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7 Things to Give UP to Pay Off Debt Faster

Inside: Ready to pay off debt faster? Here are simple tips and ideas to pay off debt quickly. It is possible to live debt free and reach financial freedom.

Let’s face it. Once you realize the amount of debt accumulated, it is easy to turn and bury your head in the sand.

In today’s society, access to debt is WAY TOO EASY! Everywhere you go, there are advertisements for a credit card, HELOC, personal loan, auto loan, the list goes on and on.

Spending money on credit is easy (and let’s admit it – FUN).

And then, the minimum payments get a little out of control. The stress takes a heavy toll on your life and those around you.

However, no one likes to tell you about the battle of getting out of debt.

The best analogy for debt is….

Racking up Debt – Fun Roller Coaster Ride

Paying Off Debt – Climbing a 14er with little to no preparation

Going into debt is a slippery slope, once you get your toe wet, it is harder to resist the urge. Just like that fun roller coaster ride. You know it is scary, but at the moment, you are having way too much fun!

Once the decision has been declared to pay off debt, the process is a challenge and doesn’t come easy. It takes time, dedication, and persistence.

Giving up and going back to the old ways is way too easy. Staying the course becomes a challenge.

Learn tips to pay off debt faster.

Ready to pay off debt quickly? Find the simple tips and ideas to paying off debt faster. It is possible to pay off debt when you're broker or on one income. Learn how to be a debt free success story!

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What to Give Up to Pay Off Debt Faster:

There are many ways to pay off debt faster. However, there are certain things that give you the biggest bang for your buck and help you see progress faster than ever.

One of the best ways to figure out what to give up is to start with a bare bones budget or a no spend challenge.

At the end of the day, the goal is to figure out ways to pay off debt faster.

1 – Daily Coffee Habit

The fancy coffees have stained our financial future. That get-me-going-cup-of-joe or that quick-pick-me-drink can put a huge dent in your wallet. I’m not saying give up your daily coffee – just become a little more frugal.

If you are a basic coffee drinker, look into this option. If you can’t live without all the bells and whistles, become your own barista.

What better way to entertain your friends when you can show off your new skills?!?!

Potential Yearly Savings: $1825

2 – Eating Out

Eating out is all about convenience. It is simple and easy to pick something up. Then, you add up the cost of all those meals and you may GASP at the cost. Plus the marketing doesn’t help.

They have convinced us that cooking at home is boring and outdated and not flavorful enough. The only way to great food is by eating out.

Combined with the potential savings, here are two words that will change your attitude – Meal Plan.

First of all, don’t overcomplicate things. Start small. Even if you hate to cook, it is still way cheaper to make your own food than eat out.

Not sure where to start? That is okay. Check out a meal plan subscription. At $5 or $10 a month, it is pennies compared to what you will save.

Potential Yearly Savings: Weekday Lunch Only -$2500 or Dinner Only: $3000-$7500+

3 – Any Extra Subscriptions You Don’t Use

The key here is anything you don’t use.

Everyone has their thing that makes life a little bit better or easier or they just prefer it. But, do you absolutely need it? Will life stop without it?

A good friend of mine helped me to justify the cost of a new gym for my hubby. She said it was cheaper than happy hour and the boys needed the dedicated time to get together. Some subscriptions may be worth it.

Is it cable? Is it a gym membership? An online subscription? Kid monthly set? Computer subscription? Magazines?

Whatever it is and it doesn’t provide you value, cancel it.

Potential Yearly Savings: $250+

Related Resource: The Ultimate Guide to a Frugal Lifestyle

4 – Vacations

This one can be hard, especially for those who LOVE to travel. When we were paying off debt, I kept telling myself “This is just a short season and it shall pass.” Those words got me by when paying off debt got old.

Paying off debt is more important to long-term financial success.

Our payoff goal was to take our family on a beach vacation. That was our light at the end of the tunnel. Our motivation while paying off debt.

Pay off our debt and go on this awesome beach vacation that was paid in CASH. (It was well worth the wait, patience, and persistence!)

Potential Yearly Savings: $2,000- $5,000

Are you making one of these debt mistakes?

5 – Say No to Kid’s Activities

how to pay off debt faster

What?!?! Has she lost her mind…

I know this one may be controversial. But, it was one area we cut out when paying off our debt.

The cost of kids’ activities is crazy high.

Plus the need to do multiple activities at once has boiled over and is becoming extreme. Kids are exhausted from running from one activity to the next. Parents are stressed from balancing the schedule and paying for the cost.

Sometimes all kids need is some fresh air and time to explore (without the structure). And that is free!

Take a break. Or pick one favorite a season. Look into free programs offered through schools, libraries, or local businesses.

Potential Yearly Savings: $500- $10,000+

6 – Cut Your Own Hair

This one terrified me at the beginning.

Thankfully, a good friend taught me how to cut the boy’s hair. Also, there are so many YouTube videos to help learn how to cut hair. We picked up this hair-cutting set.

Worst-case scenario…you go to the salon with your tail between your legs and have them fix it. (Never had to do that, thankfully!!)

This one frugal cost-cutting item has saved us probably over $5000 in the last 7 years. That is crazy! I have never considered it until I wrote this post. One little set for $27 saved us thousands of dollars. Wow!

Potential Yearly Savings: Women – $600+ or Men – $250 or Entire Family – $1200+

7 – Get Off Social Media

tips to pay off debt faster

Facebook newsfeed. Instagram stories.

Scrolling through everyone else’s highlight reel can be difficult.

You are stuck here trying hard to pay off debt while watching all of your friends and family have the time of their lives.

(Also, remember, you don’t know who paid cash and who is too afraid to look at the same situation you are in.)

Take an intentional break from social media.

Use the time to figure out what you want to do in your life.

Maybe even, look at starting a making money online. Enjoy the time and look for ways you have been blessed.

Potential Yearly Savings: Priceless

Are you Ready to Pay Off Debt Faster?

There are ways to pay off debt faster. Do you want to make those changes to pay off your debt? That is the question.

Regardless, paying off debt doesn’t happen overnight.

With simple changes, it is possible to pay off debt faster.

It may take a lifestyle change. It may be temporary. While other habits may die and new habits become permanent.

There are times and it very rarely happens, but learn when to pause debt snowball payments. This is something you don’t want to do. However, it may be necessary. That is why at Money Bliss we recommend starting with your emergency fund first.

Have you decided which way to pay off debt is best for you? Learn more about the differences. Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche

Debt Management Apps:

Everyone’s debt-free journey is different. It is filled with twists and turns. Ups and downs. Don’t get discouraged by those.

Stick around and we will help you navigate this thing called DEBT. Or I like to call it…the Cash Flow Killer.

And make sure you are not making one of these common debt mistakes.

Creative Ways to Pay Off Debt Faster

Let's face it... Money is tight when you are paying off debt. Yet, every dollar helps you reach your goals.

Here are the most creative ways to pay off your debt and then you can begin to save more money.

More Debt Resources To Help You:

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