Are you tired of being held back by debt? I’m going to guess that you probably are.
Whether you’re dealing with student loans, credit card balances, or personal loans, debt can not only make you feel like it’s hard to move forward in life, but it can actually make it hard to move forward, too.
If you’re ready to free yourself from this financial burden, consider trying one of the following smart strategies to get out of debt fast.
Cut Back on Expenses
Reducing expenses is one of the best ways to eliminate debt because the results are immediate and can be significant. If you’re able to cut back on expenses, you can put every dollar saved toward paying off your debt.
However, you’ll need to calculate all your monthly expenses in a detailed budget in order to figure where you can cut back. Go through your purchases, bills, and other expenses from the previous month to figure out where every dollar goes.
Once you’ve created your detailed budget, start cutting back.
Some areas where people may find they can spend less money every month include:
Groceries and meals out: Try meal planning to reduce waste and cut back on restaurant meals.
Entertainment: Cancel your cable subscription and get an affordable video-streaming subscription instead.
Transportation: Walk, ride your bike, or take public transportation instead of driving.
Utility bills: Use energy-efficient lighting, a programmable thermostat, and weather-stripping to reduce energy costs. You can also shop for better insurance rates and cheaper cellphone plans.
DIY: Learn basic tasks such as cutting hair, mending clothes, and doing simple home repairs to save on added expenses.
Use the Snowball or Avalanche Method
The snowball and avalanche methods are two of the most popular strategies for paying down debt. Both can be effective, and the one you choose is up to your preferences.
Before you decide, make a list of all the debts you owe, including the total balance and interest rate for each one. Then, consider each of the following options:
Snowball Method: Pay the debt with the smallest balance first. Once the smallest is eliminated, apply the monthly payment from that debt to the next smallest debt.
Avalanche Method: Pay the debt with the highest interest rate first. Once the highest rate is eliminated, apply the monthly payment from that debt to the debt with the next highest interest rate.
As you eliminate your debts one by one, they’ll start to disappear faster since you can keep the total amount you’re paying the same.
Transfer Your Credit Card Balance
If high interest rates on your credit card are holding you back from debt repayment, consider transferring your balance to a new card.
The goal is to secure a lower interest rate. Ideally, you’ll be able to find a zero-interest introductory rate. With more of your money going toward your balance instead of added interest, your debt can disappear faster.
Be sure to look for the best balance transfer offers from credit card companies. Avoid using your new card for purchases and focus on paying down your debt as quickly as possible.
Make a plan and stick to it by using the above guide to fast debt-relief strategies.