How to Get Out of Debt — For Real
The order of operations that actually works — not the motivational-poster version.
Face the full number
List every debt: balance, APR, minimum. You can't beat what you won't look at. Most people are shocked by their weighted APR, not the total — that's the number killing you.
Build a one-month buffer
Save one month of expenses before attacking debt. Without it, the first flat tire goes right back on the card and erases months of progress.
Pay minimums on everything
Every account stays current. One 30-day late can cost 60-100 credit points and trigger penalty APRs that make the hole deeper.
Avalanche the highest APR
Every spare dollar goes to the highest-interest debt first, then roll that payment into the next. Mathematically it's the fastest, cheapest route to zero.
Track it visually
Update the list monthly. Debt payoff is boring in the middle and electric at the end — the chart is what keeps you going in month four.
Run the numbers yourself
The Money Tools Suite turns this guide into your numbers.