10 Ways to Get and Keep Debt Out of Your Life!

It's common knowledge that economies around the world are suffering.  It's no different in the UK and it's time to turn things around before they get out of hand.  People may not be able to turn the economy around in a day or change the way the global finances are dealt with but it is well within one's reach to look at home first and find a solution to your own personal financial situation.  And that starts with tackling personal debt. Here are ten tips on how to get your personal debt under control and conquer the beast that's been attacking your pocket.

1. Pay off your highest interest debt first.  If you have a car loan that has a higher total of money owed to it that your credit cards, throw more of your monthly income at that first. Chances are it is a multi-year loan with a higher interest rate than your credit cards.  And if you can pay that off sooner than is scheduled by paying more money towards the principal, you have a good chance of saving a lot of money that would have otherwise gone to paying interest on that loan.

2. Keep your credit card debt at a consistent level.  This will require you to use your credit card less than you may be accustomed to, but it is a sound way to handle not building up more debt while eliminating debt in another area of your finances.

3. Use cash instead of credit cards.  Budget in a certain amount of cash to be spent per week, and try not to withdraw more cash than that per week.  By breaking it down into a weekly budget and only allowing yourself a minimal amount, you’re more likely to stick to your cash budget and not overspend.

4. Cut back on the vices.  Whether its cigarettes or coffee, cut down and see how much you'll save.

5. Put aside your spare change.  You'd be surprised at the end of the year at how much that spare change will add up to.

6. Eliminate some of the expenses you already have.  It might be a luxury that you enjoy but if you can do without it that money can be reallocated towards something more beneficial.

7. Don't buy something unless you need it.  It's amazing how much money we spend on frivolous materials that are either hardly used or that we don't even use at all.

8. Watch your energy bills.  Using less electricity and gas can add up to a large amount of money saved over the course of the year.

9. Set up a weekly budget, a monthly budget and an annual budget.  Be certain to check it often and see if you are staying on course.  This is a way to hold yourself accountable and is likely to help you stick to your financial plan.

10. Be smart, control your impulses and make wise financial choices.  They will pay off.