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Clever Ways to Get Out of Debt

These days it’s very rare to find someone who doesn’t have some sort of debt. You may find a twenty-six year old knee deep in student loans, an impulse shopper fending off daily calls from bill collectors, or even an elderly couple behind on bills due to health problems and medical expenses.

Whatever the scenario, debt is a weight on many American shoulders that seems to be getting heavier and heavier. While the amount of debt is increasing, so are the ways to eliminate it!

Money management websites and applications have never been more abundant then now. Teaching you ways to save and get out of debt. One of the most popular tools to use is Mint.com which is now owned by Intuit but was started out by a struggling entrepreneur just like yourself.

The thought of a second or even third job may sound overwhelming, it can also be a temporary solution to decreasing the amount of debt you have accrued. Keep in mind that this new position doesn’t have to be permanent. You could wait tables, stock shelves, work at a coffee shop, the list goes on. Even if this is just a few hours a week, with time, the extra money you make can help chip away the balance on what you owe.

Can you sew? How about take pictures? If you have a hobby, turn that into making money! When you have a skill you can turn that into something where people pay you to do something and you enjoy doing it. Follow your efforts not your dreams to get out of debt.

These days almost anyone can earn on doing something they love. You could paint picture frames and sell them to local craft stores or even on popular sites like Etsy. The New York times recently did a story on the Etsy parade for hobbyists. You could take your camera and snap shots of local hot spots, families, and pets. Set aside all of the extra cash you make doing what you truly enjoy!

Many of us have homes or apartments full of items we don’t even use. You might even have a storage unit full of junk that never sees the light of day. Sell your stuff! This may be one of the easiest ways to bring in cash. Some are even renting out extra space on sites like Air B & B or Homeaway. Have clothes that don’t fit or have gone out of style? Sell them! Consignment shops are a super easy way to go when trying to get rid of clothes and make some extra cash. In some desperate situations for married couples you will see that they are selling their Diamond engagement rings to companies like GGC & Diamonds or if you have money that is coming in as a result of a personal injury lawsuit but (yes we know the jingle need cash now) you can sell your future payments to companies like JG Wentworth , Einstein, or Peachtree Settlements. People are constantly looking for furniture, kitchen items, knick knacks, etc. With the amount of technology we have access to, selling your stuff is so easy.

Don’t be afraid of hard work. Your debt won’t magically disappear. You will have to get creative and be determined. Obviously, avoiding debt all together is your best option, but sometimes it’s just not that easy. Seek out all of your options. Many companies will work out a payment plan for you. Once you have an established plan, stay focused and your debt will be gone before you know it!

photo courtesy of mkismkismk