Jul 31, 2025
So much is possible when you get intentional about your money. Chelsea Riffe’s journey is proof that you don’t have to wait to take action. You can make aligned, empowering financial choices right where you are, even if you’re halfway across the world.
After a whirlwind group trip left her deep in debt, Chelsea made a bold decision: get serious about her finances without putting her nomadic lifestyle on pause.
She chose destinations with lower costs of living, kept her rent under $1,000 per month, embraced co-living, cooked her meals, and created a simple, sustainable budgeting system that worked on the road.
Chelsea didn’t wait to become debt-free to live her dream life. Instead, she paid off over $10,000 in credit card debt while traveling full-time — proving that it’s possible to pursue financial freedom and explore the world at the same time.
This conversation is packed with practical takeaways and mindset shifts for anyone balancing debt, travel, and personal growth.
Read blog post: https://thoughtcard.com/chelsea-riffe-debt-pay-off/
Want to travel more and live free from debt?
🎧 Binge my Debt-Free Travel Stories Playlist and get inspired by real journeys, practical tips, and money-saving hacks for your own adventures!
Resources Mentioned
- I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (book)
- Money for Couples Podcast by Ramit Sethi
- Ally Bank - get $100 when you open a new bank account
- Coliving.com - find affordable coliving spaces in 70+ countries
- Outsite.co - find coliving spaces, community, and perks for remote workers
Connect With Chelsea Riffe
Website: chelseariffe.com
Podcast: In My Non-Expert Opinion
Instagram: @chelseariffe
Other Episodes You’ll Enjoy:
- Ways To Travel Without Getting into Debt - Episode 143
- How To Travel Debt-Free with Cinneah El-Amin - Episode 82
- Digital Nomad Lifestyle Pros and Cons with Tom Blake - Episode 84