🔎 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. Write Down Every Card You Owe On
You can’t fight what you can’t see.
Writing down every single card makes your debt real. and manageable.
Here’s why this first step matters so much:
You see the full picture, instead of guessing what you owe.
You feel control returning, because you’re facing facts.
You build motivation by watching your list shrink over time.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Grab a notebook and list each card with its balance, minimum payment, and interest rate.
Make It Easy: Plug your details into Undebt.it to see your total debt and plan your best payoff path automatically.
2. Promise Yourself You Won’t Use Them Again
Cutting up your cards might feel dramatic, but debt freedom takes commitment.
If you keep using them, you’re basically refilling the hole you’re trying to climb out of.
Here’s what this promise gives you:
You stop digging, which means your balance finally goes down.
You retrain your brain to live on what you actually have.
You break the cycle, building confidence as you pay things off.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Freeze your cards. literally or digitally. So you can’t reach for them during temptation moments.
Make It Easy: Store them in a small locked pouch and keep them out of reach.
3. Cut Back On Stuff You Don’t Really Need
You don’t have to go full minimalist. Just trim the extras for now.
Every dollar you save here becomes a weapon against your debt.
Here’s what trimming expenses does for you:
You free up cash, without needing a raise.
You build awareness, spotting leaks in your spending habits.
You hit goals faster, because those small savings add up.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Cancel two subscriptions, skip one takeout night, and throw that money straight at your balance.
Make It Easy: Let Rocket Money cancel unused subscriptions and show you hidden fees automatically.
4. Pay Off One Card At A Time
Trying to pay all your cards equally spreads your progress too thin.
You’ll get faster results (and more motivation) by focusing on one at a time.
Here’s how this method works:
You simplify your focus, avoiding overwhelm.
You see quick wins, which build momentum to keep going.
You stay consistent, paying the same total each month.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick one card, usually the one with the smallest balance, and throw all your extra cash at it first.
Make It Easy: Use Undebt.it to follow the Debt Snowball Method automatically and stay organized.
5. Focus On Paying Off The Card With The Smallest Bill First
Paying off a small card completely gives you an instant win. And wins are addictive.
It’s like setting up your own financial domino effect.
Here’s why this works better than you think:
You feel immediate relief from seeing one debt gone.
You gain momentum, turning small victories into big results.
You build motivation, knowing you’re making real progress.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Target the card with the lowest balance and pay as much extra as you can until it’s gone.
6. Keep Paying The Minimum Payments On The Rest
While you’re attacking one card, don’t neglect the others.
Paying the minimums keeps your credit score safe and prevents late fees.
Here’s why this move matters:
You avoid penalties and keep accounts in good standing.
You stay organized, knowing no bills are slipping through the cracks.
You protect your credit, even while focusing elsewhere.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Keep all other cards on autopay for their minimums while throwing extra at your focus card.
7. Automate Payments So You Never Miss One
One late payment can destroy months of progress and crush your motivation.
Automation keeps you consistent and your score protected.
Here’s why it’s worth setting up:
You never forget, even during busy or stressful weeks.
You avoid late fees, which only make debt worse.
You build trust, showing lenders you’re reliable.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Log into each credit account and turn on autopay for at least the minimum balance.
8. Make Extra Payments Whenever Possible
Every extra dollar you throw at your cards shortens your debt sentence.
Even small, random payments add up faster than you realize.
Here’s what extra payments do for you:
You pay less interest, keeping more money for yourself.
You speed up progress, knocking months (or years) off your plan.
You stay motivated because you see results every single time.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Anytime you get extra cash, like from tips, refunds, or side gigs, send it straight to your focus card.
9. Find A Side Hustle To Earn Extra Cash
You can only cut back so much. Sometimes, you need to earn more.
A small side hustle can double your payment power in just a few months.
Here’s why this works like magic:
You earn without touching your regular income.
You create flexibility, funding faster debt payoff without stress.
You hit goals quicker, watching balances vanish faster than expected.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick a flexible gig, like Uber, Instacart, or TaskRabbit, and dedicate all profits to your debt.
10. Call Your Lenders For Better Terms
Sometimes, your best weapon is simply asking.
Lowering your interest rate or negotiating terms can make your payoff plan 10x faster.
Here’s why it’s worth the call:
You save money instantly with reduced interest.
You pay down principal faster, since less goes to fees.
You show initiative, which lenders often reward with better terms.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Call your card companies and politely ask for a lower interest rate based on your payment history.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).
