Chris and Julie's Crucial Moves to Get Out of Debt

Imagine this: You have debt. Lots of debt.

Wait a minute. If you’re like the large majority of Americans, that probably isn’t difficult to imagine. So let’s get specific.

Let’s say you have a student loan on your master’s degree, along with two car loans, heavy medical bills and the standard credit card debt. When all’s said and done, you owe about $150,000.

Feel overwhelmed? If so, it may be time to ask for help. But who do you ask?

Be Careful Who You Ask for Help

For starters, you don’t ask your broke friend or deadbeat brother-in-law for advice. The last thing you need is a pat on the back and a response like, “I don’t see a problem. Debt is normal.”

Debt may be normal, but you’re about to get really, really weird. Why? Because you’re ready to attack these loans and bills with gazelle intensity and claw your way out of the mess you’re in.

Related: How the Debt Snowball Method Works

So if you’re looking for sensible money advice, surround yourself with some debt-free weirdoes. And stay far, far away from normal.

Now that you know who not to ask for help, who should you ask?

The Couple Who Got It Right

For the answer, let’s look to Chris and Julie (pictured above). Last fall, this couple faced overwhelming debt when they met with one of Dave Ramsey’s financial coaches.

A lot of people might have given up, declared bankruptcy, and let the consequences of debt wreck their future. But not these two. They decided to deal with the debt head on, and that’s what led them to seek out wise counsel.   

The result?

“We now know where our money goes, which is amazing to see,” Julie said. “We have our emergency fund in place, have already paid off two loans, and will be putting our house in Charleston up for sale!”

Chris and Julie believe they will be completely debt-free within two years—all because they realized the problem and were willing to find the right kind of help.

Why Accountability Matters

If you find yourself in a similar situation, never be afraid to ask for help. That doesn’t always mean you’ll need a financial coach—help could just be a friend or a family member who you know will have good advice.

The point is to find someone who is on your side and who knows what you’re going through. Remember, these are people who are winning with money and committed to staying out of debt.

Could you get out of debt all by yourself? With enough discipline, sure you could. But that extra layer of accountability will keep you moving when you get down or come up against obstacles like collectors and overdue bills.

So what’s the one thing you need to get out of debt? Accountability. If you’re struggling to do it on your own, we encourage you to take that next step. Get in touch with one of Dave Ramsey's Financial Coaches today.

Image credit: Sara E Rose Photography at www.saraerosephotography.com