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Minute Read
(Edited by Shauna Scarnato)
Is debt holding you back from living your best life? Trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating or struggling to cover everyday expenses are just a few of the side effects debt can bring. The good news? You can take control. With a clear plan and practical steps, you can pay down debt and start focusing on goals like retirement, a vacation, buying a home and more.
Change Your Mindset about Debt
Becoming debt free starts in your mind. Feeling guilty or overwhelmed can make it harder to take action. Instead, shift your focus to proactive steps:
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Track your spending and debts.
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Set clear, realistic financial goals.
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Learn the habits of people who live debt free, regardless of income level.
Even small, consistent actions add up over time.
Create a List of All Your Debts
To tackle debt effectively, you need to know exactly what you owe. Make a list that includes:
For each, write down the total owed, interest rate and loan term. If you’re married, include your spouse's debts too. Knowing the full picture is the first step toward action.
Build a Budget That Works
Budgeting ensures you can cover everyday expenses while paying down debt:
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List your monthly expenses: housing, food, transportation, childcare and other essentials.
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Compare your expenses to your monthly income after taxes.
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Put any leftover funds toward debt repayment.
The less you spend, the more you will have to put toward debt repayment. If you want greater guidance for budgeting, consider following the 50-30-20 rule or using the cash envelope budgeting system.
Choose a Repayment Plan You Can Maintain
Using a proven repayment method makes a big difference. Two popular approaches are:
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Debt Avalanche: Pay off debts with the highest interest rates first.
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Debt Snowball: Pay off the smallest debts first to build momentum.
Other ways to stay on track:
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Take advantage of digital banking tools to schedule automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
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Keep a simple tracking system, like a budget binder, to monitor progress.
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Use tools that help pay down debt in manageable ways.
Explore Debt-Repayment Tools
Depending on your situation, certain financial products may help:
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Visa® Balance Transfer (VBT): If credit card debt makes up most of your overall debt and you can afford to pay off the debt in a shorter time, a Visa balance transfer may be right for you. We offer three options with low introductory annual percentage rates (APRs).
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Personal Loan: Consolidate multiple debts into one fixed monthly payment over a longer period, with no collateral required.
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Home Equity Loan: Use equity in your home to repay multiple debts with a fixed monthly payment over time. Ideal for larger debts—but remember, your home is collateral.
Borrowing is a big decision. If you’re unsure, Members 1st offers a personal concierge to help guide you toward the best solution for your goals.
Take the First Step Today
Being debt free isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable. Start small, stay consistent and celebrate each win along the way. Whether it’s paying off a single credit card or creating a full repayment plan, every step forward counts.
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