How to get out of debt on a low income

Debt can be challenging — and that's true regardless of how much money you have. But if you're earning a relatively low income, that challenge can seem more like a debt trap that you can't find your way out of. And, when you consider the fact that interest rates have been on the rise for a couple of years, it's clear that the issue could compound for a lot of people. 

So, what do you do if you're living on a low income and are struggling with debt? Well, the good news is that you don't have to be overwhelmed by large amounts of debt forever. There are things you can do to pay your debts off faster than you would by simply making minimum payments — even on a low income. 

Find out how quickly you can get out of debt now.

How to get out of debt on a low income

"If you're in debt and have a low income, it's important you have a plan to get out of it," says Steve Azoury, ChFC® and owner of Azoury Financial. Here are a few things to consider as you develop your plan: 

Sign up for a debt relief program

"Your plan should include debt consolidation options," says Azoury. Your debt relief options usually include: 

• Debt consolidation loan: You may qualify for a debt consolidation loan that comes with a lower interest rate than you're currently paying. These loans also typically offer fixed payment plans and a clear path to debt payoff. 
• Debt management programs: Debt relief experts use the details of your financial hardship to negotiate lower interest rates with your lenders. They also put together a payment plan that's designed to get you out of debt as fast as possible. You make your payments to the debt relief company and the company pays your lenders individually on your behalf. 

If these options don't provide enough relief, consider debt settlement. As part of these programs, debt relief experts negotiate the principal balance of your debt with your lenders. You make your payments to the debt settlement company, which pays your creditors once a settlement is reached. 

Because lenders typically go months or years without a payment, this can have a detrimental impact on your credit. Nonetheless, debt settlement could be a wise idea if you're struggling to make ends meet.    

Sign up for a debt relief program today to save money and get out of debt faster.

Cut expenses to free up extra cash

One of the best ways to pay debt off quickly is to make more than minimum payments. That can be a challenge on a low income. However, you may be able to free up some extra cash to help you pay your debts off faster. Here are some common ways to do so: 

• Make your morning coffee at home. 
• Cut the cable cord and opt for streaming services. 
• Bring your lunch to work instead of eating out. 
• Carpool to save on your commute. 
• Cancel unused subscriptions. 

These are just a few ways to save. Chances are you'll be able to find plenty more ways to put money back into your budget with a little brainstorming. 

Take advantage of opportunities to earn more money

A low income can be challenging — especially if you're trying to pay off debt. Why not take a few steps to make more money? For example: 

• Freelance: Are you a strong writer? Do you love photography? There are likely plenty of brands willing to pay you for your talent. Look for ways to get paid doing something you love and you might be surprised at the side gig opportunities you find. 
• Go back to school: You could further your education to work your way into a higher-paying career. 
• Talk to your manager: Have you asked for a raise recently? If you've been working for the same employer for a while, asking for a raise could result in an immediate increase in your income. 
• Start a business: Chances are that you have a business idea or two you just haven't pulled the trigger on. Start your business now to boost your income.     

Use financial windfalls to your advantage

Just about everyone has a financial windfall from time to time. More than seven out of 10 people receive a refund when they file their annual taxes — and those refunds are typically thousands of dollars each. What should you do with these financial windfalls? "You should also be allocating a percentage of bonuses, tax refunds or cash gifts toward your debt," explains Azoury.  

The bottom line

The only thing exciting about debt is finally being able to pay it off. Although it may seem impossible to escape your debt if you earn a low income, there are things you can do to speed up the payoff process. Use the tips above to help you get out of debt faster. 

This story has been updated to clarify the difference between debt management and debt consolidation programs.