Managing Debt - Practical Strategies to Pay Off and Stay Debt Free

"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Insights from a Certified Money Coach:

Debt.

Even just reading the word can feel like someone dropped a boulder onto your chest, can’t it? For so many of us, it’s this constant, nagging presence—like a storm cloud that never quite clears. We try to ignore it, to look the other way, but it’s always there, lurking in the background, whispering, “Hey, remember me?”

And honestly, it can feel like no matter how much we chip away at it, debt has this infuriating knack for sticking around. Like that stubborn bit of mud on your hiking boots that just won’t come off, no matter how hard you stomp. (See? I warned you I can get a bit long-winded. Buckle up.)

But here’s the thing I’ve learned—both through my own (messy, bumpy) journey and from helping clients face theirs: You can overcome debt. You can move forward, lighter and freer, with a future that feels entirely yours. Not just that—you can stay debt-free, build the life you want, and finally feel like your money is working for you, not the other way around.

So, let’s talk about how. I’ll share the steps that helped me climb out of the debt hole, bit by bit. No gimmicks. No magic wands. Just real strategies that work.

My Debt Story: The Backpack I Didn’t Know I Was Carrying

Years ago, debt was my constant, unwanted companion. I had credit cards, a car loan, and stupid personal loans all clinging to me like burrs after a hike. And no matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to shake them off.

I was doing “the right things” (or so I thought). I made my minimum payments every month. I didn’t overspend—well, not that much. But my balances just sat there, barely moving. I’d buy a coffee and feel guilty. I’d see friends for dinner and feel guilty. I’d look at my bank account and—surprise—feel even guiltier.

It was exhausting. Anxiety-inducing. Like carrying around an invisible backpack stuffed with bricks every single day.

Until one day, I just… snapped. Not in a dramatic, Hollywood-movie way. But I remember sitting at my desk, looking at my credit card statement, and thinking, “I can’t keep doing this.” I wanted to feel free. I wanted control. I wanted to breathe without that weight pressing down on me.

So, I made a plan. A real, honest-to-goodness plan—not just vague promises to “spend less.” I started small, with one step. Then another. And slowly, that invisible backpack got lighter.

Now? I’m debt-free. And let me tell you, the freedom is unbelievable. My money no longer feels like a source of shame or stress. Every dollar I earn is mine to use—whether that’s saving, investing, or splurging on a fancy cheese board because, well… priorities.

Step 1: Face the Numbers (Even if They Scare You)

Let’s start with the hardest part—because ripping off the Band-Aid is better than peeling it off one agonising millimetre at a time.

To tackle your debt, you first need to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Yes, I know. Staring those numbers in the face can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff. But trust me, clarity is your ally. You can’t fix what you can’t see.

Here’s what to do:

Gather all your debts—credit cards, car loans, personal loans, student loans. Everything.

Write them down, or pop them into a spreadsheet (if you’re fancy like that). Include the balance, interest rate, and minimum payment for each one.

When I did this, I was horrified. I wanted to slam my laptop shut and pretend I hadn’t seen it. But I didn’t. I left that spreadsheet open, and every time I looked at it, I told myself, “This is temporary.” Because it was.

Step 2: Choose Your Attack Plan

Once you’ve got the full picture, it’s time to decide how you’re going to tackle your debt. There are two main strategies:

1. The Snowball Method

Start with the smallest debt. Pay it off as quickly as you can while making minimum payments on the rest. Once the smallest is gone, move to the next smallest, and so on. This method is great for momentum—it gives you those early wins that feel oh-so-satisfying.

2. The Avalanche Method

Focus on the debt with the highest interest rate first, while paying the minimums on the rest. Once the high-interest debt is gone, move to the next highest. This method saves you the most money in the long run.

For me, I went with the snowball method. I needed those quick wins to remind me that progress was possible. Watching my smallest debts disappear one by one felt like crossing tiny bridges, each one bringing me closer to freedom.

Step 3: Find Extra Dollars (They’re Hiding, I Promise)

Let’s talk about cutting back—not in a deprivation kind of way, but in a “redirecting your money to your future self” kind of way.

When I started my debt-free journey, I realised I needed to find extra cash to throw at my payments. So, I made a game of it.

Paused subscriptions: Goodbye, streaming apps. (I missed you, but it was worth it.)

Meal planning: Turns out, eating out was draining my wallet faster than I realised.

Selling unused stuff: That dusty guitar? Gone. The clothes I never wore? Sold.

One of my clients, Lisa, was hesitant about cutting back at first. She loved her daily coffee runs. So, we worked out a budget where she could still enjoy the occasional treat while saving an extra $200 a month. Balance is key, people!

Step 4: Throw Extra Payments at Your Debt

Whenever I had extra cash—whether from a work bonus, tax refund, or side gig—I’d throw it straight at my debt. Even small amounts made a difference.

One of my clients, Sarah, used a clever trick: She rounded up her payments. If her minimum was $57, she’d pay $60. Those tiny extra amounts added up faster than she expected.

Step 5: Celebrate the Wins (Yes, Even the Tiny Ones)

Paying off debt isn’t all doom and gloom. Every time you hit a milestone—no matter how small—celebrate it. When I paid off my first credit card, I treated myself to a fancy takeaway dinner. When the car loan was gone, I splurged on a new book.

These little rewards kept me going. They reminded me that the journey wasn’t just about the end goal—it was about reclaiming control and finding joy along the way.

Step 6: Build Habits That Keep You Debt-Free

Once I became debt-free, I swore I’d never go back. So, I built habits to protect my newfound freedom:

I created an emergency fund so I wouldn’t need to rely on credit for unexpected expenses.

I ditched my credit cards entirely (extreme, but it worked for me).

I committed to spending intentionally—asking myself, “Do I really need this, or can it wait?”

Step 7: Relish the Freedom

The day I made my final payment, I cried. Not out of sadness, but out of sheer relief.

Living debt-free doesn’t just mean having more money. It means having more peace. It means knowing that every dollar you earn is building your dreams, not paying for your past.

One of my clients, Lisa, put it best: “I finally feel like I’m in control. My money works for me now.”

And that’s what this journey is all about.

Your Debt-Free Future is Waiting

If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, know this: You’re not alone. You’re not stuck.

Start small. Start today. Celebrate every win, no matter how tiny. Because every step you take is one step closer to freedom, to confidence, to the life you deserve.

You’ve got this. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way. 🌱

While you’re here, be sure to snag my free workbook, Map the Gap.

It’s designed to make money goal setting a breeze - so easy and effective that it’s perfect for building into your regular routine. Even if you’re just dipping a perfectly polished toe into the world of Money Coaching, you’ll find it simple to dive in and get started. Trust me, the results will be so fabulous you’ll be amazed!

There’s nothing to lose except your fear of failure, so go ahead and grab your copy here.