How do you effectively get out of debt?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 28, 2026
Strategies to get out of debt
- Pay more than the minimum payment. Go through your budget and decide how much extra you can put toward your debt.
- Try the debt snowball.
- Refinance debt.
- Commit windfalls to debt.
- Settle for less than you owe.
- Learn more:
How can I get debt free fast?
This can help you save some money on interest payments as you pay down that debt over the course of the year.
- Use your tax refund check to pay down debt.
- Sell items for cash.
- Consider cashing in your life insurance.
- Make more money.
- Do a credit card balance transfer.
- Use a statute of limitations law to eliminate old debt.
At what age should you be debt free?
45
“Shark Tank” investor Kevin O’Leary has said the ideal age to be debt-free is 45, especially if you want to retire by age 60. Being debt-free — including paying off your mortgage — by your mid-40s puts you on the early path toward success, O’Leary argued.
Which is the fastest way to get out of debt?
To get out of debt the absolute fastest, you’re going to want to pay off the loan with the highest interest rate first. For example, let’s say Credit Card A has a balance of $1,000 and a 12% interest rate, and Credit Card B has $1,500 at 6% interest.
How do you pay off your debt?
How to Pay off Debt Fast: Step by Step. Step 1: List each of your debts in order from largest to smallest interest rate. Step 2: Set aside the funds to make each minimum monthly payment. Then, put any extra funds toward the account with the highest interest rate.
Is there any way to get out of credit card debt?
Beyond credit card interest, several other types of bills can usually be negotiated down or eliminated as well — we highlighted them in Six Bills You Can Negotiate Down to Save Money. Always remember, the worst anyone can say is no. And the less you pay for your fixed expenses, the more money you can throw at your debts.
How to get out of debt while living on a budget?
While you’re living on a strict budget, you should be able to pay considerably more toward your debts. Remember, bare-bones budgets are only meant to be temporary. Once you’re out of debt — or a lot closer to your goal — you can start adding discretionary spending back into your monthly plan. 5. Sell everything you don’t need.