14 Top Money Moves if Your Resolution Is to Get Out of Debt

Embarking on a journey to free yourself from debt is a powerful and transformative New Year's resolution. While the road to financial freedom may seem daunting, a strategic approach can pave the way to lasting success.

As you embrace the promise of a new year, consider these 14 top money moves to help you crush your debt.

Each step is a building block toward a debt-free future, providing you with the tools and mindset needed to conquer financial challenges and create a path to lasting financial prosperity.

Kickstart your debt-free journey by choosing a debt payment method that suits your financial personality. Two popular approaches are the snowball and avalanche methods.

The snowball method involves paying off your smallest debts first, gaining momentum as you clear each one.

On the other hand, the avalanche method focuses on paying down high-interest debts, saving you money in the long run. Select the method that motivates you to stay committed to your debt repayment plan.

Explore using a 0% APR (annual percentage rate) balance transfer offer to alleviate the burden of high-interest debt.

Many credit card companies provide introductory periods with zero interest on balance transfers, allowing you to consolidate debt and save on interest payments.

Be mindful of any transfer fees, and ensure you have a clear plan to pay off the transferred balance before the introductory period ends. We’ve done the homework for you and found the best credit cards with a 0% intro APR.

Breaking free from the cycle of debt involves making conscious choices about your spending habits. One significant step is to promise yourself to stop using buy now, pay later plans, which spread out your payments and can lead to overspending.

While these schemes may offer immediate gratification, they often lead to a cycle of accumulating debt. Commit to making purchases only when you can truly afford them, avoiding the pitfalls of deferred payments that can contribute to financial stress.

Boost your income and accelerate debt repayment by making a resolution to start a side hustle. Whether it's freelancing, consulting, or selling handmade goods, a side hustle can provide an additional stream of income dedicated to paying off debt.

Channel your skills and passions into a venture that aligns with your schedule and financial goals. The extra income generated can make a significant impact on your debt reduction efforts.

Take a proactive approach to managing your monthly expenses by reviewing and renegotiating your bills. Contact service providers for cable, internet, insurance, and other recurring expenses to explore opportunities for cost reduction.

Many companies are open to negotiating rates, especially if you demonstrate loyalty or present competitive offers from other providers. You may need to actually say you would like to cancel your service before you’re offered a better price.

Allocating the savings from bill negotiations toward debt repayment can accelerate your progress toward becoming debt-free.

A crucial step in your journey to financial freedom is creating a realistic budget. Outline your income, fixed expenses, and discretionary spending to gain a comprehensive understanding of your financial landscape.

A well-crafted budget helps identify areas where you can cut back, allocate more funds to debt repayment, and build a foundation for sustainable financial habits.

Regularly review and adjust your budget as circumstances change, ensuring it remains a guiding tool on your path to debt-free living.

Debt consolidation involves combining multiple debts into a single, more manageable payment. This can simplify your financial life, potentially reduce interest costs, and create a structured repayment plan.

Explore debt consolidation options such as personal loans, debt consolidation programs, or one of the best balance transfer credit cards.

Assess the terms, interest rates, and fees associated with consolidation to determine if it aligns with your debt reduction strategy.

Get extra money for debt repayment by decluttering your living space and selling unused or unnecessary items. From clothing and electronics to furniture and collectibles, there's likely value in items you no longer need.

Embrace platforms like online marketplaces, garage sales, or consignment shops to turn clutter into cash. The proceeds can be directed toward paying down debt, providing a tangible and immediate impact on your financial goals.

Take the initiative to negotiate lower interest rates on your existing debts. Whether it's credit card balances, personal loans, or other lines of credit, reaching out to creditors and expressing your commitment to repayment may lead to reduced interest rates.

Lower interest rates mean more of your payments go toward the principal balance, accelerating the debt payoff process. This simple yet effective strategy can save you money and expedite your journey to financial freedom.

While contributing to retirement accounts is crucial for long-term financial health, consider temporarily pausing these contributions to channel more funds toward debt repayment.

This step requires careful consideration of your financial situation and consulting with a financial advisor. 

Temporarily redirecting retirement contributions can provide a short-term boost to your debt repayment efforts, allowing you to focus on eliminating high-interest debts.

Consider seeking advice from a certified financial planner or credit counselor. These professionals can assess your unique financial situation, provide personalized strategies, and offer insights into effective debt management.

Professional advice not only enhances your understanding of the financial landscape but also equips you with the tools to make informed decisions on your path to debt-free living.

Debt settlement involves negotiating with creditors to settle your debts for less than the total amount owed. While this can result in a significant debt reduction, it comes with potential drawbacks, including negative impacts on your credit score and tax implications.

Explore debt settlement options cautiously, considering the associated risks and seeking legal or financial advice before proceeding. This strategy is best suited for individuals facing extreme financial hardship and should be approached with careful consideration.

Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements as you progress on your debt-free journey. Whether it's paying off a credit card, reaching a specific milestone in your debt reduction plan, or completing a financial goal, take the time to recognize your efforts.

Celebrating milestones fosters motivation and reinforces positive financial habits. Reflect on your journey, learn from your experiences, and use each milestone as a stepping stone toward a debt-free future.

Creating an emergency fund is a crucial aspect of financial stability, especially when working to get out of debt. An emergency fund acts as a financial safety net, providing funds for unexpected expenses and preventing reliance on credit cards in times of crisis.

While prioritizing debt repayment, allocate a portion of your budget to gradually build an emergency fund. 

Having this reserve can prevent the accumulation of new debt during unforeseen circumstances. Use a top high-yield savings account to build your savings even faster.

As you embark on the transformative journey of getting out of debt, remember that each money move you make is a step closer to financial freedom.

Living a debt-free life requires dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach. Reflect on your financial goals, consider the unique aspects of your situation, and implement these 14 top money moves to pave the way for a future unburdened by debt.

What steps will you take this year to ensure your path to financial freedom is a resounding success?