DebtExit

Start Here: Your Debt Payoff Roadmap

Overwhelmed by debt? This is your step-by-step roadmap out. No fluff, just the exact system I used to pay off $45K in 22 months.

Important: This isn't a quick fix. Debt payoff takes time, discipline, and systems. But it works if you follow the steps.

Step 1: Face the Numbers (Week 1)

Before you can build a plan, you need to know exactly where you stand.

  • 1.List every debt: Credit cards, student loans, car loans, personal loans, medical bills — all of it.
  • 2.Record for each: Total balance, interest rate, minimum payment, due date.
  • 3.Calculate totals: Total debt, total minimum payments, weighted average interest rate.

Use my free debt tracker spreadsheet to organize everything.

Step 2: Build Your Income Picture (Week 1-2)

You can't pay off debt without money. Time to maximize what's coming in.

  • 1.Track current income: Paycheck after taxes, side hustles, freelancing, anything that pays you.
  • 2.Identify income gaps: Can you negotiate a raise? Start a side hustle? Sell unused stuff?
  • 3.Set income goals: How much extra can you make per month? Be realistic but ambitious.

Step 3: Choose Your Payoff Strategy (Week 2)

Two main approaches: Avalanche (save most on interest) or Snowball (quick wins for motivation).

Debt Avalanche

Pay highest interest rate first. Mathematically optimal.

Best for: Discipline-focused people who want to minimize interest paid.

Debt Snowball

Pay smallest balance first. Quick psychological wins.

Best for: Motivation-driven people who need to see progress fast.

I used Avalanche because I have high-interest credit cards. But Snowball works if you need momentum. Pick one and commit.

Step 4: Automate Your Payments (Week 2-3)

Willpower fails. Automation doesn't.

  • 1.Minimum payments: Set up autopay for all debts so you never miss a payment.
  • 2.Extra payments: Schedule extra payments to your target debt the day after payday.
  • 3.Savings: Automate $500-$1K to an emergency fund before going all-in on debt.

Step 5: Track Progress Weekly (Ongoing)

What gets measured gets managed. Track your progress every week.

  • →Update your debt tracker with new balances
  • →Celebrate wins (even small ones like $100 paid off)
  • →Adjust strategy if something isn't working

Step 6: Increase Income (Months 2-6)

You can only cut expenses so much. Income has no ceiling.

  • →Start a side hustle (freelancing, tutoring, delivery apps)
  • →Negotiate a raise or find a higher-paying job
  • →Use AI tools to 3x your freelance output

Read: 5 Side Hustles I Used to Make $1,500/Month

The Real Secret

There's no magic trick. It's systems + consistency + time. Build the systems (steps 1-5), stay consistent (track weekly), and give it time (12-24 months). That's it.

Next Steps