How do you successfully get out of debt?
Matthew Harrington
Updated on January 27, 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:
What are the 7 steps to get out of debt?
How to Get Out of Debt: 7 Tips That Work
- Make the most of every dollar.
- Work some side hustles.
- Align your spending and values.
- Use the power of extra payments.
- Rely on yourself.
- Consider consolidation.
- Know your ‘why’
What is the best way to get debt free?
- Track Your Spending.
- Set up a Budget.
- Create a Plan to Pay Off Debt: Try a Debt Snowball Method.
- Pay More Than the Minimum Payment.
- Consider Balance Transfers & Debt Consolidation.
- Renegotiate Credit Card Debt.
- Create a Family Budget.
- Create the Best Budget to Pay Off and Stay Out of Debt.
What is the best way to become debt free?
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.
How can I get out of debt with bad credit and no money?
Here are some of the places to find debt relief when you have bad credit:
- Start at your bank.
- Join a credit union.
- Ask family or friends for a loan.
- Debt consolidation loans.
- Home equity loan.
- Peer-to-peer lending.
- Debt Management Programs.
- Credit card loans.
What’s the best way to pay down debt?
Many people find the debt snowball method to be a good way to pay down their debt. This method allows you to make noticeable progress by paying as much as possible each month toward your smallest balance. In the meantime, make the minimum payment on all your other debts so your accounts remain in good standing.
How to get out of credit card debt faster?
Steps to get out of debt faster. 1 1. Pay more than the minimum payment. If you carry the average credit card balance of $15,609, pay a typical 15% APR, and make the minimum monthly 2 2. Try the debt snowball method. 3 3. Pick up a side hustle. 4 4. Create (and live with) a bare-bones budget. 5 5. Sell everything you don’t need.
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.