mates:
✅ Over $100,000 of consumer debt cleared.
✅ No car loans.
✅ No personal loans.
✅ No credit cards.
✅ No AfterPay.
✅ No stress.
And they now save over $1,000 a week towards home ownership. That’s not a typo. It’s the result of steady progress, relentless commitment and a plan that finally worked. Dave and Michelle are no longer just dreaming of their forever home. They’re preparing to build it.
Thinking about the same goal? Explore more in our other articles Exit The Rental Market With A Real Plan and Are You Truly Ready For Home Ownership?
Why Don’t Apps And Automation Fix Money Problems?
Because apps show you numbers, but they don’t change the decisions behind them. In our monthly accountability calls, Dave and Michelle are engaged, proactive and lit up about their future. Their confidence has soared. That comes from human connection, not automation.
Learn more about what a budget coach is and whether you need one, or read why you should never set-and-forget your cashflow.
In Their Own Words:
Michelle’s review:
“My husband and I were with another popular company to work on our budget. They taught us absolutely NOTHING! We really just paid them to pay our debts over a long period of time. When we connected with Andrew and Alyssa in a very short period of time we have thousands I’m our savings and have almost paid off all of our debt. That’s within 15 months of working with them. If you want financial freedom, support and great sounding boards give Andrew and Alyssa a call. You’ll be better for it!”
Aaron’s review (the broker who referred them):
“I referred one of my clients to Your Budget Mates three years ago, and the results have been nothing short of incredible. Before working with Your Budget Mates, these clients were with a well-advertised budgeting firm but were spiralling in the wrong direction. The team at Your Budget Mates stepped in, turned things around, and helped them regain control of their finances. Thanks to their expertise and personalized approach, my clients have paid off over $100,000 in debt and are now on track to home ownership. I highly recommend Your Budget Mates to anyone seeking real financial solutions!”
What’s NOT Budgeting Costing You?
If you’re reading this and thinking “what a great result”, ask yourself the question we asked Dave and Michelle. Do you know where your money is going each month, even on a high income?
When debt no longer defines you, your whole life opens up. Book your complimentary discovery meeting this week and let’s build your plan together. For more stories like this one, see all our client success stories.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you be on a high income and still be stuck in debt? Yes. Dave and Michelle earned a high income but were living week to week, with a $100,000 debt that barely moved in four years. A high income doesn’t fix a budget with no structure behind it.
How do you pay off $100,000 of debt? With a clear, prioritised plan and consistent action. Dave and Michelle cleared over $100,000 of consumer debt in two years with a nine-priority strategy that snowballed and consolidated wisely. Results depend on your situation.
How much can you save once you’re debt-free? It depends on your income and goals. Dave and Michelle went from barely saving $50 a week to $200 a week after three months, and now save over $1,000 a week towards home ownership.
What happens if something unexpected happens, like a car accident? A budget built around your real numbers can absorb it. Dave and Michelle had a car accident during their journey, but with their custom budget plan as their anchor, they stayed on track.
Why didn’t their previous budget provider work? Dave and Michelle spent four years with another provider and saw their debt barely move. What changed with us was looking at real numbers, closing old systems, redirecting income and building a plan they owned.
What’s the difference between a budget coach and a financial advisor? A budget coach works with you on your day-to-day money so the habits change, while an advisor focuses on investments and strategy. Read budget coaching vs a financial advisor for the full breakdown.
And a final thank you to Aaron Vogt of Preferred Finance, who believed in what we do and passed Dave and Michelle our details. Referrals like this mean the world to us, and we’re grateful for your support. Thanks Aaron! 🙏
This article is general information only, not financial advice. These results are Dave and Michelle’s, and yours will depend on your situation.