Stop using credit cards and new debt unless it is for an absolute necessity
List every debt, minimum payment, interest rate, and due date
Pay only the minimums on all debts except one
Put every extra dollar toward the smallest debt or highest-interest debt
Call creditors and ask for hardship programs, lower payments, or reduced interest
Negotiate for fee waivers, payment plans, or settlement offers
Cut all nonessential expenses immediately
Cancel subscriptions, memberships, and unused services
Sell items you do not need and use the money for debt
Increase income with overtime, side jobs, freelancing, or temporary work
Use any tax refund, bonus, or windfall to pay debt
Avoid payday loans, title loans, and cash advances
Build a bare-bones budget for essentials only
Prioritize rent, food, utilities, transportation, and insurance
Use local assistance programs for food, utilities, and rent support
Consider a nonprofit credit counseling agency
Consolidate only if it lowers your total cost and you can avoid new debt
File bankruptcy only after getting qualified legal advice if debts are unmanageable
Track spending daily and stop leaks immediately
Keep making on-time payments to protect your credit as much as possible
Focus on becoming current before trying to pay everything off faster