I graduated with a smile, but I was buried in debt.

In 2009, I graduated with my MBA feeling proud

…and $101,000 of debt.

For two years, I made monthly payments, worked at a company I didn’t believe in, at a job I really didn’t like, and told myself everything was fine.

But by August 2011, I couldn’t take it anymore. So I set a bold goal: pay it all off in ten months instead of fifteen years.

I documented the entire journey — every sacrifice, side hustle, and mindset shift — on a blog called No More Harvard Debt.

Seven months later, I was debt-free, and I realized I now held the keys to financial freedom and could live life on my terms.

Read the blog that started it all.

The story began long before The DAD Plan. This is where it all started: one challenge, one goal, and one relentless drive toward freedom.

Go to the OG blog

Media Coverage & Recognition

A few major news outlets covered my story back in 2012, and over time, I heard from countless people who said it inspired them to pay off their debt.

Today, I’m not just an inspiration. I’m a coach.

I’ve codified the system that took me out of debt and into the news—and I’ll teach it to you.

The Wall Street Journal | May 17, 2012
Wiping out $90,000 in Student Loans in 7 Months

Economists are increasingly worried that many young Americans will spend coming years buried under student debt. Joe Mihalic was determined not to be one of them.

CNN Newsroom | June 3, 2012
Interview with Joe Mihalic

CNN Newsroom featured Joe Mihalic, who erased $90,000 in student loans within seven months by selling possessions, taking roommates, and prioritizing financial freedom over lifestyle.

Forbes | August 29, 2015
How One Millennial Paid Down $90k Grad School Debt In A Year

Harvard MBA graduate Joe Mihalic tackled nearly $100K in student debt by embracing extreme frugality—selling possessions, taking roommates, and blogging his journey to financial freedom in seven months.

US News & World Report | June 4, 2012
Paying Off Nearly Six Figures of Student Debt in Seven Months

U.S. News & World Report highlighted Joe Mihalic’s journey eliminating nearly $90,000 in student loans within seven months through aggressive cost-cutting, extra income, and disciplined financial focus.

HuffPost | May 16, 2012
How to Pay Off $90,000 Student Debt in 7 Months

HuffPost profiled Joe Mihalic, a Harvard MBA graduate who erased $90,000 of student debt in seven months through radical budgeting, side income, and a mindset shift toward financial freedom.

Poets & Quants | May 15, 2012
A Harvard MBA Pays Down $101K Of Debt

Poets & Quants profiled Joe Mihalic, a Harvard MBA who eliminated $90,000 of student debt in seven months through extreme frugality, side hustles, and relentless focus on financial freedom.

The Dave Ramsey Show | July 5, 2012
Interview with Joe Mihalic

Dave Ramsey featured Joe Mihalic, a Harvard MBA who paid off $90,000 in seven months by selling possessions, slashing expenses, and adopting an obsessive focus on financial freedom.

Yahoo! News | September 5, 2012
Should you pay off your student loans quickly?

Harvard MBA Joe Mihalic erased $90,000 of student debt in seven months by slashing expenses, renting rooms, and selling possessions. His No More Harvard Debt blog inspired readers to live simply and pursue financial freedom over appearances.

Notes from No More Harvard Debt Readers

  • A Thank You from Cape Town

    “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

  • From Overwhelmed to Energized

    “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 to Begin My Own Debt-Free Journey

    “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

  • A Reader’s Journey from $178K to Debt-Free

    “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.

  • Motivation That Lasted Beyond the Debt

    “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

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