Shed Your Debt Weight

Create a budget to get out of debt.

Learn How to Create a Budget & Get Out of Debt

Did you make any resolutions this year? Many people plan to shed the extra pounds that are dragging them down – but does that include weight from your bad debt? It’s amazing how heavy a maxed out credit card can feel! If you want to shed your debt weight, get out of debt and improve your financial health, read on.

How to Get Started with Shedding Your Bad Debt Weight & Get Out of Debt

  1. Take stock of your obligations: list how much you owe and how much interest you are paying. Seeing it all in black and white can be strangely motivating.
  2. Prioritize your debts: mortgage and vehicle payments are typically at the top of the list.
  3. Track where you are currently spending your money. Before you can make any changes, you need to identify what you can change.
  4. Create a budget. Without a personal budget (spending plan), it is impossible to live within your means.
  5. Develop a realistic debt reduction plan; consider:
    • where you can trim expenses
    • if you can generate some extra income
    • if you should suspend regular investment contributions while you’re paying down debt
    • if you can consolidate your debt at a lower interest rate, without incurring more debt
    • if you need assistance to consider your options and develop a plan that will work
Looking Ahead To Stay Out Of Debt

Looking Ahead to Stay Out of Debt

Over the long term, debt will drag you down. The interest and fees you pay will only grow. The more you spend to service your debt, the less money you have available for what’s important to you. Dropping your bad debt weight sooner than later is easier than dragging it around with you! Creating a budget will help you avoid needing to rely on debt in the future. 

Try these small changes to stay out of debt:

  • Use only cash, no plastic of any kind, for all of your purchases for one week.
  • Prove to yourself that you can live without your credit card and put it away for two weeks.
  • Plan not to eat out for one week – prepare to do that by shopping for foods that you can take along for lunch; create a meal plan for dinners; no take-out on the way home either.
  • Don’t buy any drinks-to-go for two weeks – no coffees, teas, waters, juices, pop.
  • Scale back your cell phone features for one month and only use your phone for essential calls.
  • Reduce the monthly fee on one utility bundle, e.g. lower your cable package, for two months.

Learn more about how to get out of debt, or discover more ideas about getting out of debt.

Find out how to get debt relief.

Get the help you need. Find the right option that will work for your specific set of circumstances - whether that means setting up an amortization schedule, negotiating an interest rate, discussing terms like principal balance and amortization, or just talking through different fees, we’re here to help. Instead of endlessly looking through debt consolidation company reviews, let one of our experienced counsellors help you. If we can't fully help you, we'll refer you to an organization we trust that can or help you put together an action plan so you can get started on your next steps. Feel free to give us a call or chat with us online. We're here to help.

Get the clarity you need.

Speak with a non-profit credit counsellor.

If you’re overwhelmed by your current financial circumstances or have difficulty maintaining a monthly budget, we can help you by providing personalized tips for paying off credit card debt. We’ll review your financial situation with you and explore all the different ways you can get rid of your debt. There are even debt relief and debt repayment programs that might help. 

Get Some Help – It’s Free

Get a free appointment to explore your options and get back on track.

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