If you’re ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck and finally become debt free, this blog will show you exactly how to do it.

In this blog, you’ll find clear, actionable steps to help you pay off debt faster, build a starter emergency fund and create a plan that actually works—so you can take control of your finances and start living with freedom and peace of mind.

Whether you’re drowning in credit card balances, feeling overwhelmed by personal loans or just tired of watching your income vanish into monthly payments, there’s good news: You can become debt free, and it can happen faster than you imagine. I’m going to walk you through practical, actionable steps that have helped countless people (including myself and the couples I coach) break free from debt and finally achieve financial freedom.

Let’s dive into the honest steps that will help you live debt free for good.

Why Being Debt Free Changes Everything

Paying off debt isn’t fun. Let’s just say it how it is. It can feel restrictive, boring, and frustrating—especially when you’re handing over hard-earned money just to cover interest.

But here’s something powerful to remember: Once you’ve paid off your consumer debt (everything except your mortgage), every pound or dollar you earn is truly yours. You’re no longer working to pay back the past—you’re building your future.

And that’s what being debt free really means: freedom. Freedom to save, to invest, to give, to take risks, and to breathe.

If that’s not motivation enough, I don’t know what is.

Step 1: Get Clear on What You Owe

Before you can become debt free, you’ve got to face the full picture.

This means listing every single debt—credit cards, car finance, payday loans, store cards, personal loans, and overdrafts. Grab a pen, open those envelopes, log into your accounts, and write it all down.

Next, organise your debts from smallest to largest balance, ignoring the interest rate for now. This will set you up for a proven strategy called the Debt Snowball Method (more on that shortly).

This is the part where many people feel overwhelmed—but trust me, clarity is your first real step toward becoming debt free.

Step 2: Build Your Starter Emergency Fund

Before you start attacking your debts, you’ll want to build a safety net. Set aside around £1,000 (or $1,000) in a separate, easy-access account for emergencies.

This is not for holidays or shopping. This is for when the boiler breaks or your car refuses to start. Having this buffer prevents you from falling back into debt when life happens.

Think of it as your “stay debt free” insurance policy while you’re working your way out.

Step 3: Pay Off Debt Using the Snowball Method

Now, it’s time to start eliminating your debts and move towards a debt free life.

The Debt Snowball Method means paying off your debts from the smallest to the largest balance, regardless of interest. You make minimum payments on all your debts, and any extra money goes towards the smallest debt first.

Once that’s gone, you roll the amount you were paying into the next smallest. This creates a snowball effect that grows with every debt you eliminate.

Why does this work so well? Because it’s not just about maths—it’s about behaviour. Every time you pay off a debt, you gain momentum and motivation to keep going.

This is exactly how my family became debt free, and it’s what I teach my coaching clients too. It works, plain and simple and that’s why I love it!

Step 4: Find Extra Money to Fuel Your Progress

Paying off debt takes focus and determination—but it also takes money. If you’re serious about becoming debt free, you’ll need to free up cash.

Here are four ways to do that:

1. Cut Non-Essential Expenses

Pause your streaming subscriptions, eat at home, skip the takeaways, and say no to impulse buys. Every pound you save helps you move closer to a debt free lifestyle. Remember, this is temporary—but the freedom is forever.

Read more: Buy less stuff

2. Create an Intentional Spending Plan

We don’t call it a budget—we call it an Intentional Spending Plan, because it gives your money purpose. It helps you stop wondering where your money went and start telling it where to go. This is a critical part of becoming debt free and staying that way.

Download your copy of The Intentional Spending Plan today

3. Increase Your Income

You can only cut so much, but your income potential is unlimited. Consider taking on part-time work, freelancing, babysitting, delivering groceries, or tutoring. Even an extra £200 per month can dramatically speed up your debt free journey.

4. Sell What You Don’t Need

Most of us have unused items lying around. Clothes, gadgets, furniture, kids’ gear—sell it and use the proceeds to pay down debt. You’ll create space in your home and in your finances.

What About Your Mortgage?

Now, let’s talk about the debt that many people assume is off-limits: the mortgage.

Yes, it’s a long-term debt. But paying off your mortgage early—or making regular overpayments—can save you thousands in interest and bring you closer to total debt freedom.

When your mortgage is gone, your monthly expenses drop dramatically. You can save more, invest more, and give more. You become completely debt free, and that’s a powerful place to be.

Want a step-by-step guide? Grab your copy of The Ultimate Guide to paying off Your Mortgage Faster—it’s a great resource if you’re dreaming of full financial freedom.

The Mindset That Leads to a Debt Free Life

Here’s the truth: Becoming debt free isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset.

The day you decide that you’re done living in debt and you take action—that’s the moment everything starts to change.

You are not your credit score. Nor are you your past mistakes. You are capable of making powerful, lasting financial change. As a Finance Coach, I’ve seen it happen again and again.

You deserve to be debt free. Your partner deserves it. Your family deserves it. And your future self will thank you.

Ready to Start Your Debt Free Journey?

If you’re serious about getting out of debt, don’t wait. Take one step today.

✅ List your debts
✅ Save your emergency fund
✅ Start the Debt Snowball
✅ Cut costs, boost income, sell unused items
✅ Create an Intentional Spending Plan
✅ Keep your eyes on your debt free goal

Remember, it’s not just about paying off debt—it’s about changing your life.

If this blog gave you the motivation to start your debt free journey, pass it on. Share it with a friend, a family member, or a partner who wants financial freedom too.

And if you want personalised help—especially if you and your partner are working on money goals together—I’d love to support you. I help couples build healthy financial habits, get on the same page, and become debt free as a team.

You’ve got this. Let’s make your money work for you—not your lenders.

Take Action Today

Now that you know what to do, it’s time to take action! What can you do in the next 24 hours to start your budgeting journey? Whether it’s downloading your copy of The Intentional Spending Plan , reviewing your bank statements, or deciding to pay off one small debt, take a small step today towards a more intentional financial future.

Start now, and watch how budgeting transforms your financial life.

Take Control of Your Money 

Complementary Call:  Join me for a personalised, one-on-one consultation is designed to help you gain clarity on your financial goals, identify obstacles, and create a budget tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to eliminate debt, build savings, or plan for a prosperous future, I will provide you with actionable insights and practical advice to set you on the path to success. Don’t miss this opportunity to take the first step towards financial freedom – click HERE to schedule your 30 minute Complimentary Call today!