5 Tips For Paying Off Debt

If you’re one of the many millions of Americans in debt over your head, you’re not alone.  More than a third of Americans find themselves with unmanageable bills. This can leave you feeling like you don’t know where to begin in order to fix it.  The good news is, it’s possible to get out from under debt if you know the right strategies.

Here are some of the most effective and expert-approved tactics to pay off your debt. 

Lower Your Bills

In order to be able to pay your debt as quickly as possible, you’ll need to pay off as much as you can in the shortest amount of time possible.  You’ll need more money on hand to do so. Therefore, try to limit your bills as much as possible so that you can instead put that money towards your debts.

Consider strategies like refinancing your home or downsizing to a smaller place.  Make efforts to lower your energy bill or purge memberships and services you don’t use anymore.  Try to shop used or discounted items only. Coming up with creative ways to save money may even become entertaining! 

Pay More Than The Minimum Due

Don’t make the mistake of paying only the minimum due on your credit cards.  It may seem convenient for now; however, over time, you’ll wind up spending a considerable amount more.  The faster you pay off your cards, the quicker you’ll be debt-free. 

Create a Strict Budget

The first step to having your money in control is knowing exactly where it’s going.  Creating a budget helps you stay in control of all the money that’s coming in and out of your account.  

Without a budget, it’s easy to find yourself overspending.  However, setting limits for yourself ensures that you aren’t spending your money frivolously. 

Pay Your Smallest Debts First

A lot of experts recommend paying off your biggest debts off first and working your way down.  However, studies show that people are more motivated to continue paying off their bills if they see them disappearing one by one. 

By paying off your smallest debts in full first, you’ll feel like you have less debt overall.  This is called the snowball method.  Each time that you pay off a smaller debt in full, you use the money towards your next bigger debt until that is paid off, eventually arriving at paying it all off one day.

You don’t have to be a slave to debt forever.  When your debt gets so out of control that it starts affecting every area of your life, then you may start to feel like there is no end in sight.  But, when you begin to feel the sinking feeling like there’s nowhere to turn, don’t lose hope. 

Stay consistent with these methods and praise yourself for your progress.  Over time, little by little, you can escape the pressure of debt and retake control of your finances.