Buzz
During my journey to pay down my credit card debt, I chose to focus on increasing my income rather than drastically cutting my expenses. A big part of my strategy was the city I lived in—ridiculously expensive Washington, D.C. I couldn’t just up and move to a cheaper area, so my solution was to maximize my earnings. Even as I worked hard to make more money, I didn’t cut back on luxuries like my $40 haircuts or my daily coffee. If I was going to be working nonstop, I wanted some comforts to keep me motivated.
What strategies have helped you pay off your debt?
For every person who followed a plan similar to mine, there’s someone who took a totally different approach. Perhaps you moved in a roommate, even with a newborn in tow. Or maybe you joined a carpool, even though talking to anyone before 9 a.m. is your personal version of a nightmare. We all do what we can to lighten the load of financial stress.
What approaches have you used to reduce your credit card debt? Did you cut back on spending, increase your income, play the balance-transfer game, or maybe combine all three? Share your experience in the comments. No method is too bold, small, or unconventional.
