How to Get Out of Debt Without Hating Your Life
I once tried to get out of debt by sheer force of will. You know, the “I’m going to stop spending money entirely, exist on rice and beans, and channel every spare penny toward my debt” approach. It lasted exactly two weeks—until I ran out of toothpaste and, in a moment of terrible judgment, bought a $6 artisanal tube that smelled like a men’s cologne ad. That was the moment I realized: getting out of debt isn’t just about numbers. It’s math wrapped in emotion.
You’re Not Broken—Debt Is Just a System That Got the Best of You
If you feel like debt is a personal indictment of your character, take a breath. You’re not alone. The whole system is engineered to make it easy to get into debt and hard to get out. That means getting rid of it isn’t about depriving yourself—it’s about making a smarter plan.
And the first step? Stop trying to follow some rigid budget that feels like financial punishment. Instead, just track your spending for a month—no judgment, no shame, just pure curiosity. Where is your money actually going? Only once you know that can you build a realistic spending plan (which is just a budget dressed in a comfortable sweater instead of a straightjacket).
The Plan: Small Moves, Big Wins
- Track Your Spending (for Real) – Don’t change anything yet. Just track. Write it down, use an app, keep receipts… whatever works for you. The goal is to see where the leaks are.
- Build a Spending Plan That Fits You – Look at where your money is going and adjust in a way that actually makes sense for your life. If your plan requires you to quit coffee and stop socializing entirely, you won’t stick to it.
- Prioritize High-Interest Debt First – List your debts. Pay only the minimum on everything except the one with the highest interest—throw everything extra at that sucker until it’s gone. Then move on to the next one.
- Save While Paying Debt – This might seem backward, but hear me out. If every penny goes to debt, what happens when life throws a crisis your way? You reach for a credit card, and boom—you’re back where you started. Instead, build at least a small emergency fund while paying off debt.
- Automate The Boring Stuff – Set up automatic transfers for debt payments and savings. This makes sure the important things happen before the money mysteriously disappears into the land of “where did it all go?”
Speaking of saving, a super easy way to start—even if you’re broke—is the Acorns app. It rounds up your purchases and squirrels away the spare change, so you save money without even thinking about it. And no, saving while in debt isn’t irresponsible—it’s how you stay afloat when unexpected expenses hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I focus entirely on debt before saving?
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Nope. You need both. Even a tiny emergency fund can stop you from backsliding into more debt when life happens. Start where you can, even if it’s just $10 a month.
What if I can’t cut expenses any further?
Then it’s time to look at increasing income. Side gigs, selling things you don’t need, asking for a raise—small shifts in income can make a huge difference over time.
What’s the fastest way to get out of debt?
Fastest doesn’t always mean best, but attacking high-interest debt first while keeping a small savings cushion is a solid strategy. Also, avoiding new debt (and the inevitable “I deserve this” splurges) helps.
You’ve Got This
Debt isn’t a moral failing. It’s just a mountain that takes time to climb. Start small, stay consistent, and don’t forget to celebrate the wins—even if it’s just making an extra $50 payment. Progress is progress.
If you want more tips, encouragement, and the occasional sarcastic remark about the absurdity of financial systems, subscribe to my newsletter. And for even more good advice with zero judgment, listen to the Get Out of Debt Guy podcast. You’re not alone in this—and you’re already on your way.
