Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash

Debt can be daunting. Debt can be haunting. Debt can taunting! But debt can be conquered. 💪

While getting rid of debt is not an overnight process, it is achievable. When you’re ready to create a plan to pay off your debt, it’s made easier by reminding yourself of three simple principles:

1. Math is your friend

Math wants you to defeat your debt. It’s there to tell you exactly what debt is trampling you into the red and which is more like a light kick toward it. It’s there to show you the significance of unsubsidized versus subsidized student loans, why high interest rates of credit cards are crippling, how making only minimum payments exploits you, and best of all, how to strategize and pay off your debt with the least amount of cost to you. Let math guide you. Listen to its wise words and numbers.

2. Debt happens

Facing your debt is scary. Looking at it all at once can cause a hurricane of emotions and make you beat yourself up for past decisions, actions, or choices. The important thing to remember is that debt happens. Give yourself credit for analyzing it now. You can’t go back in time and getting down on yourself doesn’t make it go away. It’s also fairly impossible to do things without accruing debt of some kind — school, home ownership, car ownership, health care, child care, groceries, etc… Nothing is free and you’re not alone in having debt.

3. There is a light at the end of the tunnel

Being buried in a mountain of debt is overwhelming. To further add to its difficulty, the process of paying it off is not instant and can feel hopeless. Remember, each payment you make brings you closer to a future in which you can put more of your money toward yourself instead of lenders. Stay focused on the benefits. You can do it!

Locking in an approach to paying off your debt is a huge accomplishment in and of itself, so give yourself a pat on the back as you head into battle.

If you would like help forming a plan of attack against your debt you can search for a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Financial Counseling Association of America.