I challenged myself in 2011 to pay off $90k of student debt in ten months.

I did it in seven.

I shared my pursuit of freedom with others for radical accountability.

The crazy adventure began with the first post and ended seven months and 87 posts later when I proclaimed victory and reflected on what the journey taught me about life, money, and freedom.

Read the Blog Here

People listened.

And lives began to change.

“I read an interview with you in U.S. News a couple of years ago. I had just graduated from Cambridge University and was in a similar position to where you started. Your story genuinely inspired me. Today I made the final payment on my student loans.

“I wanted to say thank you from sunny Cape Town, South Africa.”
Mark Burke
“Your story is inspiring and your situation and philosophy resonate with me. 
 
“I am going to begin a personal challenge of my own. My debt is higher and my income lower, so it will take me a little bit longer… but I am quite energized about the prospect of making this a challenge rather than a lifetime burden. I’ve already come to terms with returning to my natural hair color and painting my own nails :)”
B. Claw
“Inspired by your journey to tackle your student debt, I decided 10 months ago to follow suit and tackle my student debt.

“Words cannot begin to express my gratitude. You inspired me to tackle the dreaded S-word and for that I am forever indebted to you. I can’t wait to see where this journey continues to take me and look forward to every minute of it.”
K. Kim
“In October 2014, I had ~$178,000 in student loans. Today, I have 0 debt! Your blog really inspired me to take radical action.

“To make this happen, I sold expensive cars, sold all my stock holdings, allocated 95% of my paycheck to the debt, etc. 

“I really want to THANK YOU for sharing your story because you really helped to kindle my flame.”
Timmy W.
“Writing to say thanks. I first discovered your NMHD blog back in early 2012, right around my graduation from undergrad, and devoured every article. Your blog (both in content and in style) served as major motivation to crush the seemingly-insurmountable student loan debt I faced.

“Now that I’m back in school, and surrounded by people spending insane amounts via credit and debt, I’m all the more thankful for you sharing your perspective and experience.”
D. Daum

Here are some of the posts readers found most impactful.

In 2025, I left my job at Apple after 13 years. Now I help dads and families find financial freedom so they can focus on what matters most.

In August 2012, four months after paying off my student debt, I joined Apple and built my career there over the next 13 years.

However, when I realized the bond I’d built with my two-year-old daughter was already fragile, and that I might never even have the chance to build one with my nine-month-old son, I knew something had to change. So I left Apple to spend more time with my family and to help other dads find the same kind of financial freedom I discovered years ago.

This short video explains why I walked away and what I’m building next to help dads and families find financial freedom.

Join me for the next chapter at The DAD Plan.

Check Out The DAD Plan