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Making a budget is an essential first step in the process of paying off high-interest debt. With a budget in place, you can get a clear picture of your monthly income and expenses, including all of your debts, and determine how much money you can put towards paying off your debt each month. Here are some steps to help you create a budget to pay off high-interest debt:
List your monthly income: Make a list of all sources of income, including your salary, any side hustles, and any other sources of income.
List your monthly expenses: Make a list of all of your monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, and any other regular expenses. Don't forget to include the minimum payments on your debts.
Track your spending: Keep track of all of your spending for a month so you have a complete picture of your expenses. This will help you identify any areas where you can cut back and free up more money to put towards paying off your debt. OR you can review prior spending by using an app like Mint.
Identify your priority expenses: Decide which expenses are essential and which can be cut back. Prioritize your essential expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation, and consider reducing or eliminating non-essential expenses, such as entertainment or dining out. I'm a fan of NOT eliminating fun but enhancing the fun by including many friends and spreading the cost.
Allocate money towards debt repayment: Based on your monthly income and expenses, determine how much money you can allocate towards paying off your high-interest debt each month. Aim to pay as much as you can, even if it's only a small amount, as every little bit helps. BUT don't deprive yourself.
Adjust your budget as needed: REFINE! As your expenses and income change, make sure to adjust your budget accordingly. This will help you stay on track and continue making progress towards paying off your high-interest debt.
By following these steps, you can create a budget that will help you stay on track and make progress towards paying off your high-interest debt. Remember, the key to success is being consistent and sticking to your budget, even when it's challenging.