For people who are about to take out a loan, make sure there's a purpose or value in it, and that they're coming out on the other end of that loan with something that's valuable and practical and makes it worth it. That'll be what gets you to make your first payment, your second payment, and just it'll stay fresh in your mind that way.
You can follow Melissa’s journey and get more of her tips on living a debt-free live by following her on Instagram at Millennial in Debt.
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