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by Miranda Marquit
Written by Miranda Marquit
One of the toughest parts of paying down debt is sticking with it. After awhile, it can seem overwhelming to continue to make sacrifices so that you can pay down your debt.
“I’ve seen people set unrealistic, aggressive goals, thinking they could pay off debt quickly,” says Taylor Schulte, CFP®, CEO of Define Financial. “They soon realize the goals are too great, which discourages them from the process.”
Schulte also points out that some consumers don’t tackle debt effectively because they are unsure how to approach different types of debt, such as trying to decide how to tackle credit card debt versus a car loan or a home loan.
One of the greatest hindrances to staying motivated while paying down debt occurs when your life partner doesn’t approach debt the same way. “Spouses often disagree about which debt to pay down first, or how much to attribute to each loan,” Schulte says.
No matter the reason behind your motivation challenges, though, the consequences can be disastrous for your finances. “If you aren’t seeing any progress, it can be difficult to stay on track,” Schulte points out. At that point, you might experience failure with your debt repayment plan.
In order to succeed, try these 3 simple strategiesfor staying motivated:
1. Create Small Goals for Frequent Wins
“I recommend creating small, measurable goals that can generate wins along the way,” says Schulte. “Although they may appear minor, these small wins can make you feel good and keep you motivated to continue the plan.”
One of the reasons that the debt snowball method of repayment is so popular becauseit focuses on the quick win. Even though you are likely pay off your loans faster and save money when you start with the loan with the highest interest rate, you’ll actually feel better — and keep on with your plan — if you can get a fast taste of victory by paying off the smallest loan first.
As you continue to hit milestones, you’ll stay motivated to reach for the next, because you know it’s attainable.
2. Get Technology Involved
Schulte also recommends using technology to help your efforts. He likes goal setting apps and websites that can send you reminders and help you visualize your progress. “Not only does this help you keep track of your goals and progress, but it can actually enhance the process, making it more enjoyable.”
Along with goal setting apps, it’s also possible to sign up for challenge websites. These are websites that require you to pay some sort of forfeit when you don’t stay on track. You choose an accountability partner who collects if you don’t meet your goal. You might have to take the partner out to dinner or donate money to a cause you dislike. This type of motivation can help keep you going, since you know there’s a consequence as well as a reward.
3. Visualize Your Debt-Free Life
Finally, make it a point to visualize your debt-free life. Sometimes we get stuckin the present, frustrated with the way things are now. Looking ahead to your future without debt can help get you through the tough times. You can stick pictures in a prominent placeto help you better visualize your debt-free life, or just regularly revisit your reasons for dumping your debt. From reminding yourself that you will have more money for things that matter the most to you, to recognizing that you can invest instead of pay interest to others, visualization can be a great way to overcome your present lack of motivation.
Don’t give up on paying off your debt. With a little work and positive thinking, you can power through the disappointments and succeed in the end.
About the author
Miranda Marquit
Miranda is a freelance journalist specializing in topics related to personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and small business. Since receiving her M.A. in Journalism from Syracuse University, her work has appeared on a number of web sites including Wise Bread, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, AllBusiness, and Huffington Post. She writes for the Equifax blog and the Quizzle blog, and has written extensively about credit, retirement, insurance, and taxes for a number of other corporate blogs and web sites. Follow Miranda on Twitter, @MMarquit, and check out her personal finance blog, Planting Money Seeds.
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13 Comments
Glad you republished this; many still need it. Times haven’t changed since my last comment on 10/16.
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If you going to put it out there about the 3 ways, then put it out there.
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Rick,
Please click on the link with the number two to read the rest of the article. Thank you.Reply
Exactly!! I feel the same way..WTH!
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With higher-than-fair interest rates and late fees, it’s trickier than a tick in a hairy hide to pay down debt. I’ve always encouraged debt settlement as a viable means of settling the score, if one has the ability to set aside funds on a regular basis. Next best is just don’t pay and hang on for 7-1/2 years. You’ll need your money to pay for things in cash, or buy with a debit card. Don’t keep punishing yourself. The credit card companies were stacked against you from the beginning. Thank the Office of the Comptroller of Currency for that. From 25 years managing a national collection agency.
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I am months behind on every credit card I have, which is too many. I was doing fine until necessary expenses came up. Between late payment charges and the high interest rates, I can’t catch up. I’ve considered bankruptcy, both chapters, and going with one of those companies that work with your creditors. I’ve Googled which company would be the best, but have heard horror stories of people ending up worse due to charges from the company or payments not actually made as promised. I need to replace my roof sine it leaks and the ceiling is turning black from mold. I can’t afford it or get credit. I’ll be 65 soon and I’m still paying on student loans. This is such a mess and I’m really not seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Could you give me some advice, please.
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Hi Maureen,
So sorry to hear about all your troubles! Please read this article on what to do when you can’t pay your bills. I hope that helps! Thanks for reading.Reply
Hundreds of tips for those in the same boat from Dave Ramsey Facebook and on line podcasts groups ! It’s possible !
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How can you help with resolving debt problems and help restore someone’s credit legally.
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Hi DJ,
Our program shows the steps you will need to take to repair your credit on your own. The process is not very intuitive and many companies will do whatever they can to keep you down. We simply offer advice on how to get yourself back on the right track. Hope that helps!Reply
Great motivation. Have tried to do snowball but couldn’t see results I wanted to see. Will try this method and see how it works for me.
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I want to restart program to fix credit
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Brilliant, angle leaves an individual with focus, to ac
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