We know that everyone works hard to try and build the life that they want, and we also know that sometimes unforeseen events can throw a spanner in the works. Ill health, chronic pain, depression, injury, storm damage; the list could go on and on. The problem is that debt can take hold of your life when you are least able to face and confront it.
In this guide we’re going to offer down-to-earth advice on making better financial choices, staying the course, and remaining calm so that you can make longer term decisions. There are no judgements here, only solutions that you can put into action at your own pace.
Remember that things will get better
Before you start beating yourself up for getting in debt, remind yourself that things can always change. No, you’re not going to wake up tomorrow and discover an instant fix to all of your issues, but you can do something to start turning things around. Life gets better one day at a time, and believing in this type of shift is what will make all the difference. Debt is stressful and depressing — we’re not going to insult you by pretending otherwise — but you can do so much more if you remain positive as best you can.
Believe in the power of small steps
Build on that positivity by taking one small step as soon as you finish this article. Been too overwhelmed to open your banking app? Load it up and just scroll through your recent statement. Too stressed to look at the mail that’s been piling up? Open the top letter on the pile, read it, and then put it into a document folder.
The point here is that you don’t have to act on any of the information you’ll find — it’s the simple act of engaging with the information that’s the key point. You are removing the power your app and your mail has over you by seeing they’re just words and numbers on a screen or page. Picture the next little step you’ll make in the morning, and you’ll soon be hitting your stride.
Think about simple changes of behaviour
Getting out of debt is a gradual, steady process that is all about remaining calm and avoiding catastrophic thinking. You don’t have to cut all forms of enjoyment out of life, and you don’t have to try and put everything right overnight. Perhaps you enjoy going out for dinner — cut back to once a fortnight and make your budget go further. If you love shopping for new outfits — could you explore sites like Vinted and grab a bargain? And if you enjoy a small wager from time to time, getting rid of this habit can be a huge help to your budget. You can read more info on responsible gambling and gambling addiction on this website and start thinking about how to change your behaviour.
Celebrate the little wins along the way
Every time you break a bad habit or phone a creditor you need to celebrate. A movie night at home could be the perfect goal to shoot for if you can achieve a little win each day of the week. You can celebrate however you want, but the point is that you can take control of your situation by remaining positive and consistent.
By giving yourself the freedom to celebrate and being proud of yourself, you’re linking the actions required to get out of debt to good feelings. You can build on this each and every day, always safe in the knowledge that many more good things will soon come into your life.
Picture what your life will become
You’re now building serious momentum and getting everything in line in your life. You can find so much to be proud of, but how about also starting to look to the future? Imagine being able to put down a deposit on a house or booking an extra holiday next year. How would these two things make you feel?
Picturing everything your life can become is the perfect way to remain positive and motivated when you have those inevitable hard days. You’ll have something to hold onto so that you can continually push ahead and find new ways to rebuild your life. Millions of people get into debt every single year — you’re not someone who is in a uniquely bad situation. You will beat this.
Avoid things that are too good to be true
Unfortunately, there are also those out there who will try and profit from your misfortune. Loans that promise to instantly approve you should be avoided because they are failing to carry out affordability checks. Apps that claim you can earn your annual salary in minutes with nothing but a phone are just selling a dream that will never come true. And anyone selling an expensive course on how to get out of debt fast is doing nothing more than lining their own pockets.
Take a step back when you come across any offer of help and ask whether or not you would be convinced of it if your debt was gone. If it sounds like it is too good to be true, avoid it and keep trusting in the proven process we have laid out above.
Be kind to yourself and keep going
Before you go, we need you to know that you have to be kind to yourself if you’re going to get the most out of the process. Debt is stressful and time-consuming, and it is something that can feel like it is taking over your entire life. The key is to talk to yourself like you are someone you are responsible for taking care of.
Your inner voice can become increasingly negative when debt enters your life, but it doesn’t have to. Being kind is something that will keep you moving along the right path.