Getting Out of Debt Tips: Our 44-Step Guide for You Need to Follow in 2025

The best tips for getting out of debt include creating a realistic budget, prioritizing debts with the highest interest rates, and exploring debt consolidation or negotiation options.
Getting Out Of Debt Tips
What Are the Best Tips for Getting Out of Debt? Paying off Your Debts Is One of the Most Liberating Experiences That You Can Have. Here's How You Can Cut Your Expenses, Reduce Your Stress and Start Getting Your Personal Finance Under Control. Read These 44 Tips To Get Started.
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.

Contributors:

Francis Hui
SovereignBoss Promise

SovereignBoss adheres to a stringent code of editorial guidelines, but some articles may feature partner references. Here is an explanation for how we make money.

Key Takeaways
  • To get out of debt quickly, prioritize paying off high-interest debts first, create a strict budget, and consider consolidating or refinancing debts.
  • Paying off debt without sacrificing lifestyle can be achieved by creating a realistic budget, cutting non-essential expenses, and looking for ways to increase income.
  • Practical tips include tracking expenses, setting achievable repayment goals, using the snowball or avalanche method, and avoiding taking on new debt.
  • There are government programs available that offer debt counseling, consolidation options, and sometimes debt relief, particularly for federal student loans or during financial hardship.
  • Negotiating with creditors can involve discussing lower interest rates, extended repayment terms, or settling for a lower total repayment amount to create a more manageable plan.

In This Article, You Will Discover:

    When it comes to getting out of debt, most people who have too much debt want to pay it all back and start fresh, but this isn't always a realistic goal or the best tip.

    set an achievable goal for yourself

    Create a Budget for Your Monthly Expenses

    The next time you're tempted to purchase something, ask yourself if it's worth more than what you currently have in savings.

    Don't Set Your Savings Goals Too High if You're Trying to Get Out of Debt

    This may seem counter-intuitive, but if you're trying to get out of debt and don't have much in the way of savings, it might be worth taking a step back in order not to put your finances at risk.

    dont set your savings goals too high if youre trying to get out of debt 1

    Take a Look at Your Budget and See Where the Excess Money Is Going

    Awareness may be all that's needed for many people who are in over their heads with credit card payments.

    take a look at your budget and see where the excess money is going

    You Can Improve Your Credit Score by Paying off Bills on Time

    The idea behind this is the longer you have debt, the more expensive it will be to pay off.

    bills payment

    It's Important to Make Sure Your Debt Is Paid off Before Saving for the Future

    Paying off debt is of the utmost importance to your financial stability, so it should always come first.

    its important to make sure your debt is paid off before saving for the future

    It's Important to Have a Separate Savings Account That's Not Connected to Your Debt

    This will ensure that you don't spend money on your debt and then have nothing to live off of.

    its important to have a separate savings account thats not connected to your debt

    Open a High-Yield Savings Account to Help You Pay Your Debt

    This will ensure that you have the money to make payments and save for emergencies.

    open a high yield savings account to help you pay your debt

    #1. Earn Extra Money

    One of the Quickest Ways to Cut Your Expenses Is by Switching Over Insurance Companies

    This will not only save you money, but it will also provide better coverage when you need it. Look at it as an investment in peace of mind.

    switching insurance

    You're Struggling to Make Ends Meet, Then It May Be Worth Looking Into Cutting Your Council Tax Payments

    There are other ways to save money, but this one is easy and can make a big difference.

    struggling to make ends meet

    If You Want to Get Out of Debt, Then Consider Getting a Side Hustle

    This is because it may be hard for you to find full-time work that pays well so a side hustle will help alleviate financial stress in your life.

    if you want to get out of debt then consider getting a side hustle

    Selling Your Old Stuff Can Result in Some Quick Cash

    For example, if you have some old furniture that's not being used anymore, then it may be time to sell it.

    selling stuff

    Cut Banking Fees for the Sake of Paying off Your Debt

    A lot of people don't know that they can cut their banking fees which could result in more money to pay down on debts. It's a simple thing you can do for yourself.

    cut banking fees for the sake of paying off your debt

    #2. Examine Your Benefits & Other Options

    Shop Around for Better Rates

    You may be able to negotiate with the company you're currently paying every month and get them down to something more manageable.

    shop around for better rates

    A Professional Can Help You Figure Out Your Options & Devise a Plan That's Best For You

    This is a great idea for people that are overwhelmed, or find it difficult to make decisions.

    a counselor can help you figure out your options and devise a plan that is best for you

    Asking for a Debt Reduction Is a Good Idea if You Don't Have the Money to Pay It Off

    This will help keep your monthly payments low and make sure that no one has to go bankrupt.

    debt reduction

    Debt Consolidation Programmes Are Another Way to Pay off Your Debt

    This is a good choice for people who want to avoid the higher interest rates of credit card companies. To do this, you will need money in savings and make sure that you have enough income on which to live monthly.

    debt consolidation programs are another way to pay off your debt

    Check if You Are Eligible for Pension Credit

    This may not be the most well-known benefit but it can help you to pay for your home or keep up with other bills.

    check if you are eligible for pension credit

    Use Rewards Credit Cards to Make the Most Of Your Debt

    If you're struggling to pay off credit card debts, then you must use rewards cards.

    rewards credit card

    Leverage a Work Bonus to Pay off Your Debt

    If you get a work bonus, then it's important to use that money to pay down your credit card debt.

    leverage a work bonus to pay off your debt

    If You're Able to Negotiate a Higher Salary, Then This Will Help You Get Out of Debt Faster

    This is because you'll be able to afford your living expenses and pay off debt quicker.

    if youre able to negotiate a higher salary then this will help you get out of debt faster

    If You Get a Tax Return, Then It'll Be Very Easy to Use That Money to Clear Your Debts

    This is because tax returns are usually a lot of money and you'll be able to use that to clear your debts.

    very easy to use that money to clear your debts

    Look at Your Insurance so That You Can Find the Best & Cheapest Coverage

    You must find the best and cheapest coverage for your needs so that it doesn't end up costing more than what you're paying on debt.

    insurance coverage

    #3. Credit Card Debt Management

    Beware of Debt Settlement Companies & Credit Counseling Services

    These companies may not have your best interests in mind.

    They will take a percentage of what you owe, but that usually means they're going to charge high fees and you always run the risk of being scammed.

    beware of debt settlement companies credit counseling services

    You Can Switch Credit Cards & Take Advantage of the 0% Balance Transfer Period to Pay off Your Debts

    This can be a way to eliminate your debts without having to pay interest.

    you can switch credit cards and take advantage of the 0 balance transfer period to pay off your debts

    Rejecting Higher APRs Should Be the First Thing You Do When a Credit Card Company Sends You an Offer

    This is because the higher APR will make it much more difficult to pay off your debt.

    rejecting offer

    If You're Struggling With Credit Card Debt, Be Sure to Know Your Rights

    In some cases, the statute of limitations may prevent you from being sued for unpaid debt.

    if youre struggling with credit card debt be sure to know your rights

    Throw Away Your Credit Cards

    This will stop you from using your cards, which means that when the next temptation appears, it'll be easy to refuse.

    cutting up all of your cards is essential

    If You're Struggling to Control Your Credit Card Debt, Then the Best Way to Avoid Temptation Is by Using Cash

    This will help you avoid temptation, and it'll make it easier to track your spending.

    lending

    #4. Overcome Overdraft Debt

    Balance Transfer Credit Cards

    This allows you to consolidate your debt into one easy-to-manage monthly payment.

    This is a great option for anyone who has multiple debts and can't afford the minimum payments on all their accounts at once.

    balance transfer credit cards allow you to consolidate your debt onto one easy to manage monthly payment

    Be Aware Of Minimum Credit Card Repayments

    This could lead you to believe that your debt is being repaid, but in reality, the balance may just be going up.

    be aware of minimum credit card repayments

    #5. Handle Your Loan Debts

    This is because if you have an emergency then it'll be much easier to get out of debt.

    build up your emergency funds

    Consider Getting a Roommate to Reduce Living Costs

    This is because you'll be able to share the costs with your roommate and therefore lessen the burden.

    roommate

    Downsizing Can Reduce Expenses

    It's important to be very realistic about your needs and what you can afford.

    downsizing can drive your expenses down

    It May Be Time to Trade-in Your Car

    If your car is too expensive for your budget then trade it in. This could result in the ability to cut costs and that may help you with paying off debt.

    it may be time to trade in your car if it is too expensive for your budget

    Doing It Yourself Can Cut Your Expenses

    A lot of people think that they need to hire professionals for everything, but there are many things you can do yourself and this will help with paying off your debt.

    doing it yourself can cut your expenses down

    Secured Loans Can Be Very Dangerous If You're Having Trouble Paying Them Off

    They'll keep charging interest and this could end up resulting in more debt than what you originally had.

    Make sure to pay attention to the details of these types of loans so that it doesn't harm your life.

    secured loans

    If Your Credit Score is Good, Then Explore Credit Union Personal Loans

    Your best option would be to explore credit union personal loans. These are generally unsecured and they don't typically require collateral.

    if you have a fixed mortgage rate then it might be best for you to switch your loan to one with an adjustable interest rate

    Avoid Payday Loans at All Costs

    These are also called "payday advances" and they should be used as a last resort.

    You will have to sign up for recurring debits on your account, which can hurt you in the long run.

    savings 2 2

    If You Have a Fixed Mortgage Rate, Then It Might Be Best For You to Switch Your Loan to One With an Adjustable Interest Rate

    This can decrease the burden on your finances in the long run and save money in terms of monthly payments as well.

    if you have a good credit score then your best option would be to explore credit union personal loans

    A Personal Loan Should Be Your Last Resort

    It will usually be a very expensive way to borrow money, but they can also help you if you don't have any other options left.

    a personal loan should be your last resort

    #6. Addressing Major Debt Issues

    Consider an Individual Voluntary Arrangement With Your Creditors

    This can help you to negotiate with all of your unpaid debts at the same time. Making payments regularly will make it easier for you to pay off everything in one go.

    voluntary arangement

    A Debt Relief Order Will Help You to Remove the Stress of Paying off Your Debts

    This will stop all of your creditors from sending you more letters or trying to take money out of your bank account.

    a debt relief order will help you to remove the stress of paying off your debts

    Bankruptcy Can Make It Easier For You to Start Over

    But, before doing this there are plenty of other steps that should be considered first.

    Scroll to Top