[USER]

I’m trying to stay on top of my finances and would really appreciate some advice. I budget every month and do my best to stick to it, but I don’t earn much.

Right now, I have around $2,500 in debt that I want to reduce as quickly and efficiently as possible.

What are some of the best ways to bring this debt down?

I’m especially interested in practical tips for saving money — whether that’s daily habits, smart budgeting ideas, or any methods that have worked for you personally.

I’m not looking for anything complicated — just simple, realistic advice I can start applying right away.

If you’ve been in a similar situation and managed to turn things around, I’d love to hear what helped you most.

Thanks in advance!

[Kiersten]

I agree that more information is needed for good suggestions.
But a general one that I just had with my boys yesterday: think about long term goals and what you can give up “right now” to reach those goals.

Cutting all eating out and streaming services is hard (even/especially when you didn’t have much to begin with). But, while it may not be forever, I can choose to cut those out for, say, three months and see what an impact it makes. Getting a second job sounds like the pits, but can I commit to that for a six or nine mo th stretch to get in a better place?

Missing out on that vacation where I’d planned to spend super minimally makes me sad BUT my family has the same adventure planned yearly.

Am I willing to miss the one this year so that next year I’m in a much better financial place?

Think of the long term goals and the short term sacrifices. That’s my suggestion. And coming up with a timeline can really help.

We committed to giving up all streaming for three months, reevaluated and decided we could go another three months.

Now, we only have one streaming service paid for at a time and sometimes take a break for a month or three to throw that (seemingly small) amount of money at our next biggest goal.

If, in the beginning, we said “I can never have any streaming services because we are too poor”, that would’ve been a very very different mindset that would’ve been depressing and made us want to give up before we even started.

Having tangible goals written down and specific times we are willing to give up xyz or do abc really works well for us because it’s a much easier commitment.

It’s also really helped us decide what’s most important for us and makes budgeting easier on a small income

[Jenifer]

Turn off heat and air anytime u can and open windows at night when it’s cool then shut up in the morning.. of course this depends on ur climate.

Unplug everything with a light except for fridge and stove and freezer if u have one.

Keep lights off as much as u can.

Cook meals at home… make ur own items like tortillas, bread, seasoning mixes, chicken broth, u name it

[Christina]

Can you go to a food bank nearby?
Do you have any ways to make additional income?

Do you have kids that are old enough to help by working, too?

[Tristia]

Switch to a cheaper phone plan. Eat at home. Take lunch and snacks instead of dining out.

[Johnson]

Where is this written budget
The amount you’re able to throw regularly at your debt will tell you how long it will take

200 a month
It will take about a year

[Rachel]

I would try a side hustle or second job to bring in some extra money. Cut anything that isn’t absolutely necessary like streaming or door dash or fast food.

Do you have a roommate or could you rent out part of your space to someone?

[Phillips]

Hang up laundry
Don’t eat out or buy coffee
Get rid of cable

No hair dryer- that thing is an electric $$$.

Don’t buy a single thing until you use up everything you already have- food, shampoo, makeup…

Shop clearance for necessities.

[Lena]

If you have a cell phone you should definitely check out Mint Mobile. After being with Verizon for 24 years and paying a high premium with all types of excess fees I changed to Mint Mobile Mobile 6 months ago and I only pay $15 per month.

I have unlimited everything and the service is great.

[Maria]

Have you heard of the snowball method?
List Your Debts: Make a list of all your debts (excluding your mortgage) and order them from smallest balance to largest balance.

Minimum Payments: Make the minimum payment on all your debts.

Attack the Smallest Debt: Put any extra money you can find towards paying off the smallest debt.

Snowball the Payments: Once the smallest debt is paid off, take the money you were using for that payment and add it to the minimum payment of the next smallest debt.

Repeat: Continue this process, adding the previous payment to the next debt, until all debts are paid off.

[Connie]

Consider getting a second part time job. Forego anything that isn’t a need.

Get a budget and stick to it. Start an emergency fund

[Elinore]

Needs only. Forgo wants. Look for free entertainment like commnity music events and don’t buy new clothes or stuff. After awhile you adjust to less spending.

Pay all your other bills, in full and on time and start to pay. down the debt.

Good luck.

[Kym]

You have not given enough information. How much do you make a month? Are there OT opportunities? What are your bills?

Are you open to a side hustle to make extra money for a short time? Do you have an emergency fund?

[Virginia]

I use the 10% idea. I can’t avoid groceries altogether, but I can shave 10% off.

I lived in a house where I had to have ac, but I was able to bump up the thermostat a bit to use less electricity.

If the interest on your debt is high, can you call or transfer it to lower the interest?

[Chelsea]

Here’s some of my tips: don’t buy groceries until you have nothing left. Eat everything in your house first, then you can buy groceries.

Reusable cloth pads if you have a period and if you can stand them. Coupons.

Ask family, friends, and neighbors to borrow something you need instead of buying. Sell extra stuff on Facebook market place.

Sell clippings of plants or paint some easy art. Advertise to clean houses or run errands for money.

If you go out with friends, only bring enough money that you’re willing to spend and leave all cards and extra cash at home.

Do a ‘no spend’ month. Hope these help and good luck!

[Author]

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