What is the best way to pay off debt?
Daniel Santos
Updated on February 05, 2026
Here are 12 easy ways to pay off debt:
- Create a budget.
- Pay off the most expensive debt first.
- Pay more than the minimum balance.
- Take advantage of balance transfers.
- Halt your credit card spending.
- Use a debt repayment app.
- Delete credit card information from online stores.
- Sell unwanted gifts and household items.
How can I pay off debt in a year?
The 6-step method that helped this 34-year-old pay off $30,000 of credit card debt in 1 year
- Step 1: Survey the land.
- Step 2: Limit and leverage.
- Step 3: Automate your minimum payments.
- Step 4: Yes, you must pay extra and often.
- Step 5: Evaluate the plan often.
- Step 6: Ramp-up when you ‘re ready.
How much money should I save before paying off debt?
However, if you’re paying off high-interest debt, you can put most of that savings toward your credit card bill. It’s smart to keep at least one month’s living expenses, or $1,000 — whichever is higher — in your emergency savings account if you’re paying off credit card debt.
What to do after all debt is paid off?
Here are seven things to do after you pay off your debt.
- # 1 – Reassess Your Budget.
- # 2 – Increase Your Savings.
- # 3 – Put More Toward Retirement.
- # 4 – Look Into Alternative Investments.
- # 5 – Start A Side Business.
- # 6 – Pay Off Your Mortgage.
- # 7 – Stay Away From Debt.
- Stay Goal Oriented.
How much savings should I have at 30?
One popular age-based savings recommendation is that you should aim to save one times your salary by age 30 and increase your savings by your annual salary every five years. The amount you should save for retirement should be based upon factors including: your income.
How can I pay off 25k a year in debt?
5 options to pay off debt
- Consider the debt snowball approach.
- Tackle high-interest debt first with the debt avalanche approach.
- Start a side hustle to throw more money at your debt.
- Do a balance transfer.
- Take out a personal loan.
What happens to the money after you pay off a debt?
If “Yes” is chosen, after a debt has been paid off, the money that was being paid to that specific debt will be distributed towards paying off remaining debts; the total amount initially allotted to monthly payments will be fixed until all debts are paid off.
How does a debt payoff calculator work?
The calculator uses this method, and in the results, debts will be ordered from top to bottom starting with the highest interest rates first. In contrast, this method of debt repayment starts with the smallest debt first, regardless of interest rate. As the smaller debts are paid off, payments are directed toward larger debt amounts.
How is the highest interest rate debt paid off?
This continues like an avalanche, where the highest interest rate debt tumbles down to the next highest interest rate debt, until every debt is finally paid off and the avalanche is over. For instance, a credit card with an 18% interest rate will receive priority over a 5% mortgage or 12% personal loan, regardless of the balance due for each.
Can a rainy day fund be used to pay off debt?
Paying off your debt, such as a credit card balance, is not a practical substitute for a rainy day fund, as the credit card company can reduce your credit limit. Furthermore, using a credit card means incurring debt on which interest will accrue and for which you will be required to make repayments.