Easy Debt Consolidation

Nine Ways to Pay Off Debt

Deep in debt? Don't worry. Fool.com gives you nine ways to cut your debt.

1. Pay more than the minimum

First, break the habit of only paying the minimum required each month. Paying the minimum -- usually 2% to 3% of the outstanding balance -- only prolongs the agony. Besides, it's precisely what the banks want you to do. The longer you take to repay the charges, the more interest they make, and the less cash you have in your pocket. Don't play their selfish game.

2. Snowball your debt payments

Take a long, hard look at all your credit cards. Pay particular attention to the one with the lowest interest rate. Have you reached the maximum limit on that card? If not, consider transferring a higher interest bill to that one. Many credit cards permit this, and it's positively Foolish to trade an 18% debt for one at 12% at any time.

3. Cash out your savings account

You could cash out your savings and investments and use the proceeds toward debt repayment. Yeah, no one wants to do that. But sometimes it's just Foolish to do so. Even when debt interest is at 12%, your investments would have to pay more than 18% before federal and state taxes to equal that outflow of dollars. We doubt the dollars in your savings account are earning anywhere near that rate of interest. Pay off the debt, and it's the same as getting that 18% return without any risk on your part. The higher the interest rate on your debt, the more attractive repayment versus investment becomes.