Optimal Finance Daily · Sunday, August 16, 2026
Jen Hayes recounts a difficult 26th year marked by financial distress, an unfulfilling job, and personal struggles. By age 27, she had transformed her life through a whole food plant-based diet, a new job, and a three-year plan to pay off student loans.
“My 26th birthday was the worst birthday ever. Why? Because my life was a complete mess.”
“I lost 35 pounds by adopting a whole food plant-based diet and exercising daily. I have an interesting, challenging job that I truly enjoy.”
“Having a job that pays better is helping with my financial situation, and my husband and I now have a plan to pay our loans off in three years instead of 10.”