Key takeaways:
- Simple habits — like using autopay or curbing impulse purchases — can help you reduce debt over time.
- You don’t need to overhaul your life. These strategies work by redirecting money you already spend.
- Track your progress to build momentum. It’s easier to stay motivated when you see your debt shrinking month by month.
Unwanted debt can feel like a 500-pound backpack on your shoulders. No matter where you go, it’s there. Slowing you down, weighing on your mind and making everyday decisions more stressful. But there’s good news: You don’t have to carry debt forever. And you don’t need a second job to get ahead. Small, steady changes can make a big difference in how fast you pay off debt and how free you feel along the way. Start with these seven simple habits to lighten your load.
Automate your debt payments
Consistency is one of the most powerful tools for reducing debt. Take advantage of the automated online bill pay options available through most banks. By automating payments, you’re less likely to miss due dates or rack up late fees. Month by month, you’ll chip away at your balance and reduce interest.
How to get started:
- Set up autopay for at least the minimum payment on all your credit cards or loans.
- Choose your highest-interest debt and schedule an extra payment each month if you can swing it.
- Align your payment dates with your paycheck to avoid overdrafts or last-minute stress.
Use the “24-hour rule” on impulse purchase
New shoes. Takeout dinner. A tempting flash sale. These small, unplanned purchases can quietly derail your progress. One here or there might not seem like much, but over time, they add up, especially when that money could be going toward debt. The 24-hour rule helps you pause and decide if a purchase is really worth it.
How to get started:
- When tempted to buy something non-essential, wait 24 hours before making the purchase.
- If you still want it, look for a discount or build it into your budget.
- Keep a running list of “wants” and revisit it weekly. You’ll often find the urge passes.
Put windfalls toward debt
Extra dollars can make a big difference. Tax refunds, bonuses, birthday checks - and if you're paid every two weeks, those two months a year with three paychecks. When unexpected money shows up, it’s tempting to spend it right away, but using even part of a windfall to pay down debt can shorten your payoff timeline and reduce the amount of interest you’ll owe overall.
How to get started:
- Commit to putting at least a portion of any future windfalls toward debt.
- Set a reminder for expected events like tax season or work bonuses.
- Time your windfall with a regular payment to make a visible dent in your balance.
Every dollar you put toward debt reduces what you owe and cuts down the interest you’ll pay in the future. It’s a double win for your wallet.
Consider cash or debit
Swiping a credit card can be easy. Maybe too easy. Cash and debit spending feels more grounded for many people. That’s because you’re working with the money you actually have. There’s no delayed bill or hidden interest. This level of mindfulness can make you think twice before spending.
How to get started:
- Try a one-week challenge: Use only cash or a debit card for all purchases.
- Leave your credit cards at home (or remove them from your phone wallet) to reduce temptation.
- Review your checking account at the end of the week. Notice where your money went and what you might adjust moving forward.
Reduce monthly bills without sacrificing lifestyle
You don’t have to cancel everything or drastically change your lifestyle to make room for debt payments. A few dollars saved on recurring bills can free up cash. Redirect these funds to pay off debt, and you’ve just stretched your money without cutting the things you value most.
How to get started:
- Call a service provider today — like your internet, phone or insurance — and ask about available discounts or lower-cost plans.
- Check your statements for subscriptions or services you’re not fully using.
- Apply the savings to your next debt payment.
Saving just $10 a week and applying it to debt adds up to over $500 a year.
Turn small savings into extra payments
The trick is to spot easy places to save, then immediately put those dollars toward your debt. Think of it as “recycling” money you were already spending — just with a smarter purpose. Start by reviewing your everyday habits. Could you swap one takeout meal for a home-cooked dinner? Are there streaming subscriptions you rarely use? Even saying no to a few impulse snacks or checkout-lane extras can add $5–$10 back into your wallet.
How to get started:
- Choose one expense to cut this week.
- Transfer that exact amount to your next debt payment. Same day, if possible.
- Track your total “extra” payments for the month to see how small savings add up.
Track progress & stay motivated
Paying off debt is a mind game as much as a numbers game. That’s why tracking your payments matters. Seeing your balance shrink, even slowly, can keep you focused and remind you how far you’ve come. It also helps you stay accountable and make smarter decisions with your money along the way.
How to get started:
- Choose a tracking method that works for you: a spreadsheet, an app or a paper chart on the fridge.
- Update it after every payment, no matter how small.
- Celebrate your milestones.
Ready to build better habits?
You don’t have to do it alone. Stop by your local Comerica Banking Center to talk with a Comerica banker about products and services that can help you take the next step toward financial freedom.
This article is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified tax advisor, attorney or financial planner. Readers are encouraged to consult with a licensed tax professional or legal advisor to obtain advice tailored to their specific circumstances and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.