How to ACTUALLY Pay Off Your Debt
Being in debt feels like swimming in the deep end with no ladder, no lifeguard, and no rosé.
It's overwhelming. It's exhausting. And it feels endless. But it's not. There is a way out and I'm breaking down 3 strategies that can actually help you get there faster.
Basically, pay the minimum on everything, then throw any extra cash at the highest interest rate debt first because that’s the debt draining you fastest. This is the fastest/ cheapest debt payoff method.
Use my Debt Payoff Planner to map it out. You’ve got this.
Some credit cards offer 0% APR for 12–18 months which means you can transfer existing debt to them and pay it off without interest.
It's a great short-term hack if:
You can commit to paying it off within the promo window and you stop using your other cards (we're not doubling the debt here!)
Here's my favorite 0% APR card list.
If you have over 20k in debt and are really struggling… Debt relief programs may be a great option for you! They help you come up with a realistic payoff plan, lower your monthly payments, and even negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
Not every program is legit tho, so do your homework but the right one can seriously change the game.
Q: Avalanche or Snowball…which is better if I’m motivated by momentum and math?Haley: Avalanche all the way!! It's the fastest, cheapest payoff method.
Q: Should I invest while paying off debt?Haley: Depends on the interest rate. If your debt is under 7%, you might be better off making minimum payments and investing the extra. Over 7%? Pay that down fast. Use the 7% Rule.
Q: Does closing a credit card help my credit score?Haley: Not usually! It can actually hurt your score by lowering your available credit. If there's no annual fee, consider keeping it open and using it sparingly to keep it active.
TL;DR:
Debt isn't forever. It's a season…not your whole life.
With the right strategy, you can pay it off and live free.
