Self Help Debt Reduction - DIY Debt Reduction

There are many excellent companies around that can help people clear up their debt and get out from under, but a lot of people simply get embarrassed with sharing so much personal information with strangers, the good news is that you can easily use simple self help debt reduction strategies and you can start right now. Why you're in debt isn't that important (except that if it's mostly just a lack of self control you will need to address those tendencies or you will be right back in debt eventually anyway) what's important is that you start today to fix your finances or you will be struggling for the rest of your life... and who wants that?

Step one is always to figure out exactly where you are right now and this can be a painful step to take. It's not easy to see all the money you owe in one long list but it's essential that you do exactly that as your first step. When you are just 'guesstimating' your debt it's way too easy to leave things out but when you've got it all listed in black and white it's pretty much impossible for you to 'forget' anything.
I know it hurts but start right now, get a piece of paper and a pencil ( or you can use a spreadsheet program if you prefer) and list out all of your debt. Include all credit card bills and lines of credit. Make sure that this list is complete and accurate. Put the name of the creditor as well as the total amount due and minimum monthly payment. Don't let the bottom line number freak you out, remember, you already knew you were in debt that's why you're doing this self help debt reduction in the first place.

After you've got all your debt written down it's time to make out your budget. Start by listing your monthly income. Then list out all of your monthly expenses (just plug in the things from your debt list). Make sure to include things that you don't pay every single month such as quarterly payments, seasonal expenses, etc.
When you've got a complete listing of all the money coming in every month and all the money going out every month, just subtract one form the other. Subtract your expenses from your income. Did you end up with a positive number? If so good for you, you are living within your means and you can just take that 'extra' money you've got coming in every month and apply it to one bill so that you are paying more than the minimum on that bill. Once that bill is paid off in full, take the extra money and put it towards another bill. Keep doing that and you'll be free and clear in no time.
If you ended up with a negative number you'll have to make cuts, or bring in more income, so you can have some extra money to apply to pay down your bills. It will take time and dedication but this is a simple, yet highly effective, method for self help debt reduction.