DEBT…it seems to be a constant cancer that jumps out of the bushes and then you feel like you’re infected for life. How it got there is a topic for another discussion, but for now you’re infected…now what? I’ve outlined in order of effectiveness the “treatment” below.

Constant increments…and I mean CONSTANT. Do not rely on just a monthly payment, nor simply increase your monthly payment (that’s still too passive). Be active – send unscheduled payments in addition to your monthly payments. Keep the normal monthly payment the same, so that in case other life events happen, you can stay in budget. In summary, every time you have extra cash or income, make an online payment, even if a payment is already scheduled.

Visualize your debt Yes, see the bar; actually both of the bars. Make a graph of where you started and where you are now with how much to pay off in total. Update it EVERY time the above payments are made. It’s like running toward a goal in a marathon. If you had no idea how far your marathon was, you’d probably be discouraged and start to slow down.

Summarize all the debt, the big and the small. The above cannot be done without a complete list to put in front of your face. Don’t simply list the large items (i.e. mortgage, car payment, student loan, etc.) Also list the debt that you might consider “small” (i.e. credit cards for $300, etc.).

What gets the first shot of “medicine?” If you had in your debt list a mortgage, car payment, Visa, and a medical bill, pick the one that you can kill completely first. Don’t even pay attention to the interest fees, nor the payoff date. For example, if the Visa is $600 and the medical bill is $3,000, obviously pay off the Visa balance first. The reason for this is to throw a celebration at each incremental payoff. Celebrate with your friends—don’t hide your accomplishment.

What about savings and my 401k? Do not withdraw from or stop contributing to your savings and your 401k! In fact, keep putting the same amount toward your savings and your 401k. It’s a lifestyle you’re creating by being consistent in investing. Debt is just a temporary focus.

I’m literally broke! If you have absolutely zero money left over at the end of the month, reduce the amount going into your 401k, but only down to the company match, never less. A company match is free money! Secondly, look for ways to cut your budget and/or increase your income with a side job.

Be verbal! Don’t go through this without making some noise. You can’t fight cancer hiding it. I’m not talking about accountability (even though that’s not bad either), but instead, just simply talk about it…to your spouse, co-worker, or friend. Get the topic outside of the black box. Talk about the elephant in the room, tell people that you’re “infected” and that you’re in a battle. Be verbally passionate about the annihilation.