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How to Get Out of Debt

It’s no secret that debt destroys lives. Marriages, friendships, financial security — all can be destroyed by debt. That’s why we’ve written this free tutorial that explains how to get out of debt. It takes courage, hard work and determination, but you can do it.

Before you begin your journey to freedom, remember one thing: the only way out is by taking control of it yourself. There is no magic debt-free formula. There’s no company that can erase your debt. There’s no easy way out. It’ll take guts, determination and a will to succeed.

We have two article series to help you get debt free. The first series is based on the fundamental principles and goals of getting debt help, and the next is based on the practical action-steps you’ll take to get there.

The Debt-Free Plan

1. Plan Your Debt-Free Journey
2. Stop Adding to Your Debt
3. Start an Emergency Fund
4. Lower Your Interest Rates
5. Start a Debt “Snowball”
   

The Principles

1. The Debt-Free Manifesto
2. The 5 Principles For Getting Out of Debt
3. You Making These Debt Mistakes?

Debt is a type of slavery. Debt destroys financial security. Debt is unnecessary. Debt destroys lives. Agree? If so, I’d like to encourage you to make the choice to live debt free forever — just decide to not go into debt again.

Once you decide to live debt free forever, you’ll be able to live securely, feel better and know that everything you own is actually everything you own. It’s a wonderful feeling to be debt free.

“Get Out of Debt Fast” Scams

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said:

“A man in debt is so far a slave.”

Debt is a type of (usually) voluntary slavery. It keeps one bogged down where one can’t experience financial freedom or security. It’s almost always a good idea to focus one’s financial plan on getting debt free.

It’s a common part of being human to experience that freedom and security — and scammers know that, and are willing to exploit that potential weakness. This is why it’s extremely important to always be on the look-out for people who stand to gain from your financial decisions.

Financial planners, debt consultants, bosses — all of these people might stand to gain if you make one financial decision or another. This isn’t to say they are all “out to get you” — just that you should think twice before accepting advice.

Most importantly, watch out for “debt help” scams. There are thousands of people who are willing to put you even further into debt by offering you “services” like debt reduction and relief. They’ll vaguely claim to be able to call the right people to have your debt canceled. Unfortunately, it’s a lie.

Get the Right Mindset

As billionaire Henry Ford said:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.”

Getting out of debt is mostly psychological, and requires one to have a complete break with one’s past. Spending habits, lifestyle choices, material comforts — it needs to change.

This doesn’t mean you should necessarily become sacrificial, and deprive yourself of everything permanently. The goal  of the debt-free journey is to get you there. Once you’re free from debt, you can again return to a fairly “normal” lifestyle, so long as it isn’t based on too much credit again.

Can I Get Out of Debt Fast?

Chances are, probably not. Unfortunately, there are thousands of people who are willing to rip you off and take your last dime … or even put you further in debt. These individuals will make huge claims, such as “we can eradicate half your debt.” Don’t listen to them. They’re literally out to get you.

The only real ways to get out of debt are listed inn the pages linked to above. Feel free to browse through them and take all the time you need. Just let the information sink in — the fundamentals are always the most important information you can get before tackling a major task.

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