Debt is stressful. It steals your peace, creates tension in relationships, and keeps you from living the life you were meant to live. I know it can feel overwhelming—but here’s the truth:

you don’t have to stay stuck. There’s a proven plan to get out of debt faster than you think, and it works every single time you follow it.

I’ve seen countless people break free from debt—not because they won the lottery or made six figures—but because they chose to get intentional with their money. And you can too!

Here are the proven steps that actually work:

5 Proven Steps That Actually Work

1. Get on a Budget

If you don’t tell your money where to go, it will slip through your fingers. A zero-based budget gives every dollar a job before the month begins. It’s the foundation of financial peace and the first step toward paying off debt quickly.

Here are a few practical tips to make your budget work:

• List your income first: Know exactly how much money is coming in each month.
• Track your expenses: Write down every single thing you spend money on—yes, even that $5 coffee.
  
• Plan for irregular expenses: Birthdays, holidays, car repairs—set money aside so they don’t sneak up on you.
• Use cash envelopes: For categories that are easy to overspend on (like groceries, restaurants, or entertainment), try cash envelopes to keep yourself accountable.
• Stick to it!: A budget only works if you actually follow it. Adjust as needed, but keep at it month after month.

👉 Try the free EveryDollar budgeting app from Ramsey Solutions to make budgeting simple and stress-free.

2. Save a Starter Emergency Fund

Before you start attacking debt, save $1,000 as a buffer. Life happens—flat tires, leaky roofs, surprise medical bills. This fund keeps emergencies from turning into new debt.

If $1,000 feels impossible, start small and build quickly. Sell items around the house, pick up a few side hustles, or pause unnecessary spending until you’ve reached your goal. Having this safety net in place means you won’t have to rely on credit cards when the unexpected happens.

3. Use the Debt Snowball Method

This is where the magic happens. List your debts from smallest to largest, regardless of interest rate. Pay minimums on everything except the smallest, and throw all extra money at that one until it’s gone. Then roll that payment into the next debt, and so on. The momentum builds like a snowball rolling downhill.

It’s not about math—it’s about behavior and motivation. Seeing progress quickly builds the confidence to keep going.

👉 Learn more with Ramsey’s guide: How the Debt Snowball Works.

4. Cut Expenses and Boost Income

Want to get out of debt fast? You’ve got to throw as much money as possible at it. That means trimming your budget (goodbye, extra subscriptions and drive-thru runs!) and increasing your income (side hustle, overtime, selling unused stuff around the house). Every dollar counts, and for a season, sacrifice speeds up success.

Start by asking: What can I cut this month? What can I sell? How can I earn more income? Even temporary sacrifices like cooking at home, delaying vacations, or working weekends can shave months—or even years—off your debt payoff timeline.

👉 Check out Ramsey’s Side Hustle Ideas for creative ways to boost your income.

5. Stay Focused on Your “Why”

Paying off debt isn’t easy—it takes discipline and grit. But when you stay connected to your bigger goal—freedom, peace in your marriage, leaving a legacy for your kids—you’ll stay motivated when the journey gets tough.

Keep your “why” front and center: write it down, put it on your fridge, or set a reminder on your phone. Celebrate milestones along the way—every debt you pay off deserves a victory dance.

👉 For encouragement, listen to the Debt-Free Scream stories on The Ramsey Show—they’ll inspire you to keep going until you’re the one shouting, “We’re debt-free!”

Ready to Take the First Step?

You don’t have to walk this road alone. As a Ramsey Preferred Financial Coach, I’ve helped individuals and couples create custom plans to attack debt and win with money.

👉 Book your free coaching session today and let’s map out your personal debt-free strategy.

Because here’s the truth: debt doesn’t have to define your story. Freedom does.