Tackling Debt: Small Steps, Big Win

If debt had a personality, it would be that annoying guest at a party—the one who turns up uninvited, eats all your food, and then settles in on your sofa like they live there. Debt is sneaky like that. It starts as a temporary fix—just a little bit on the credit card, just a quick loan to tide things over—and before you know it, it’s hanging around, making itself comfortable and refusing to leave.

But here’s the good news: you are not stuck with it. Getting out of debt isn’t about living off beans on toast or selling a kidney (although, given the price of groceries lately, both might have crossed your mind). It’s about taking small, consistent steps that add up to big, life-changing wins. And best of all? You can do it without feeling like you’ve sentenced yourself to a joyless, spend-free existence.

So, grab a cuppa, and let’s talk about how to kick debt out the door—politely, firmly, and once and for all.

Debt is like a leaky tap—it doesn’t seem like much at first, just a little drip here and there. But over time, it adds up to a flood, draining your finances and your peace of mind. And let’s not even talk about the interest rates, which seem to be designed by people who enjoy making life unnecessarily difficult.

More than the numbers, though, debt weighs on you. It makes every decision feel heavier, from buying a loaf of bread to planning for the future. It keeps you up at night, lurking in the back of your mind whenever you try to relax. And the worst part? It can make you feel like you’re not in control of your own money.

But that stops now. No more letting debt dictate your choices. It’s time to take back the reins, one step at a time.

You don’t need to go full financial guru overnight. The trick to paying off debt without hating life is to start small. Tiny changes might not seem like much at first, but they build momentum—and once you see progress, you’ll be hooked.

The first step? Figure out exactly what you owe. I know, I know—this part isn’t fun. But knowledge is power, and you can’t fix what you don’t face. So pour yourself something strong (tea, wine, or even a bit of both—no judgment here), grab your statements, and make a list of everything you owe. It’s not about shame or blame—it’s about taking control.

Then, pick one thing to tackle first. Maybe it’s the smallest debt (so you can wipe it off quickly and feel a rush of victory). Maybe it’s the one with the highest interest (because, let’s be honest, those rates are daylight robbery). The key is getting started—because once you do, you’ll realise this whole ‘paying off debt’ thing isn’t as impossible as it seems.

Most budgeting advice tells you to cut everything—ditch the coffees, cancel Netflix, live on soup. And while that might work for some, we prefer a life with a bit more joy. The goal isn’t to suffer—it’s to be smart.

Start by looking for money leaks—things you’re paying for but don’t actually use. Forgotten subscriptions, that ‘essential’ purchase that wasn’t really essential, those sneaky fees you didn’t even realise were being deducted. Every little bit you reclaim is extra cash to throw at your debt.

Next, reframe your spending habits. Instead of thinking about what you can’t have, focus on what’s actually worth it. Love a Saturday night takeaway? Keep it—but maybe swap one out for a homemade version and chuck the savings at your debt. Want that morning coffee? Go for it—but could you make it at home a couple of times a week and save a tenner?

And let’s not forget the goldmine that is selling stuff you no longer need. Clothes, gadgets, that bread maker you swore you’d use but never did—turning clutter into cash is an easy win. Not only does it speed up your debt payoff, but it clears space and gives you that smug, organised feeling.

Here’s the thing about paying off debt: some months, it feels amazing. You’re smashing it, numbers are going down, and you’re practically a finance goddess. Other months? It feels like wading through treacle.

The trick is to make it fun. Set yourself little challenges—like seeing how much you can shave off your grocery bill without resorting to tinned spam. Celebrate the wins, no matter how small. And if you have a setback? Forgive yourself and keep going. The only way to fail at this is to stop.

And remember—you’re not in this alone. Come and join us in the Crofties community, where we swap tips, cheer each other on, and make money-saving feel like a game rather than a punishment. Because honestly? There’s strength in numbers. And tackling debt is so much easier when you’ve got a bunch of like-minded legends in your corner.

So, what’s one small change you can make today to start taking control? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!