April’s theme for our financial well-being challenge is debt management. There is no doubt that taking control of your debt will significantly improve your financial – as well as your physical – well-being. How do you go about it? Follow our step-by-step guide.
The link between debt and wellbeing
Debt and well-being are inextricably linked. Research consistently shows the detrimental effects of debt-related stress on mental health.
According to a survey by Forbes Advisor, 54% of U.S. adults with debt say they always or often feel stressed because of their debt.
Anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness are common among those with overwhelming financial obligations. However, the inverse holds true as well; regaining control over our debts can have a profoundly positive impact on our financial well-being.
So if you’re grappling with debt, it’s worth taking some time to work through the steps below and devise an effective debt management strategy.
Step 1: Assess your debt
The first step in managing your debts is to know exactly how much you owe and to whom. Many people do not have a clear overview of their liabilities, and this can lead to overwhelming approach which can cause debt to spiral out of control.
Gather all your financial statements and make a comprehensive list of your debts including how much you owe, creditor name, interest rate payable, and minimum monthly repayment.
Step 2: Understand good versus bad debt
Good debt typically refers to secured debts. These loans are generally used to acquire assets that may appreciate over time or generate income. They will ultimately contribute towards building wealth. The classic example is a mortgage, provided that it is manageable. Interest rates on this type of loan tend to be lower because if you default on payments, the creditor has collateral backing.
Student loans are also usually good debt because they will typically lead to increased earning potential over the long term.
Bad debt generally includes high-interest debts used for non-appreciating assets or consumables, such as credit card debt for discretionary spending, payday loans, or high-interest personal loans.
You need to determine which of your debts are good and which are bad. Then focus on paying down the unsecured debts, although you must of course, keep up minimum repayments on all your debts, good and bad.
Step 3: Prioritise debt repayment
When it comes to unsecured debts, it makes financial sense to prioritise paying off those with the highest interest rates first. This will save you money in the long run. List your debts in the order that you will repay them.
If you’ve been following the steps of our financial well-being challenge so far, you will have created a budget with a percentage of your income dedicated to saving. You should pay off all unsecured debts before you start saving because you will pay more in interest on this type of loan than you can hope to earn by saving.
Paying off debts with the highest interest rate first is often referred to as the debt avalanche method. Some people prefer the debt snowball method which involves paying off the smallest debts first as it gives them a sense of achievement quicker. Although we recommend the avalanche method, choose the debt repayment strategy that works best for you and is going to keep you motivated.
Step 4: Accelerate repayment
There are a few ways you can accelerate repaying your debt.
It’s always worth reaching out to your creditors to negotiate lower interest rates or payment plans to suit your financial situation. If they say no, you’ve lost nothing but a yes could save you hundreds in interest payments.
You should also explore the options for consolidating high-interest debts into a single, lower-interest loan such as a balance transfer credit card or debt consolidation loan.
Thirdly, if you’re really determined to zero your debts, you could consider ways to increase your income in the short term, such as taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items.
Step 5: Cut discretionary spending
A commitment to paying down unsecured debt should, of course, be accompanied by a commitment to stop spending on things you can’t afford. If you can’t pay cash for a non-essential item, don’t buy it.
Actively identifying areas to cut back on discretionary expenses will free up more money for debt repayment. You’ll find 20 money-saving ideas here.
Step 6: Write down your debt repayment plan
Putting your debt repayment plan on paper helps clarify your goals and priorities. It gives you a clear roadmap to follow, which will keep you more focused on your objectives and provide a tangible reminder of the commitment you have made to get debt-free and the steps you need to take to achieve that goal. Refer back to it often to track your progress.
Step 7: Automate repayments
Where possible, automate debt repayments so you don’t have to remember to do it manually. If you can choose repayment dates, go for as soon as possible after you have been paid so that the funds are available, and you won’t be tempted to spend them elsewhere. The aim is to create a seamless process that reduces the risk of missed payments and helps you steadily progress towards becoming debt-free.
By following these steps and staying committed to your debt repayment plan, you can gradually pay off your unsecured debts and take one step closer to financial well-being. Remember, it’s a journey, so be patient and consistent with your efforts.
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