Here are some simple steps to help you take control of your debt:

1. Take a Close Look at Your Spending
   To get out of debt, you need to make real changes to how you spend money. Look at where you shop, what you buy, and how often you use credit. Try to cut unnecessary expenses and learn how to live on less. Becoming good at saving and spending wisely will help you reach your goal faster.

2. Know Exactly What You Owe
   Ignoring debt won’t make it go away. It’s time to face the numbers. Write down all your debts, including the monthly payment, the interest rate, and the total amount you owe. This might feel scary, but it will help you make a plan to pay it off.

3. Choose a Repayment Strategy
   If you can make payments, focus on one of these two strategies:

   • Option A: Pay off your smallest debts first. Once one debt is gone, use that money to pay the next smallest debt. This can help you see progress quickly.

   • Option B: Pay off the debts with the highest interest rates first. This will save you the most money in the long run.

Bonus Tip: If you can earn extra money through a side hustle or a salary increase, put it toward your debt to speed up the process.

These strategies work best if you have enough money to cover your expenses as well as make repayments. However, if you can’t make the numbers work, budgeting on its own may not be enough.

Talk to Your Credit Providers
If you are struggling to keep up with payments, contact your credit providers directly. Ask if they can lower your interest rates or extend your repayment period. Many creditors are willing to help if you communicate with them.

Be honest about what you can afford. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Instead, keep asking until you find a solution that works for you. If you show them your budget and other debts, they may be more sympathetic towards your request.

If you have tried everything, and still can’t find a way forward, it might be time to get professional advice from an NCR-registered debt counsellor.

Debt Review is Not for Everyone
As debt counsellors, we believe debt review is only for those who truly need it. That’s why we offer two levels of help:

• General Advice & Budgeting Help: We can guide you on how to manage your debt on your own.

• Debt Review (Legal Process): If your debt is unmanageable and you qualify, we may recommend debt review as a solution.

Most debt counsellors offer free consultations to help you understand your options. If you don’t need debt review, we will simply offer advice to help you on your journey.

Stay Committed to Paying Off Your Debt
Getting out of debt takes time and effort, but it is possible. Many people fall into debt due to unexpected life events—it’s not your fault. The key is to stay focused and keep working towards financial freedom.

It may take years to fully pay off your debt, so be patient. Avoid taking on more debt to fix your current debt—it rarely works. Stick to your budget, focus on paying off the right debts first, and talk to your credit providers when needed. With the right approach, you can get out of debt without debt review.

Choose progress over procrastination.