Pay off your debt on your own

Pick a payoff method: avalanche or snowball

Both methods start the same way. Keep making at least the minimum payment on every debt, then put any extra money toward one debt at a time. When that one is paid off, roll its payment into the next.

Our debt payoff calculator can show how long each approach might take with your own numbers.

• Avalanche: put extra money toward the debt with the highest interest rate first. This usually costs the least in interest.
• Snowball: put extra money toward the smallest balance first. Paying off a whole account quickly can keep you motivated.
• Either one works if you stick with it. Pick the one you're more likely to keep doing.

Call and ask for a lower rate

It's free to ask your card company for a lower interest rate. If money is tight, ask whether they have a hardship program. Some let you pay less each month at a reduced rate for a while.

If they agree to anything, ask for written confirmation. And be careful with unexpected calls offering to lower your rate. The FTC warns those are often scams. Call the number on the back of your card instead.

Consider a 0% balance transfer, carefully

A balance transfer card can let you move a balance to a low or 0% promotional rate. By law, an introductory rate has to last at least six months, unless you're more than 60 days late on a payment.

There's usually a transfer fee, often a percentage of the amount you move. When the promo ends, the regular rate applies to whatever is left. It works best if you can pay the balance off before the promo ends, and if you avoid adding new charges.

Make a simple budget

A budget doesn't have to be fancy. List your take-home pay, then your must-pay bills like housing, utilities, food and transportation. What's left is what you can put toward debt.

Look for one or two things you could trim for a few months, like a subscription you don't use. Even a small amount of extra money each month adds up.

Set up autopay for at least the minimum

Paying on time is the biggest single factor in most credit scores, and late payments can bring fees. Setting up automatic payments for at least the minimum on every account means you won't miss one by accident. You can still pay extra by hand whenever you can.

When a nonprofit debt management plan can help

If you're juggling several cards and the interest keeps you from making progress, a nonprofit credit counselor can review your budget for free or low cost. If it fits, they may offer a debt management plan, where you make one payment to the agency and it pays your creditors, often at lower rates.

The FTC notes these plans can take 48 months or more, and you may need to stop using your cards. You can find an NFCC member agency at 1-800-388-2227.