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Drowning in Debt? Here's How to Get Above Water

Depending on how much debt you owe, it could take years to pay down.
By TRACY BYRNES Aug 17, 2017 Updated Sep 21, 2017 | 01:44 PM EDT

Let's be honest, being in debt sucks. Depending on how much you owe, it could take years to pay down. Here are some tips that could speed up that process.

First -- and this is very important -- you need to commit to becoming debt free and make it your lifestyle. Now let's attack your highest interest loans, which are most likely on your credit cards.

Don't make the problem worse, pay your bills on time. Create a calendar, do whatever you need to do, because overdraft fees are a killer.

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Next, attack the interest rate. If you can, transfer the balance to a lower interest card, do it! If you have a few bucks at the end of the month, use it to pay down that debt. You would be surprised how much impact sending in an extra $10 per month will have on your debt. So be creative finding that $10 or hopefully more.

And if you get paid every two weeks, you will probably end up with an extra paycheck every year. But don't spend it -- attack your debt! If you get a raise, don't spend your money, attack your debt!

And for the love of God, don't take out another credit card or loan until you pay off everything else!

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TAGS: Debt Management | Investing | Video | Credit Cards | Financial Planning | Personal Finance | How-to | Consumer Credit | Opinion | Financial Services

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It's so nice to be in love and really get to know someone. But do you really know that person? Do you know your sweetie's credit score? Do you have your own checking account? Give me 60 seconds and I'll tell you why you should!

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