If you are struggling in what feels like a debt trap, try these ten steps to escaping the yoke. All it takes is a commitment to be consistent and disciplined. It’s not that hard, people do actually manage to get this crazy monkey from their backs, and you can too!

Step1

Stop spending now. Only buy what is essential, do whatever it takes. Pack lunch for work instead of visiting the deli and watch TV instead of going to the movies. Live like a pauper.

Step 2

Do some math and stuff. How much debt, exactly, have you built up? This can be a stressful part of the fight, but you must know your enemy to be battle ready!

Step 3

Set a target. You need a goal to work toward. Try working on a plan to pay off the debt over three years. See if you can do this by allocating a fixed amount of your salary to debt relief. If you can’t manage three years, try four. The sooner you get rid of the debt the cheaper it will be though, so try to push for the shortest realistic timeframe you can.

Step 4

Plot out your repayment plan on a piece of paper. This means finding the money for repayments from your monthly budget. If you have not worked out a budget, do it NOW. Having a working budget can help you tremendously. Make a list of all your expenses and include the amount you are allocating to your debt relief campaign. Remember to keep money aside for unforeseen problems, like paying for the car’s service or replacing a broken window. You can save while you are repaying your debt, in fact it is vital that you have some savings in case of a problem, otherwise you could be sent even deeper into debt.

Step 5

Now that you have you budget all planned out, make sure to keep track of every penny you spend. You need to work your budget; otherwise it will be of no practical benefit to you.

Step 6

Kill the big debt first. Make sure you eliminate the debts with the highest interest rates first, as it is the interest that really sucks your blood.

Step 7

Don’t miss payments, because you will probably be penalised. Making your troubles all the worse. Make sure that you are aware of the interest rates and if you are unsure of anything just call up the company you owe and ask them. Find out if there are options which can reduce the interest rate you are paying.

Step 8

Pay more than the bare minimum if at all possible, since this will cut down on the interest you will be paying.

Step 9

Accept that it will take time to become debt free. It will take time. Make peace with it.

Step 10

One day when you have paid it all off you will have become accustomed to living according to a budget and will probably be more disciplined than ever before. Why not channel the new found discipline into saving and investing, thereby fully reversing your financial habits and building toward financial freedom!

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