1. Make a budget. The first step to tackling your debt is to know how much money you have coming in and going out each month. A budget can help you track your income and expenses, and identify areas where you can save or cut costs. You can use a budget planner tool or a spreadsheet to create your budget.

2. Prioritise your debts. Not all debts are equal, some have higher interest rates or more serious consequences if you don't pay them. You should prioritise paying off the debts that are costing you the most or putting your home, car or essential services at risk. These are called priority debts and include mortgage, rent, council tax, utility bills, court fines and child maintenance. You can use a debt priority tool or a list to sort out your debts by urgency.

3. Contact your creditors. If you are having trouble paying your debts, don't ignore them. Contact your creditors as soon as possible and explain your situation. They might be able to offer you some options, such as reducing your monthly payments, freezing interest or charges, or agreeing to a repayment plan. You can use a template letter or a phone script to communicate with your creditors.

4. Get free debt advice. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your debt situation, you don't have to deal with it alone. There are many free and impartial debt advice services that can help you find the best solution for your circumstances. They can also help you negotiate with your creditors, set up a debt management plan or an individual voluntary arrangement, or advise you on bankruptcy or other options. You can find a list of free debt advice organisations on the Money Advice Service website.

5. Consider a balance transfer card. If you have credit card debt, you might be able to save money by transferring your balance to a card that offers a lower interest rate or a 0% introductory period. This can help you reduce the amount of interest you pay and clear your debt faster. However, be aware of the fees and conditions that apply to balance transfer cards, such as the transfer fee, the length of the 0% period, and the interest rate after the 0% period ends. You can use a balance transfer calculator or a comparison tool to find the best deal for you.

6. Consolidate your debts. Another way to simplify your debt repayments is to consolidate them into one loan that has a lower interest rate or a longer repayment term than your current debts. This can help you reduce the number of payments you have to make each month and lower your monthly outgoings. However, be careful of the drawbacks of debt consolidation, such as paying more interest in the long run, taking longer to clear your debt, or putting your home at risk if you secure the loan against it. You can use a debt consolidation calculator or a comparison tool to see if this option is right for you.

7. Increase your income. If possible, try to boost your income by finding ways to earn extra money or increase your salary. For example, you could sell some unwanted items online, take on a second job or a side hustle, ask for a pay rise or a promotion, or claim any benefits or tax credits that you are entitled to. You can use an income booster tool or a benefits calculator to find out how much extra money you could make or receive.

8. Save money on everyday expenses. Another way to free up some cash to pay off your debts is to save money on your everyday expenses, such as food, transport, entertainment and shopping. There are many ways to cut costs without compromising your quality of life, such as switching to cheaper providers, using vouchers or cashback sites, buying second-hand or in bulk, cooking at home or carpooling. You can use a money saving tool or a guide to find out how much you could save by making some simple changes.

9. Build an emergency fund. One of the reasons why people get into debt is because they don't have enough savings to cope with unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, medical bills or job loss. To avoid this situation, try to build an emergency fund that can cover at least three months of essential living costs. This will give you peace of mind and prevent you from relying on credit cards or loans in case of an emergency. You can use a savings goal tool or a guide to help you set up and grow your emergency fund.

10. Stay motivated and positive. Paying off debt can be a long and challenging process, but it is not impossible. You can achieve your goal by staying motivated and positive, and celebrating your progress along the way. You can use a debt tracker tool or a chart to monitor your debt reduction, and reward yourself with something small and affordable when you reach a milestone. You can also join a debt support group or a forum to share your experiences and get advice and encouragement from others who are in the same situation.

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