Although it is extremely easy to get into massive amounts of debt very quickly, it takes time, discipline, and commitment to get out of debt. You have to make a life-changing decision that you no longer wish to be in debt because getting out of debt is going to affect every area of your life.
The first thing you need to do is to complete a spending inventory to find out where you are right now. A spending inventory is simply a list of everything you spend for an entire month, whether by check, charge, or cash. This will help you locate the waste in your budget. Most everyone can find $100 to $200 a month in wasteful spending that can be cut. This additional money can be used in your plan to get out of debt.
When you make getting out of debt your top priority, it affects your thinking, decision making, and habits. If you usually walk around the mall at lunchtime and end up compulsively buying things, then you will no longer go to the mall. Instead, you will take a brown bag lunch to work or eat in the company’s cafeteria. You will begin to analyze every purchase to decide if it is really necessary. You will cut unnecessary expenses and learn to live frugally. It’s important, as you start your plan of action, that you do not incur any new debt. Begin to only purchase things that you can pay for in cash.
One of the biggest benefits of being debt-free is peace of mind. You will no longer have to be stressed out about money.
DMCC is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers who have become overextended with debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers, as well as personal counseling to identify the best options for the repayment of their debt. To speak to a certified credit counselor, call toll-free 866-618-3328 or email contact@dmcconline.org.
