What is the best way to manage debt?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 31, 2026
In order to manage your debt more effectively, you may want to consider these seven steps.
- Take account of your accounts.
- Check your credit report.
- Look for opportunities to consolidate.
- Be honest about your spending.
- Determine how much you have to pay.
- Figure out how much extra you can budget.
What are two strategies to manage debt?
Here are some more strategies to help you avoid excessive debt:
- Make a budget, and stick to it.
- Set realistic financial goals.
- If you can’t pay cash, don’t buy it.
- If you use a credit card, pay on time and pay more than the minimum amount due.
- Monitor your credit card accounts for changes in rates or fees.
What is the first step to managing your debt?
Use all the funds you have allocated for paying off debts to lower the debts with the highest interest first. After you’ve paid off your highest interest bills, work on paying off the lower interest loans. Once you’ve eliminated your high-interest debt, you can then tackle the low interest debt.
How can I clear my debt fast?
8 Surefire Ways to Get Rid of Debt ASAP
- Stop using credit cards.
- Pay as much as you can afford each month.
- Make cuts to your spending.
- Double up on payments.
- Use windfalls to pay down balances.
- Freelance to earn extra money.
- Tackle debts with the highest interest rates first.
- Don’t sacrifice the things you love the most.
Where can I go if my debts become too high?
At debt levels of 50% or higher, also consider Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It can let you rebuild your financial life and save for retirement. If your debt load is non-credit card, such as medical bills or high-interest loans: You might need to stick with a DIY approach or consider bankruptcy.
What can I do to make managing my debt easier?
Take a look at these tips and discover some small steps you can take today to make managing your debt easier. Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. If you’ve missed a payment, pay as soon possible — it makes a difference. Credit reports will track if you are 30, 60, or 90 days late on payments.
How does a debt management plan work for You?
A “debt management plan” is one way to repay money you owe. Here is how it works: A credit counselor works with you and the companies you owe money to. You all agree to a plan for how you will repay the money you owe. Sometimes the companies agree to a lower interest rate. Sometimes they do not.
Do you have to manage your credit card debt?
She has been working in the Accounting and Finance industries for over 20 years. Everyone with even a little bit of debt has to manage their debt. If you just have a little debt, you have to keep up your payments and make sure it doesn’t get out of control.
What happens if you miss a payment on a debt?
Pay Your Bills on Time Each Month. Late payments make it harder to pay off your debt since you’ll have to pay a late fee for every payment you miss. If you miss two payments in a row and your interest rate and finance charges will increase.