Debt is not something you want to put off – not even for a day. Debt can be a little bit like those first five pounds. You may be a healthy weight, but once you gain five pounds, that can easily lead to five more pounds, then five more pounds, and so on until losing weight is a big project. It’s a lot easier to lose that initial five pounds than to wait and have to lose thirty. It’s the same with debt. A small credit card balance can lead to a larger one, which can lead to a payday loan or two when you have trouble making payments, which can lead to more personal loans.

If you have any unsecured loans or debts at all, it’s important not to put it off even another day. You don’t want that debt to grow. Luckily, there are many small, painless things you can do today to help start paying off debt. You can budget your monthly expenses to see how much you can put towards debts in the next thirty days. You can make a list of debts you need to repay first (because they have the largest interest rates). You can probably put at least a few dollars – even five dollars – in your emergency account and another five towards a credit card.

Another thing you can do is to look for ways to reduce your expenses. This could include cutting back on dining out, canceling subscriptions you don’t use, or finding ways to lower your utility bills. You may also consider increasing your income by taking on a part-time job or freelance work. Any extra money you make can be put towards your debts.

It’s important to remember that paying off debt is not an overnight process. It may take months or even years to pay off all of your debts. But every small step you take towards paying off your debts will bring you closer to financial freedom. And the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be able to live without the stress and worry that come with debt.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debts, consider reaching out to a financial advisor or credit counselor for help. They can provide guidance on how to manage your debts and create a personalized plan to help you pay them off. Remember, the most important thing is to take action and start making progress towards a debt-free life.