5 Smart Ways to Get Out of Debt When You’re Broke

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Cut Every Expense You Don’t Need

When money’s tight, every dollar you waste is a dollar you can’t use to breathe easier.

So, your job right now? Stop the leaks before you try to fill the bucket.

Here’s where to start trimming:

• Cancel unused subscriptions. You probably don’t need five streaming apps.
  
• Cook more at home. Those takeout nights add up faster than you think.
  
• Buy only essentials. If it’s not keeping you fed, safe, or working. Pause it.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Open your bank app and cancel three unnecessary charges today. You’ll instantly feel more in control.

Make It Easy: Use Rocket Money to automatically find and cancel subscriptions that quietly drain your account.

2. Pay Off the Smallest Debt First

When you’re broke, motivation matters even more than math.

That’s why paying off the smallest debt first gives you a quick win. and a serious confidence boost.

Here’s how to use it to your advantage:

• Focus on one balance. Knock out the smallest, then move to the next.
  
• Keep paying minimums on others. Avoid late fees while staying consistent.
  
• Celebrate small victories. Every zero balance fuels the next one.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Make a list of all debts from smallest to biggest, and attack the first one with every spare dollar you find.

Make It Easy: Use Undebt.it to automate the debt snowball method and stay motivated with every milestone.

3. Track Every Single Dollar You Spend

You can’t fix what you don’t see.

Tracking your money might feel boring, but it’s the quickest way to stop wondering where it went.

Here’s how to make it easy:

• Write it down daily. Even the $2 coffee counts.
  
• Categorize your spending. Seeing patterns helps you cut smarter.
  
• Use color codes. Red for “oops,” green for “good choices.”
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Keep a small notebook or open a spreadsheet and log every expense for one week. You’ll spot the waste fast.

Make It Easy: Consider a pocket-sized expense tracker to jot down spending on the go.

4. Find Easy Ways to Make Extra Money

When you can’t cut more, it’s time to earn more. And no, it doesn’t mean working 80 hours a week.

Even an extra $100–$200 a month can jump-start your debt payoff faster than you think.

Here are some simple, flexible ways:

• Do quick gigs. Deliver with Uber, DoorDash, or Instacart in your spare time.
  
• Rent out your stuff. Platforms like Fat Llama or Neighbor.com turn unused things into cash.
  
• Freelance online. Offer simple skills like writing, design, or tutoring.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Choose one side hustle you can do this weekend and send the earnings straight to your smallest debt.

Make It Easy: Consider a portable phone holder to make delivery or gig work smoother.

5. Sell Things You Don’t Use

You’ve got money sitting in your closet, garage, or that “miscellaneous” drawer you keep avoiding.

Selling stuff you don’t need helps clear both your space and your debt. double win.

Here’s what to start with:

• List old electronics. Phones, tablets, and game consoles sell fast.
  
• Declutter clothes. Use apps or consignment shops for easy cash.
  
• Host a quick yard sale. Turn your Saturday into a mini money-maker.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Spend one afternoon gathering unused items, take clear photos, and list them online. cha-ching.

Make It Easy: Consider a foldable light box kit to make your product photos look pro for online listings.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌