In Debt? Here’s How to Get Yourself Out

2020 has undoubtedly been a challenging year for many, and debt is something that we are all facing. Getting behind in just a few payments can quickly lead to a large downfall, which can be challenging to get out of.

However, there are ways to save yourself; it just requires some dedication and commitment. It may not be easy, but the more you learn, the more you can potentially save.

Below, we are going to discuss some of the best ways to get yourself out of debt and stay out.

Sound interesting?

Then let’s get started!

Assess your income

The very first step in overcoming your debt is to assess your overall income. By figuring out what you earn each week/month/year, you can determine how you got into debt in the first place and how you will resolve the issue. Don’t forget to include any other yearly income you will be expecting too, like bonuses, tax returns, etc.

For freelancers, this process can be a little harder, but still, try and give yourself a rough estimate. It will make a big difference when you move on to the other steps in this list.

Calculate your overall debt

Once you’ve got an idea of your income, then start looking into your existing debt. For example, if you have multiple areas, rent, car payments, loans, compile them together.

Then you have an exact amount of what you need to pay back, the expected interest, and how much you should start putting away each week. Using a simple spreadsheet in Excel or Word is a great way to achieve this. However, there are also some different templates online that you can use.

Seek professional help

Sometimes, we get into debt that is extensive and complicated. For these matters, it can be beneficial to seek professional help to go about the process as smoothly as possible.

Tax relief services and personal advisors can help get you back on track without making you overwhelmed about the entire process. It’s also a great way to make sure that you don’t miss any legal stuff. The last thing you want is to end up with further fines.

Create a budget and pay-off plan

If you struggle with managing your bills, and that’s why you got into debt, the best way to start making a difference is to create a strict budget. This is a planner that helps you know how much you can afford to spend.

It should include everything, from your living costs, groceries, and even a portion of spending money. By doing this, you can avoid overspending and divide up your income accordingly. Check out this budget-planner worksheet to get started.

Negotiate bills and interest rates

Sometimes, interest is what causes you to get further into debt. To get everything under further control, talk with your providers, and try your best to negotiate your bills.

By explaining your circumstance, you might be eligible for discounts or extensions. While this might not always work, they may be able to put you on some payment plan or organize a better interest rate.

Earn extra money 

Indeed, one of the most effective ways to get yourself out of debt is to earn more money. This can be done in various ways, from starting a side business, completing odd jobs, or even selling some items that you no longer need.

Check out these ways to make extra money if you are interested. From completing surveys or starting a blog, there are many different options available.

Change your shopping behaviors.

Shopping can undoubtedly be one of the best activities, but it can get you into trouble if you don’t have the money to spend. By becoming a “savvy-shopper,” you can still enjoy the experience without dipping too far into your bank account.

For example, try searching for sales, take advantage of coupons, and most importantly, learn when to say no. Check out these other tips to save money when shopping for more information. You would be amazed at the difference it can make.

Learn the difference between needs and wants

Needs are something that is required to live a comfortable life. Wants are something that you desire but are not necessary.

If you want to save money, it’s essential to learn the difference between the two to focus on the necessities rather than products and services that you don’t need. Yes, getting yourself a “want” every once in a while is great, but it’s important not to overdo it.

Pay off more than the minimum.

Have a bit of extra money this month? Instead of splurging on something, why not put it towards your debt payments. Remember, the quicker you pay everything off, the less interest you have to pay, and the more you can start saving. Even just an extra $20 here and there can add up.

Stick to all of the above

Finally, the most important thing you need to do to get yourself out of debt is try your best to stick to all of the above. It can certainly be easy to fall back into bad habits, but you need to remember its disadvantages and reflect on the hardships it has caused. It’s the only way to stop you from living off of another person’s money.

And that’s it! These were some different ways to get yourself out of debt. Remember, you should never be ashamed of yourself. Instead, focus on moving forward.

Once you’ve successfully achieved this, you can then move on to looking at ways to avoid it altogether.

Getting rid of credit cards, generating a second income, and managing your finances long-term are just a few ideas.

What do you think? Are there any other tips that you would recommend to others?