Getting out of debt can feel like climbing a mountain at times. It might be an uphill struggle that involves cutting back on a lot of things you enjoy. But if you adopt healthy money habits you will not only get out of debt quicker but also be better equipped for managing your money in the future. So give some of these helpful tips a try!
Record Expenses
Whether this is a $1 pack of gum, your rent, or new tires for your car, all expenses should be tracked. This can show you exactly where your money is going each month, meaning you can then adjust purchases accordingly to be able to pay off more of your debt.
No New Debt
Get rid of your credit card. Cut it up and throw away the pieces. This will help you to avoid the temptation of using it, and getting out of that endless cycle of paying it off a bit and then re-spending it.
Set Up Automatic Savings
Set things up with your bank where, on the day you get paid, money is taken out automatically and placed into your savings account. This money can then be used for paying off debts or saving up a large chunk to ensure you don’t fall into the debt trap again.
Live Below Your Means
Rather than eating out because you have the money, put that money away and cook at home instead. By choosing not to spend money simply because you have it, you will be better equipped at both saving and managing your income without having to rely on creditors.
Snowball Your Debts
Look at each debt, and put them in order of smallest to largest. Put lots of money each month into the smallest debt, while still making the minimum payment on the others. This will get it paid off quicker, meaning less interest to pay. Then work your way through the others.
Identify Your Triggers
Whether you are a sucker for shopping after work or reach for the credit card after a bad day, you need to identify when you are more likely to spend money. By becoming mindful of this, you can help prevent frivolous purchases that put you further into debt.
Use a Budget
Rather than just allowing your money to be spent each month, it can be more helpful to allocate it. You can look at your income, then put aside money for bills, groceries, debt payments, savings, and a little chunk for fun. This will help you stay on track with your spending.
Consider Getting Extra Income
Whether this is another, part-time job or a side hustle, extra income can go towards paying off your debts. Make sure you have the time for this, and that it won’t affect your mental or physical health by getting in the way of meals, sleep, or time with loved ones.
Being indebted doesn’t have to be a permanent state. You can use these 8 habits and find yourself out of debt a lot quicker, leaving you to live your life comfortably.
Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.