💸 How Do I Pay Off Debt If I Don’t Make a Lot of Money?

Let’s just say it: Being broke and in debt feels like trying to climb out of a hole with a teaspoon. You’re hustling, you’re budgeting (kind of), and you still lie awake at night wondering if you’ll ever breathe again financially.

I’ve been there. And if you’re reading this, maybe you’re there too.

Debt feels heavy. And when you’re not making a lot of money, it can feel impossible.

But I need you to hear this loud and clear:

You don’t have to make six figures to get out of debt. You just need a plan that actually works.

Here’s the truth most financial “experts” don’t talk about:

People with modest incomes often manage money better than people with wealth—they just haven’t been given the right tools.

Let’s change that right now.

🚨 First, Let’s Acknowledge the Struggle

It’s not just about spending too much.

It’s medical bills, inflation, lost jobs, caretaking responsibilities, and—let’s be real—burnout. It’s trying to survive with your brain fried and your energy gone.

So if you’ve got debt and not a lot of income, let’s ditch the shame and start with something better: a doable, step-by-step approach that meets you where you are.

✅ Step 1: Know Your Numbers (Even If It’s Painful)

Before you roll your eyes—listen, I’m not talking about building a spreadsheet empire here.

Just answer these 3 questions:

• How much do you owe (and to whom)?
• What’s your minimum monthly income after taxes?
• What’s your actual spending—like for real, not the fantasy version?

You can’t fix what you’re afraid to look at.

✅ Step 2: Prioritize the Essentials

Follow the Money Rule #1 from my free guide: Live within your means.

That doesn’t mean living in deprivation—it means cutting out the fluff while protecting the stuff that keeps you safe, housed, and healthy.

Create a "Four Walls" list:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Food

If anything outside those four is causing you to go deeper into debt (yes, even Netflix), it’s time to pause it.

✅ Step 3: Use the “Snowball” or “Avalanche” Strategy

Even on a small income, you can build momentum.

• Snowball: Pay off your smallest debts first (for quick wins).
• Avalanche: Pay off debts with the highest interest rate first (to save more money long-term).

Pick one—whichever keeps you motivated—and commit.

💳 Real-Life Example

Let’s say your monthly income after taxes is $2,000.

You’ve got $1,500 in basic expenses and $15,000 in total debt across 3 credit cards:

• Card A: $500 balance, $25 minimum
• Card B: $3,000 balance, $45 minimum
• Card C: $11,500 balance, $110 minimum

Using the Snowball Method, you throw any extra cash toward Card A first. When that’s gone, you attack Card B. That first quick win gives you emotional momentum—and momentum matters when you’re tired and stressed.

✅ Step 4: Build a Bare-Bones Budget

This isn’t forever. It’s your comeback budget.

And it’s based on Money Rule #6 from the guide: Create a realistic budget.

Try the 70-20-10 rule:

• 70% for essentials
• 20% toward debt payoff
• 10% into savings (yes, even if it’s $5)

You’re training your money muscles. You’re learning to make decisions from a place of clarity—not panic.

🧠 Stop Waiting Until You’re “Ready”

A lot of people wait until they feel ready to get serious about money.

But let me say this gently: Readiness is a myth.

You get ready by starting. Not before.

No one feels good staring at a pile of unpaid bills. But you can start scared. You can start imperfect. You can start even if you’re still figuring it out.

The sooner you start—even with baby steps—the faster you move forward.

✅ Step 5: Add a Stream of Simple Side Income (Even If You’re Exhausted)

When you’re already tired and short on time, the idea of a side hustle can feel laughable. But hear me out.

There are ways to bring in extra income that don’t require a ton of effort or skills—just consistency.

One example? I use a service called SendIt, where I literally get paid to write and mail sweepstakes envelopes.

💌 1 envelope = up to $5
💌 100 envelopes = up to $500/month

No scam. No selling. No tech skills required. Just pen, paper, and postage.

👉 Learn more about SendIt

It’s one of the easiest income streams I’ve ever used—and it helped me stay afloat during months when everything felt tight (still is).

✨ Why Budgeting Looks Different in Midlife

Let’s be honest—budgeting at 25 is not the same as budgeting at 45.

When you’re juggling teenagers, aging parents, health issues, or all three, your budget needs to reflect your reality.

You might be paying for prescriptions, helping your parents with groceries, or watching college tuition eat your savings.

Budgeting in midlife isn’t about cutting out lattes. It’s about honoring the complexity of your life while still building a better one.

🛠 Free Tools You Can Use Right Now

Don’t have fancy software? No problem.

Here are a few free tools that can help:

• EveryDollar (Free Version): Simple budget tracking
• Google Sheets: Fully customizable budget spreadsheet
• YouTube: For how-tos on budgeting and paying off debt
• My Free Guide: 7 Money Rules You Must Learn Before It’s Too Late

You don’t need to spend money to take control of it. Use what’s available to you, and keep moving forward.

🪜 Start Where You Are

If the whole idea of paying off debt feels overwhelming, don’t plan the next 12 months. Plan the next 12 hours.

Ask yourself:

• What can I stop spending on today?
• What step could I take to feel a little more in control tonight?

Maybe it’s saying no to an online sale.
Maybe it’s deleting Uber Eats from your phone.
Maybe it’s opening your banking app and checking your balance—just to face it.

Small wins matter. They create a ripple effect.

💡 If I Can Move Forward From Where I Was, So Can You.

You don’t have to be ashamed of where you are financially.

You just have to decide this isn’t where you’re going to stay.

You can be “bad with money” today and still learn how to become great with it.

And no—this blog won’t make you rich overnight.

But if it gave you even one idea you can act on today, that’s where the magic starts.

👉 Grab my free guide: 7 Money Rules You Must Learn Before It’s Too Late
👉 Book your free strategy call: Let’s talk. No pressure.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.

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