One of my inspirations to start blogging came from Joe Palazzolo, an online friend of mine who I began corresponding with in 2002 because of our interest in pro wrestling. For much of that time, Joe has been an active blogger on a variety of subjects, with his personal journey on repaying his student loans having become his primary subject.
Yesterday, after seven years in the making, Joe blogged that that his entire $120, 603.31 of student loan debt is now fully paid off. Since being featured in a 2006 USA Today cover story pertaining to excessive student loan debt, Joe has chronicled his efforts to repay back such debts via his blog. He has narrated how exactly he’s been able to implement such an aggressive payback strategy while working as a full-time non-profit lender, a part-time adjunct professor, maintaining his own webdesign business, and as a regular volunteer — all while living within his means. His story is highly inspirational and uplifting.
Joe was kind enough to allow me to interview hin the fall of 2007 while working on a student loan story for my investigative journalism class.
Congratulations to my friend on such an enormous accomplishment. Joe certainly has a lot to be proud of and I wish him continued success in his new student loan free life!
1 Comment
Thanks for the kind words, Martin. I’m humbled to know that you found my story inspirational and uplifting. That means a lot to me.
I never set out to inspire other people – I just wanted to tell my story and let other people know that paying off excessive student loan debt can be done. Maybe everyone can’t repay their loans the same way that I did and I’m confident there are others out there who can and will do a better job than me, but one way or another it can be done.
I’m glad to know that you found something special in my story. And thanks for the shout out on your blog! Be well, my friend.