If you are drowning in debt and wish to get back to your life and become free again, here is a method you can use to get yourself out of debt. It’s not a quick solution, however when used effectively, it will get your debt repaid without borrowing more cash. It’s known as the “debt snowball” method popularized by Dave Ramsey. Basically, what you do is lineup all your debts and pay off the smallest balance first. When you pay that one off you begin the next lowest balance. The method works because of psychology. Once you’ve paid back one debt, you’ll feel like you have accomplished something and it will have a snowball effect. So here are the steps:
1. List all your debts with the smallest balance first.
2. Still pay the minimum payment on the other debts.
3. Now you find some extra money by reducing elsewhere and begin paying extra (above the minimum payment) toward the littlest balance or lowest apr debt.
4. Once you’ve paid off the first debt, you use the minimum payment from that debt towards the next lowest balance on your list.
5. One by one, you apply the minimum payments from the old debt toward the new debt and ultimately repay all of your debt.
For this to work, you need some discipline. It’s tempting to want to spend the extra cash on another thing instead of eliminating the debt. You have to tell yourself that you’ve gone without that extra money before so you can do it again. Don’t try and put too much extra toward the first debt. You don’t want to strain your finances too much or you may stop the program.
Being in debt is stressful. Getting out of debt is tough. Mentally, you have to focus and keep in mind what a fantastic stress-free feeling you will have when you’re finally free of debt. Try and set an ambition, like a vacation you have always wanted to take. This will keep you motivated and focused through the program so you don’t quit. What you really should do is start using the income that used to go towards debt and initiate investing it wisely.
Going back to your old habits is only going to bring you back to the exact same situation. If you need help with structuring a debt management plan or just need to speak to a debt counselor, below is a link to some really professional folks we recommend.
