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How I Paid Off Over $10,000 in Student Loans Using Side Hustles in Just 650 Days

How I Paid Off Over $10,000 in Student Loans Using Side Hustles in Just 650 Days
Posted By: Jason Butler on June 12, 2025


On August 18, 2023, I made a decision that would change my financial future: I refinanced my private (Sallie Mae) student loan.

At the time, I owed just over $10,000 with a 5.71% interest rate. I set a bold goal — to pay off this balance as quickly as possible.

I didn’t rely on a promotion or lottery ticket. I used side hustles.

The Power of Refinancing

Refinancing with SoFi gave me a more manageable structure with a clear payoff plan. My loan was originally scheduled to be paid off by August 2028. By refinancing, I not only got a fresh start with updated terms, but I also gained motivation — it was now on me to beat the schedule.

And that’s exactly what I did.

Learn more about SoFi here

How I Paid It Off in 650 Days

I made my first payment in August 2023, and as of May 29, 2025, my balance is officially $0.00. That’s $10,249.22 eliminated in just 650 days.

What made the difference? Side hustles.

While I work a full-time job, I’ve always been passionate about creating multiple income streams. I sold items online, ran niche blogs, monetized digital content, and took on freelance gigs.



Any extra income I made went straight to this loan.

I treated it like a challenge — every dollar from a hustle was a punch at my debt.

Why Side Hustles Matter

The truth is, many people feel stuck with student loans because their 9-5 income barely covers essentials. That’s why side hustles are so powerful. They give you breathing room, momentum, and options.

Each week, I share ideas, strategies, and real-life hustle stories in my Hustle of the Week newsletter. These are the exact kinds of ideas that helped me pay off this loan early — and they can help others do the same.

If you're tired of feeling trapped by debt or want to start making extra income, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just start small, stay consistent, and learn from others.

Subscribe to Hustle of the Week
If you're looking for practical side hustle ideas, tools, and motivation to help you on your journey, check out my newsletter — Hustle of the Week. Every Wednesday, I break down one hustle you can start or improve right away.

👉 Hustle of the Week

Paying off this loan wasn’t just about the money. It was about reclaiming freedom and proving that it could be done.

If I can do it, so can you.
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Arthur Greyson
Interdenominational Theological Center class of 2017
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Sunday, June 15th 2025 at 7:49PM
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