5 Ways to Deal With Debt Stress

Dealing with debt is more than just a financial issue—it can be a significant source of stress, affecting your mental health and overall well-being. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt, know that you’re not alone, and there are practical steps you can take to alleviate this stress. 

Here are five effective strategies to help you manage debt-related anxiety and regain your peace of mind.

• Create a Detailed Debt Repayment Plan

The first step in tackling the stress associated with debt is to create a clear and actionable repayment plan. Start by listing all your debts, including the creditor, total amount owed, interest rate, and monthly minimum payment. This will give you a comprehensive overview of what you’re dealing with. Next, prioritize your debts. 

A common method is the “avalanche method,” where you pay the minimum on all your debts but focus any extra funds on the debt with the highest interest rate first. This method saves you money on interest over time and helps eliminate the biggest burdens first.

Another option is the “snowball method.” With this approach, you pay the minimum on all of your debts but then focus any extra funds on the debts with the smallest amount first – working your way from smallest to largest. This approach is psychological. It allows you to clear out all of the small debts rather quickly – which reduces the number of debts you have and gives you the motivation to keep going. 

• Explore Debt Consolidation Options

Debt consolidation is a viable option for managing multiple debts more effectively. This process involves combining several debts into a single larger debt with more favorable payoff terms, such as a lower interest rate or a reduced monthly payment. This can simplify your financial situation, making it easier to manage with just one payment. (Also, it can often reduce the amount you pay in the long run.) 

Explore consolidation loans or balance transfer credit cards as options, too. However, be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms fully to ensure it truly benefits your situation. You always want to make sure you understand both the pros and cons of any debt-related decisions you make.

• Set Realistic Financial Goals

Setting realistic financial goals provides you with a roadmap to follow and helps keep you motivated. Whether it’s saving up for an emergency fund, paying off a specific credit card, or just managing to stay on top of your monthly bills, clear goals give you something tangible to work towards. 

Here’s a pro tip: Break your larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps and set deadlines for these smaller steps to keep yourself on track. Celebrating small victories along the way can provide a psychological boost and make it more likely that you’ll accomplish the bigger goals.

• Understand the Role of Bankruptcy

While it should be considered a last resort, understanding when and how to pursue bankruptcy can be crucial if you’re facing debt that seems unlikely to pay off. Bankruptcy can provide a fresh start by discharging certain types of debt and stopping collection calls and letters. It’s especially powerful if you’re trying to save your family home.

“One telephone call can begin the process of starting over,” Reed Law Firm explains. “The press of a button on a computer keyboard can stop a home foreclosure and put an end to creditor harassment immediately.”

However, let’s not gloss over the fact that bankruptcy also has long-term impacts on your credit score and financial situation. With this in mind, educate yourself about the different types of bankruptcy (such as Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 in the United States), and consult with a bankruptcy attorney to determine if this is the right step for you and how to proceed.

• Manage the Psychological Impact

Debt can lead to significant mental stress, but having a plan and taking proactive steps can greatly alleviate this burden. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, or speaking with a therapist. Connecting with support groups where you can share your experiences and learn from others in similar situations can also be beneficial. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your financial health.

It’s Time to Catch Your Breath

Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? It happens fast – and can be extremely scary. For a few seconds, it can feel like you’ll never breathe again. But as that first shallow breath returns, there’s an amazing sense of relief that overcomes you. That’s a lot like what being in debt and finding relief feels like.

By implementing some of the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can catch your ‘financial breath’ and begin to move on with your life. Let this article serve as a starting point for doing just that!