At Grandma’s Jars we are passionate about helping people take control of their personal finances and get out of debt. We have seen first hand the impact that debt has on people lives when it gets out of hand. Debt causes financial stress and is a burden that robs us off tomorrow’s cash flow making it harder to save and get ahead financially.
We all know debt is bad for our financial health. We all want to be free of debt, whether it’s paying off credit card debt, paying off a home loan or paying off a personal loan. However, very few people actually do something about it. If this is you, if you really want to be debt free, I want to encourage you to take action. Don’t just shrug your shoulders and accept it.
Yes, getting out of debt and debt management does take time and perseverance. However, as I have said earlier it is not rocket science – the key ingredient is a genuine desire to be debt free and a commitment to do what it takes to make it happen. Too often we dream about paying off debt but never really commit ourselves to action.
So, if you are not already taking action to be debt free, today is the day to make getting out of debt a priority and to take action. Only once you are committed to action can your thoughts move past ‘should I?’ to ‘How will I?’
So now that you have made the decision, here are the steps you need to take on how to pay off debt:
1. Understand your ‘why’
Write down in detail why you want to be debt free and what it will mean to you to be debt free. Give this a great deal of thought because these are your motivating factors. These will be reminders that you can turn to when you are tempted to go back on your commitment.
2. Share your commitment
The second thing you need to do is share your decision with 3 people you love and respect. Share with them your ‘why’ from step number one and ask them to keep you accountable.
3. Establish a budget
You can download our resources to get you started on establishing a budget. A personal budget will do 3 important things for you as you strive to get out of debt:
- It will ensure that you don’t get into anymore debt
- It will help you identify true savings that can be channelled towards debt
- It will help you quantify how long it will take you to become debt free
4. Produce a written plan
Once you have a budget in place you will be able to quantify how much surplus you have available every month. Knowing this surplus figure will enable you to draw up a chart that will show you exactly how long it will take you to pay off each debt and ultimately how long it will take you to be debt free. Having a written plans provides you with roadmap that allows you to visualise ‘how’ you will eliminate your debt. Once you can see how it will happen it is much easier to believe it will happen.
5. Stick your plan on the fridge
Once you have drawn up your plan, stick it on the fridge of the bathroom mirror so it’s in your face every day. Every time you pay off some more debt, cross it off your chart and share your progress with those that are keeping you accountable.
6. Stop to celebrate small victories
With each debt you knock off, take time to celebrate. Do something a little bit special for yourself – buy the expensive ice cream, get take away from your favourite restaurant or go out for dessert. Don’t blow the budget but make sure you celebrate your progress in some way. And make sure you plan something really special for the day you debts are all gone! Plan something big and share what you have done with the world.
If your goal is to become debt free and you have made a commitment, we would love to hear from you and learn about your progress towards a debt free life.