Ep 32. We’re Debt Free! Money, Marriage, & Making our Final Student Loan Payment with Mazi Condelee
Show Summary:
In this very special episode of The Money Matters in OT Podcast, Mazi and I are pulling back the curtain on our journey to becoming debt-free. We started with $500,000 in student loan debt — $270k from my OT school and $230k from Mazi’s CRNA school. The moment we realized how much debt we had, it was overwhelming. It felt like we'd be making payments forever.
But step by step, through intentional choices, sacrifices, and mindset shifts, we did it. As of this month, we are officially debt free.
I’m sharing the details of how we tackled our massive debt, the ups and downs we faced, and the steps we took to stay on track despite the challenges. In this episode, you’ll hear exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how we kept moving forward even when it felt impossible.
There’s no magic wand or one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to student loan debt. This episode isn’t about providing a top-secret method for instant success, but rather, encouraging you to find the repayment plan that works for you. Whether you’re a student preparing for life after graduation, a new graduate wondering where to start, or someone in the thick of student loan payments, this episode will provide valuable encouragement.
Paying off student loan debt, regardless of the amount, is 90% mindset. You have to prioritize your loans, accept your situation, and keep moving forward one step at a time. The journey is different for everyone, and that’s okay.
I hope by sharing our story, you’ll feel inspired to tackle your own loans in a way that works for you. Most importantly, I want you to know that it’s possible — the tunnel may be long, but there’s definitely a light at the end.
In today’s show, we’re chatting about:
How Mazi’s background shaped his money philosophy and mindset
The exact moment we realized how much debt we were in and how it felt
How we created a repayment plan and the sacrifices we made to stick to it
The mindset shifts that kept us going, even when the finish line felt far away
Why there’s no “magic formula” for paying off student loans — and how to find your own path
How to stay motivated and break free from student loan debt, no matter how long it takes
Guest Bio:
Mazi Condelee is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and a Michigan native who graduated from Midwestern University in 2021. Alongside me, Mazi took on the challenge of paying off over $500,000 in student loan debt. Together, we made it happen through determination, smart financial choices, and teamwork. When he's not helping others in the healthcare field, Mazi enjoys playing golf, hiking, and staying active with Orange Theory.
Resources
Detailed Debt Payoff Post: Instagram
Join the new FB Group: Money Matters in Occupational Therapy
Get in touch
