By Ryan
There I was—36 years old, married, and trying to make life work in sunny Las Vegas. On the surface, I looked like I had it all: a wife I adored, a growing YouTube channel with 20,000 subscribers who shared my love for Christian content, and a calling to inspire others. But behind closed doors, my wife and I were battling something that felt like a shadow we couldn’t shake—financial instability.
This story is about how I fell into the trap of a payday loan and how it almost cost me everything.
The Beginning of the Struggle
Like many families, my wife and I weren’t strangers to financial pressure. Between the rising cost of living, unexpected bills, and the challenge of growing my online business, it felt like we were constantly robbing Peter to pay Paul.
One particular month, we faced an overwhelming crisis: an unexpected car repair bill that couldn’t wait. Our savings account? Nearly drained. Credit cards? Maxed out. The clock was ticking, and I felt the crushing weight of wanting to be a provider but feeling powerless to meet the need.
The Payday Loan Temptation
In my desperation, I turned to Google: “quick cash loans.” The ads promising “Fast Approval!” and “Cash Today!” flooded my screen. One payday loan company caught my eye. They painted themselves as a lifeline for people like me.
I justified it to myself. It’s just $500, I thought. I’ll pay it back in two weeks, and everything will be fine. The process was almost too easy. Within an hour, I walked out of their office with cash in hand, feeling like I had dodged a bullet.
But I hadn’t dodged it. I’d only delayed it—and it was coming back with interest.
The Debt Spiral Begins
Two weeks came and went, but the $500 plus $75 in fees wasn’t as easy to repay as I’d hoped. My income streams hadn’t picked up as fast as I’d planned, and now my regular bills loomed even larger. The loan company offered a simple solution: roll it over.
“Just pay the $75 now, and you can extend the loan another two weeks.”
It seemed reasonable at the time. But that $75 didn’t disappear—it became a recurring expense. Two weeks turned into four, then six, and before I knew it, I’d paid over $300 in fees without even touching the original loan balance.
The Emotional and Spiritual Toll
As the debt snowballed, so did the stress. I started losing sleep, lying awake at night wondering how we’d make it to the next paycheck. My wife, ever supportive, tried to help me brainstorm solutions, but I could see the worry in her eyes.
Worse than the financial toll was the shame I felt. As a Christian, I believed God called me to be a good steward of my resources. Yet here I was, caught in a cycle of borrowing that only seemed to deepen our struggles. I prayed for wisdom and clarity, but every decision I made seemed to dig us deeper into the hole.
When It All Came Crashing Down
The breaking point came when the loan company called my job. Their friendly demeanor turned icy the moment I fell behind on payments. They left messages with my boss, which added public humiliation to my already fragile mental state.
That day, I sat in my car, holding the overdue notice in my hands, and felt utterly defeated. I realized the loan wasn’t just a financial problem—it was a spiritual one. I had been leaning on man-made solutions instead of fully trusting God to guide me.
Climbing Out of the Hole
With my wife’s encouragement, I finally admitted that we couldn’t do this alone. We sought financial counseling through a local church ministry, and they helped us create a plan to break free.
Here’s what we did:
- Cut the Loan at the Root
We stopped rolling over the loan and committed to paying it off entirely. It meant serious sacrifice—canceling subscriptions, selling unused items, and cutting back to the bare essentials—but it was worth it. - Build a Budget Aligned with Our Values
For the first time, we sat down and created a budget that reflected our goals and our faith. We prioritized giving, saving, and living within our means. - Develop Additional Income Streams
This was a game-changer. I leaned into the skills God gave me—communication and writing—to create digital products and services. I realized I could use my talent to help others while also providing for my family. - Seek Accountability and Prayer
We joined a small group focused on financial stewardship. Sharing our struggles with other believers reminded us that we weren’t alone and that God’s grace was sufficient even in our weakest moments.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, I see the payday loan for what it was: a band-aid solution that created more wounds than it healed. But through the pain, God revealed powerful lessons that transformed our financial and spiritual lives:
- Quick Fixes Rarely Fix Anything
Payday loans prey on desperation, but they don’t solve the root problem. True change requires discipline, patience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. - God Provides in Unexpected Ways
When we turned to Him, doors began to open—opportunities to earn extra income, unexpected gifts from loved ones, and even the simple provision of peace amidst the storm. - Community is Key
Shame thrives in isolation, but healing happens in community. Sharing our story with others not only lightened our burden but also encouraged others facing similar struggles. - Stewardship is a Journey
Managing money isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness. Each decision to spend, save, or give is an opportunity to honor God and trust His plan.
A Word to My Fellow Christians
If you’re reading this and feel like you’re drowning in debt or shame, know this: you are not alone. God sees you, loves you, and wants to walk with you through this valley. There’s no financial mistake too big for His grace to cover.
I also encourage you to be proactive. Don’t wait until things get worse. Seek help, create a plan, and surround yourself with people who will support and pray for you.
Where We Are Now
Today, my wife and I are still on our financial journey, but we’re stronger for it. The lessons we’ve learned have deepened our marriage, strengthened our faith, and renewed our sense of purpose.
I’ve also made it my mission to help others avoid the mistakes I made. Through my YouTube channel, I share practical tips for financial freedom and encourage others to pursue the abundant life God promises.
To anyone considering a payday loan, let me leave you with this: it’s not worth it. There are better options, and with faith and perseverance, you can overcome whatever challenge you’re facing.
Final Thoughts
My story isn’t unique. Millions of Americans fall into the payday loan trap every year, and the consequences can be devastating. But there is hope. With the right mindset, resources, and community, you can break free and build a financial life that honors God and blesses those around you.
If my story resonates with you, I invite you to take the first step today. Whether it’s seeking financial counseling, creating a budget, or simply reaching out to someone for prayer, know that you’re not walking this road alone.
Together, we can rewrite our stories and step into the abundant life God has for us.
Written with love and transparency,
Ryan