Prologue Part One: WTF? Who? Why?

Our mission states that we "seek to pilot projects that foster creativity and positivity". We have projects that explore passion and creative output and love and nerding out about what makes us happy - internet stuff! TMSDOTORG is very excited to announce a new series joining our site: One Hundred Thousand - One Couple's Journey out of Debt and into a Home. So, why exactly are we starting a project about money? Well it's actually pretty simple: it's not about money. It is about passion and creative output and love and nerding out about what makes us happy. This is not about money. This is not about politics. This is not about student loan debt reform (maybe a little). It's about creative solutions for following your passions. Confused? Let's try to clear it up. 

Huh?

Let's start here. WTF is "One Hundred Thousand"? Well, newlyweds Dylan and Keri are on a journey to repay college debt - not just a journey but a mission. We will follow them as they skimp and save to pay off all $100,000 in five years. Probably six years. Maybe seven and a half. No. Five years. It has to be five. Through a series of videos, interviews and written pieces they will share what they are learning in hopes of helping others in their same situation. What situation? Who are these idiots? WTF?

Simple Intro: Dylan and Keri met in college. They fell in love. Moved to Boston. Got married. Then looked at their credit scores and added up all of their debt and were shocked. Even though they have been making steady monthly payments for the past four years, they have barely made a dent in their college debt. From their combined student loans to Dylan's stupid college credit card they are in over $100,000. And being buried under $100k of debt is no way to start a life. Actually, sadly, it is the way now to start a life but they don't want that life. They want a home. They want a free life. But first they need to get rid of this debt. Like, now. I'm sure you're wondering 'Oh, so Dylan and Keri studied finance in college, huh? Or did they become accountants? Certainly they are qualified in some way to talk about finances, right?' Nope to all three - they are not experts - they are just two young adults in love and doing the best they can. Aside from those compelling qualifications they are also very determined to beat this. They want to be free of debt. And they are even willing to give up HD cable to do so.

Now, why are we using precious online real estate on this super depressing, incredibly self indulgent journey? The simple answer is because we can. A more lofty answer is because we should. At TMSDOTORG we like to share because sharing is caring. When Dylan came to me with this idea he told me about how he was looking online for student loan debt stories. He found some that were compelling but most of them didn't connect with him. Most were about people who went back to school at 40 or sold their boats and motorcycles to save money. Dylan and Keri don't have motorcycles. They barely have a car. See, I'm like Dylan in that I need to feel a connection, I mean we all do. I believe their story is universal: I need to improve the world around me. I want to be free of the things that oppress me. I want to live in a farmhouse. Amiright? 

So, wait. Huh?

Dylan and Keri will be sharing their stories of living modestly and putting everything they have towards this enormous debt. They will be learning about what is important, what is necessary, what is silly and working toward a debt free life. This is simply a documentation of the struggle of our generation. The Debts of Young America. We don't need to carry this with us. A lighter load is better for the soul. Simplify. Unify. Spotify every Andrew WK song. 

- Jeremy Allen, Executive Producer TMSDOTORG