15 Things to Stop Doing If You Ever Want to Get Out of Debt

Ever feel like you’re sprinting full speed just to stay in the same spot?

Like a hamster on a wheel, no matter how hard you hustle, you’re not getting anywhere. The bills keep coming. The interest piles up. And the stress? Constant.

If you’re tired and ready to get out of debt for good, this is your turning point. Let’s talk real strategies to break free. And finally move forward with confidence.

Before we start, remember these words from billionaire J.K. Rowling.

Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.

No matter where you start from, the key is to begin.

15 Things That Are Keeping You Stuck In Debt

As you read this article, write down the things you relate to most and your next action steps to fix them.

1. Ignoring Your Numbers

Avoiding your balances doesn’t make your spending go away. It just lets them build.

Awareness = power. Yes, ripping off the bandaid is going to hurt a bit. But 6 months from now, you’ll be so glad you did.

Action Task: Look up and write down your loan amounts, interest amounts, and bank account numbers.

2. Using Credit Cards Like They’re Free Money

They’re not. In fact, unless you’re paying it off in full each month, you’re making others rich while you get poorer. Never forget that credit companies are in the business of making money.

As a rule, you should NEVER be financing wants like vacations, furniture, and phones. If you can’t pay for it in cash now, wait until you can!

3. Making Only Minimum Payments

Whether it’s student loans or car loans, you’ll stay in debt forever this way. Even small extra payments make a huge difference.

Try the debt snowball: Pay extra on your smallest balance, so that you can knock that out first and give yourself a mental boost.

4. Living Without a Plan

Without a budget for your money, it’s easy to overspend and stay stuck in the cycle. Likewise, you’ll never get out of debt if you don’t pick a debt payoff strategy and then take action.

Action Task: Make a plan that works for you and map out your first 3 months.

5. Spending to Impress Others

Spending hours on social media every day? Comparison leads to overspending. The truth is, your favorite influencer’s “perfect” life might be fueled by debt. (And they might be deeply unhappy when the camera’s off too)

Action Task: Put your phone down and spend more time outside in fresh air. Set limits on how much you use social media.

6. Telling Yourself You’ll “Start Next Month”

Your problem isn’t going to magically fix itself someday. And you are 100% responsible for your own life. So, take the first baby step. And then the next. Make mistakes. Get knocked down. But then get back up again and keep going.

Action Task: Start now with one small step. Then, write down the next small step for tomorrow. Keep your momentum going!

7. Assuming You’ll Always Have a Car Payment

I recently asked my 13 year old about good loans. His answer? “Most people have car loans, so they must be ok.” This is an assumption that’s too common in our society – and it’s making us poorer. Average car loans cost $5,000-$10,000 more for the SAME car. (The cost depends on many factors, including your down payment, credit score, and how long your loan is)

Best advice I ever received? Drive what you can afford and save ahead for your next car—interest-free. Yes, it’s hard to pay in cash the first time. But after that, you’ve set yourself up for success and it’s much easier.

8. Thinking Small Actions Don’t Matter

It’s fascinating how ticked off people get when someone suggests they cut out their Starbucks coffee. (And then compain about eggs being a dollar more, even though they’re still less than a coffee). Every dollar saved or paid toward debt counts. Small wins create big progress.

Consider:

• Taking a different route to work so you don’t stop at the drive thru.
• Shopping online or with a list to avoid impulse buys in the store.
• Deleting the app that you keep accidentally spending money on for things you don’t need.

You might not see a difference in a day. But in a month, you’ll be surprised. And a year later? You’ll wonder why you ever discounted the power of small wins.

9. Justifying Every Purchase as a “Treat”

“Treat yo’self” has turned into a toxic excuse to make poor decisions. You don’t need a reward every bad day. You need relief from debt. So, the next time you feel you deserve a treat, make it a free one, or simply skip it in favor of your future you.

Action Task: Make a list of 3-5 free or affordable treats for the next time you’re feeling low.

10. Being a “Yes” person

If your calendar is full of birthdays, holidays, and outings you can’t afford—start saying no. The same goes for your niece who’s always asking for money. And your family expecting you to “do it all.”

It’s time to put your foot down to level up your financial life. (And your peace of mind)

11. Dining Out Regularly

It adds up fast. Cutting back on takeout can save hundreds each month. Start meal planning to get this under control. A rotating meal plan, combined with once a week freezer meals, saves my family $50-$100 a week.

12. Not Using Free Resources To Get Out of Debt

This site is full of helpful free printables and articles. You can also find many budgeting apps and financial podcasts for free. And don’t forget to ask the financially successful people around you for tips and advice.

Knowledge is power, so start today!

Related: Free Financial Learning Scavenger Hunt

13. Forgetting to Track Small Wins

Celebrate progress! Tracking payments motivates you to keep going. Try a feel-good reward that doesn’t sabotage your goals.

Action Task: Use these fun debt trackers to help you visualize your progress!

14. Borrowing from One Thing to Pay Another

Stop shifting debt around to stay ahead in the short-term! Focus on reducing it, not moving it.

15. Avoiding Financial Conversations

For many people, it’s easier not to have the financial conversation you need to with your partner. But in the long-term, avoiding this conversation is a recipe for disaster.

If you’re partnered, talk honestly about money. Make it a priority to be in a far better place in your future together. And then get to work on your game plan together.

What’s Next?

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