5 Bold Steps To Be Debt Free in 6 Months (Even on a Small Income)

🔎 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. Make A 6-Month Payment Target

If you want to crush debt fast, you need a finish line.

A six-month payoff goal gives you direction, motivation, and urgency.

It turns your debt from “someday” into “done soon.”

Here’s how it works:

• Know your numbers. List all balances, interest rates, and minimums.
  
• Set your deadline. Six months keeps you focused and accountable.
  
• Track progress. Seeing the balance shrink keeps your fire alive.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Write down your total debt and divide it by six. That’s your monthly payoff target to stay on track.

Make It Easy: Use Undebt.it to automatically plan your six-month debt payoff strategy step by step.

2. Use A Monthly Spending Limit

You can’t pay off debt if you don’t know when to stop spending.

A clear monthly limit keeps your money working for your goals. not against them.

It’s your built-in guardrail against overspending.

Here’s why it helps:

• Instant clarity. You always know what’s left to spend.
  
• No guilt. You can enjoy within boundaries.
  
• Faster debt payoff. More leftover money means bigger payments.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Choose a fixed monthly spending limit (like 70% of your income) and stick to it no matter what.

Make It Easy: Use a budget binder to track weekly spending and stay mindful.

3. Switch To Cheaper Versions

You don’t have to give everything up. Just swap it out.

Choosing cheaper versions of what you already buy can save hundreds without sacrificing comfort.

This move stretches your budget instantly.

Here’s where you can downgrade smartly:

• Groceries. Try store brands; they’re often identical to name brands.
  
• Streaming services. Pick one at a time instead of juggling five.
  
• Cell or internet plans. Negotiate or switch to lower-cost options.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: List your biggest monthly expenses and replace at least two with cheaper alternatives today.

Make It Easy: Keep a “swap list” notebook of your favorite cheaper finds to reuse monthly.

4. Cut Back On Almost All Your Wants

It’s only six months. Go into beast mode.

Cutting 90% of non-essential spending for a short time can completely change your finances.

You’ll be amazed at how much you can pay off when you say “not now” to extra wants.

Here’s where to trim:

• Dining out. Cook simple meals instead of takeout.
  
• Shopping. Skip the “just browsing” Target trips (you know the ones).
  
• Entertainment. Use free parks, YouTube, or the library for fun.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Commit to a “no-spend challenge” for 30 days and see how much more you can throw at debt.

Make It Easy: Try Rocket Money to track how much you save during your no-spend streak automatically.

5. Send Every Extra Dollar To Debt

Found money? It’s not “fun money”. It’s your debt killer.

Every extra dollar you earn or save should go straight to your payoff plan.

This is how you accelerate from slow progress to total transformation.

Here’s how to find extra dollars:

• Side gigs. Deliver food, walk dogs, or sell unused items.
  
• Refunds. Send tax or return money directly to your loan.
  
• Budget leftovers. Roll unused cash from one week into debt payments.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Create a rule: every surprise dollar immediately goes toward your smallest balance until it’s gone.

Make It Easy: Use DoorDash or TaskRabbit for quick side gigs that directly fuel your six-month debt payoff plan.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌