How to be Debt Free

Millions of people find themselves in debt that can become extremely difficult to get out of. In the wake of the worst national crisis in modern times, debt issues have grown exponentially. Now more than ever, it is important to practice proper financial techniques and to learn how to be debt free. For those with debt issues, or those who want to ensure healthy saving practices, there are a few things that should be done in order to safeguard funds for the future! 

Pay Down Larger Debts & Save What You

The most important first step is to make a plan. By breaking down your income, you can plan out how much you have available to pay down your debts, and how much will be left to save. While it can feel good to have savings in the bank, it makes more financial sense to first repay your debts (rather than sitting on a savings account that pays low interest rates.) For those who are in financial debt, planning out expenses and making a schedule for debt payments can be extraordinarily helpful. 

Sell What You Do Not Need 

This is not a strategy for generating consistent income, but when you are finding yourself in debt or fear of financial hardship, it makes sense to sell the items that you do not need. This not only generates extra money to pay off expenses, but also helps declutter your home and your life. Indeed, markets like eBay or Facebook were meant to help get rid of things that you have no use for anymore. It also pays to keep kid’s toys, clothing and furniture in mind. Items that you or your family are growing out of can be sold for decent prices on one of the many marketplaces now popping up on the internet. 

Find Extra Sources of Income
    
If you are looking to get out of debt, start budgeting time to spend on other income pursuits. Fortunately, we live in a time where it is possible to make money from your home or car. There are many ways to make supplemental income, from part-time jobs to freelance positions to paid reviews. You could donate plasma, which is now becoming a viable way to make money in free time as it is sorely needed. You could attempt to grow a social media following and monetize your content. Most of these things will take time, but if you do them consistently and plan for the long-term, you can better avoid the stress of debt (and will have less free time for spending!) 

Debt freedom is something with which many people struggle. We are living through a time where the unemployment rates have soared higher than any season in the last seventy years, where the national minimum wage is not enough to afford even a simple living, and where a college education is practically unaffordable, it is important to know how to handle debt. By planning, scheduling expenses, using savings, selling what you do not need and pursuing other sources of income, you can keep control of your debt and secure a successful future.

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