Picture a life without debt. It’s peaceful, isn’t it?

Think about this for a moment:

No credit card bills that keep you up at night.
No student loans making your life harder.
No more worrying about whether the phone call is from a debt collector.

It feels peaceful, doesn’t it?

Being in debt doesn’t mean you’ve failed, to be honest. A lot of us have been there or are still there. The good news is? You don’t have to stay where you are.

You can get rid of debt and take back control of your life and money if you have the right attitude, a simple plan, and some willpower.

Let me explain this to you in the simplest way possible. There won’t be any confusing financial terms, just real steps you can take.

First, figure out why you are in debt.

It’s a good idea to stop and think about how you got here before we talk about solutions.

Debt often builds up because of:

Unplanned emergencies, like car repairs or medical bills
Living beyond our means means spending more than we make.
Credit cards with high interest rates that build up over time
Student loans that seem like they can’t be paid off

No matter what you’re going through, remember this: And yes, you can make this better.

Step 1: Learn Your Numbers (Even If It Scares You)

I understand—this is the hardest part. It can be hard to face debt head-on.

But you have to face it to get free.

✅ Write down all of your debts. Add:

The whole amount
The lowest amount you can pay each month
The rate of interest

You can use a simple notebook, a spreadsheet, or free apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget).

👉 If you see the whole picture, you can take charge instead of letting the debt control you.

Step 2: Make a Simple Budget

Don’t think of your budget as a punishment; think of it as a plan.

Think about this:
What do I absolutely need? (Rent, food, utilities, and transportation)
Where can I cut back for a while? (Going out to eat, subscriptions, and buying things on a whim)

The goal is to get as much extra money as you can so you can pay off your debt.

Over time, even small changes, like switching from a $5 coffee to one made at home, can add up to big wins.

Step 3: Choose between the snowball and the avalanche as your payoff method.

You may have heard of these two well-known ways to pay off debt. In simple terms, here’s how they work:

The Debt Snowball: No matter what the interest rate is, pay off your smallest debt first.
You add the payment for the debt you just paid off to the next smallest debt, like a snowball getting bigger.

👉 This is great if you need quick wins to keep you going.

The Debt Avalanche: Start with the debt that has the highest interest rate.
Once that’s gone, go to the next highest one, and so on.

👉 This will save you more money in the long run, but it may take longer to see results.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do either.
👉 Choose the one that helps you move forward.

Step 4: Make More Money (Even if It’s Just a Little)

Cutting costs is a good way to save money, but making more money can change everything.

Ways to make more money:

Freelancing (writing, designing, and teaching)
Selling things you don’t need anymore
Doing a part-time side job, like driving for a rideshare service or taking care of pets
Making money from your hobbies, like baking, crafting, or taking pictures

You might be able to pay off your debt faster than you think if you get an extra $100 a month.

Step 5: Stop the Cycle: For now, freeze your credit.

If you really want to get out of debt, think about: Putting your credit cards on ice (some people even freeze them in a block of ice!).
✅ Using cash or a debit card for everyday purchases
Avoiding deals that say “buy now, pay later”

The goal is to stop getting into more debt while you pay off the old ones.

It’s not forever; it’s just until you can take charge again.

Step 6: Celebrate Your Progress Along the Way

It takes time to pay off debt, and it’s easy to get frustrated or tired.

That’s why it’s important to celebrate small wins:

Did you pay off your first credit card? Have a party!
Did you get your first $1,000 in payments? Have fun!
Did you say “no” to an impulse buy? That’s a win as well.

These small things keep you going for the big picture.

Step 7: Imagine Your Future Without Debt

When you picture what life would be like without debt, that’s when the real magic happens:

✅ You could put money aside for a house or a dream trip.
✅ You could set up an emergency fund so you never have to worry about money again.
✅ You could put money into your future without worry.

Being free of debt isn’t just about the numbers; it’s also about having peace of mind, freedom, and options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Out of Debt

Q: Should I save money or pay off my debts first?
Try to do both. Set aside a small amount of money ($500 to $1,000) for emergencies so you don’t go back into debt for unexpected expenses. Then, work hard to pay off your high-interest debt.

Q: What if I’m drowning and can’t even make the minimum payments?
Get in touch with a credit counselor who works for a nonprofit. They can help you make a plan that works for you or get lower payments without making you feel bad or judging you.