How do I pay off debt if I don't make enough money?
Asked by: Aurore Emmerich | Last update: June 26, 2025 Score: 4.8/5
(67 votes)
Follow these seven steps to pay off debt on a low income:
Find out how much debt you have.
Create a budget.
Pay off your debt with the debt snowball method.
Increase your income.
Cut your expenses.
Avoid debt payoff scams.
Believe you can do this. (Because you can.)
How can I pay off my debt if I don't have enough money?
However, even those on a low income can take steps to get out of debt.
Know what you owe. Before doing anything else, take a deep breath, sit down and determine what you owe and to whom. ...
Create a budget. ...
Resist taking on new debt. ...
Pick a paydown method. ...
Examine other options. ...
Earn extra money.
How do you pay off debt when you are poor?
How To Get out of Debt When You Are Broke
Assess Your Financial Situation. ...
Prioritize Your Debts. ...
Create a Budget That Works for You. ...
Increase Your Income (Side Hustles, Freelance, etc.) ...
Negotiate With Creditors. ...
Consider Debt Relief Programs. ...
Avoid Taking on New Debt. ...
Stay Committed and Be Patient.
How do I pay off debt if I live paycheck to paycheck?
For some, a combination of strategies may be most effective, like creating a strict budget and using a balance transfer card or debt consolidation loan to accelerate progress. Others may find that a more structured approach, like a debt management program, provides the support and accountability needed to succeed.
How to get out of debt when you can't make minimum payments?
Can't make your minimum payments?Take these 5 steps
Take action and make a plan. Though it may feel tempting to pretend like your loans or credit cards don't exist, it's unwise to hide from debt payments or avoid making them. ...
Make the call. ...
Plan it out. ...
Refinance your loans. ...
Get help.
How Do I Pay Off Debt When I Can't Afford The Minimum Payments?
27 related questions found
What is a credit card hardship program?
A credit card hardship program is a financial arrangement that allows those facing such situations to negotiate more manageable payments on outstanding credit card debt. The specifics of a hardship program depend on your credit card issuer and your financial position.
How to pay off $6,000 in debt fast?
Paying off debt
Figure out how much you owe. Write down how much you owe to each creditor. ...
Focus on one debt at a time. Start with the credit cards or loans with the highest interest rate and make the minimum payments on your other cards. ...
Put any extra money toward your debt. ...
Embrace small savings.
What is the 50-30-20 rule?
Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.
How do I pay off debt when unemployed?
First steps to take when unemployed
Contact your creditors. If you've just been laid off, it's a good idea to contact your creditors promptly to explain the situation. ...
Apply for unemployment benefits. ...
Get on a budget. ...
Avoid using credit cards or loans to cover expenses. ...
Credit counseling agency. ...
Bankruptcy. ...
Debt settlement.
Is living paycheck to paycheck broke?
Living paycheck to paycheck isn't necessarily bad
For many consumers, NerdWallet found that the paycheck-to-paycheck feeling doesn't mean you are broke; you are just “tightly budgeted.” Let's say you manage to live on a 50-30-20 budget, allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings.
Are there government grants to pay off debt?
Keep in mind that the government doesn't offer grants to help Americans pay off consumer debt from things like credit cards. It does, however, offer financial support for Americans struggling with a range of tough financial situations.
What is a trick people use to pay off debt?
Consider the snowball method of paying off debt.
This involves starting with your smallest balance first, paying that off and then rolling that same payment towards the next smallest balance as you work your way up to the largest balance. This method can help you build momentum as each balance is paid off.
What if I can't afford to pay the debt?
Working with a credit counseling agency on a debt management plan. With this option, the counseling agency works with your creditors to lower interest rates, reduce fees and roll your debts into a single, affordable monthly payment. You'll then make one payment to the agency, which distributes it to your creditors.
Does the US government have a debt relief program?
When it comes to credit card debt relief, it's important to dispel a common misconception: There are no government-sponsored programs specifically designed to eliminate credit card debt. So, you should be wary of any offers claiming to represent such government initiatives, as they may be misleading or fraudulent.
How to pay bills with no money?
Finding financial relief
Government disability insurance programs. ...
Disability and income replacement benefits through your employer. ...
Create a barebones budget. ...
Use coupons and consider store brands. ...
Evaluate and eliminate some nonessential expenses. ...
Prioritize credit card payments. ...
Apply for government programs.
How can I get money if I'm struggling?
Facing financial hardship
Food assistance. ...
Unemployment benefits. ...
Welfare benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ...
Emergency housing assistance. ...
Rental assistance. ...
Help with utility bills. ...
Government home repair assistance programs.
How do I get out of debt if I don't have enough money?
Follow these seven steps to pay off debt on a low income:
Find out how much debt you have.
Create a budget.
Pay off your debt with the debt snowball method.
Increase your income.
Cut your expenses.
Avoid debt payoff scams.
Believe you can do this. (Because you can.)
How do I pay my rent if I lose my job?
Consider chatting with your landlord about it as soon as possible. Your landlord may be willing to delay your rent or allow you to make partial payments. Bear in mind that your landlord may also have money troubles—especially if they're a person and not a large company.
Does Capital One have a hardship program?
We have a range of policies and programs to accommodate customer hardships. For customers who let us know they are being impacted, we are here to support and work with them. We are offering assistance to consumers and small business owners, including waiving fees or deferring payments on credit cards or auto loans.
What is a good monthly income?
While this figure can vary based on factors such as location, family size, and lifestyle preferences, a common range for a good monthly salary is between $6,000 and $8,333 for individuals.
What does living paycheck to paycheck mean?
The authors of the analysis define people who live paycheck to paycheck as those who dedicate more than 95% of their household income to necessities, which include gasoline, food, utilities, internet, public transportation, child care and housing costs.
How much should rent be of income?
It is recommended that you spend 30% of your monthly income on rent at maximum, and to consider all the factors involved in your budget, including additional rental costs like renters insurance or your initial security deposit.
How to pay off big debt with little income?
Take Inventory of What You Owe. ...
Make a Budget. ...
Avoid New Debt. ...
Use a Debt Repayment Strategy. ...
Reach Out to a Credit Counselor. ...
Consider Debt Relief. ...
Look Into Other Financial Assistance Programs.
What is credit card debt forgiveness?
Credit card debt forgiveness means resolving your credit card debt for a reduced amount. It's important to understand that complete forgiveness is uncommon. However, credit card companies may be willing to work out a deal if you can't repay the full amount.
Is freedom debt relief legit?
Freedom Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company founded in 2002. It's accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating and holds an accreditation from the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR).