You've set ambitious financial goals, honed your financial literacy, and diligently followed a spending plan. Yet, that lingering debt is standing between you and your dreams. Debt can be a necessary tool that allows us to accomplish major dreams like getting a university education, starting a business, funding our first car, or purchasing a home. However, some consumer debts, like credit cards and personal loans, are sometimes the result of poor financial discipline and planning.
If you’re struggling with lingering debt and want to know how to get out of debt quickly so you can move on to bigger and better things, I've got you covered! In this blog post, I share 5 practical and creative strategies to help you break free from the shackles of debt and move toward a brighter financial future.
5 Simple Strategies to Crush Your Debt
Use these creative ways to pay off debt to unlock financial freedom:
1.Complete a no-spend challenge.
2.Use the debt snowflake method.
3.Pick up a short-term side hustle.
4.Consolidate your debt.
5.Increase your monthly payment.
Below I will explain each strategy:
1. Complete a No-Spend Challenge:
For those who enjoy a bit of competition, a no-spend challenge can turn the debt payoff journey into a fun and eye-opening experience. The idea of a no-spend challenge is to be laser-focused on not spending money on non-essential categories for a specific amount of time (a common challenge length is one month however I would recommend doing it for longer). You can use your surplus of funds at the end of the time period to pay down your debt.
For example, for October, you would only spend money on what is absolutely essential (your mortgage, utilities, insurance, gas, etc.) Nonessential spending like extravagant clothing, entertainment, and dining out would wait until the following month. A no-spend challenge is extra fun when you complete it with a friend!
The challenge can be very eye-opening, spark your creativity, and ensure you’re using up the items you already own. The playfulness of having a very specific goal and knowing that it won’t be forever can lighten the mood and keep you motivated. If you’re in a relationship, ask your partner if they’re willing to complete the challenge with you.
2. Use the Debt Snowflake Method:
You’ve probably heard of the debt snowball method (paying off your debts from smallest principal balance to largest) and the avalanche method (paying off your debts from highest interest rate to lowest), but have you heard of the snowflake method?
This method can be used in addition to other debt-elimination strategies. The idea is to quickly use every small amount of money that comes your way to pay down your debt, before you have the chance to spend it on something else. This could be a refund, or even extra cash in your budget categories at the end of the month.
This method was integral to my own debt elimination story years ago. It kept me laser-focused watching every little applied savings and payment help that balance go down. It also helps highlight your values and enhance your decision-making process based on those values.
3. Pick Up a Short-Term Side Hustle:
Sometimes, increasing your income is the key to accelerating your debt payoff. Engage in a short-term side hustle that aligns with your skills and interests. Not only does this provide extra funds, but it also offers a chance to share your talents with others. A temporary boost in income can significantly contribute to your debt-elimination progress.
Consolidate Your Debt:
Sometimes combining your debts (especially if you’re carrying multiple high-interest debts) into one, manageable monthly payment can help streamline your debt elimination process.
An option is a personal loan or credit card can be considered. Carefully assess fees, loan terms, and interest rates to choose the consolidation method that best suits your financial situation.
If you have a strong credit history and score, can responsibly handle one consolidated payment, and are committing to not taking on more unnecessary debt, then a debt consolidation method could be right for you.
5. Increase Your Monthly Payment:
Another debt payoff strategy is increasing your monthly repayments and/or making extra debt payments. Sometimes just adding $50 to your payment when you can will decrease the total length of the loan and the amount of interest you pay. You can make this additional payment automatically, eliminating the temptation to spend the money elsewhere.
Crushing your debt is not just about surviving on a shoestring budget; it's about making strategic moves that align with your financial goals. Embrace these five practical strategies to eliminate debt creatively and simply and unlock the door to financial freedom. Your journey to a debt-free life starts with intentional choices and a commitment to your financial well-being. #DebtFreeJourney #FinancialFreedom #SmartMoneyMoves #DebtCrusher #MoneyMatters
Let me know in the comments below, which of these proven creative strategies you will be implementing.
Unlock Financial Freedom with HM Accounting:
At HM Accounting, we understand that everyone's financial journey is unique. Our financial coaching services are designed to help you tailor strategies to your specific needs, desires, and goals. Whether it's optimizing income or determining the best debt elimination approach, we're here to guide you. Reach out to us at info@hmaccounting.online or schedule a free 30-minute Discovery Call on our calendar to explore how we can assist you on your path to financial success - book your free call here.
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