How to Get Rid of Debt Step by Step

Step 1: How Much Debt Do You Really Have?

Chart Your Debt

Get Your Credit Score

Prioritize Payments

Step 2: Track Your Spending and Find Extra Money to Pay Down Debt

Find Your Latte Factor®

Use the Latte Factor® Calculator

Step 3: Learn to Play the Credit Card Game

Pay More than the Minimum Payments

Lower Your Interest Rates

Four Tricks of the Credit Card Companies

Which Credit Cards to Tackle First

Step 4: Stop Spending

Step 5: Create a Monthly Spending Plan

The Monthly Spending Plan Worksheet and Pie Chart

Use the Monthly Spending Plan Calculator

Assign Paychecks to Expenses

Step 6: Take Big Steps to Grow Your Income

Facing Hard Choices

Selling Assets

Earning More Money

Step 7: Prioritize Your Debts and Raise Your Credit Score

Prioritizing Your Debts

Raising Your Credit Score

Step 8: Understand Your Spending Issues…and Save!

Why Do You Shop? Self-Assessment Quiz

How to Protect Yourself and Start Saving

Choose a Topic

Budgets and Tracking Expenses
Buying or Selling a Home

Credit Cards

Financial Planning and Investing
Credit Reports and Scores

Savings and Retirement

Loans

Meet the Experts

David Bach

Glinda Bridgforth

Jean Chatzky

People Who Saved Big Money

Share Your Stories on the Message Boards

Before and After Oprah's Debt Diet

The Bradleys

The Egglestons

The Widlunds

Watch Video Highlights

Buy Oprah's Debt Diet DVD

Step 1: How Much Debt Do You Really Have?
Part 1: Chart Your Debt

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It's time to get real about your debt and answer the question: How much debt do you have? Jean Chatzky says that many people don't know—and even if they do know, often their spouses don't. To get rid of debt and get yourself on the road to repayment, Jean, David Bach and Glinda Bridgforth all agree that it is crucial to know how much debt you're carrying and at what interest rates. Pull out all your bills and print out the chart below to see how much debt you really have. Once you know your total debt, you can start paying it down!

Print this chart and track your debt!
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Please note: This is general advice. You should consult with your own financial advisor before making any major financial decisions, including investments or changes to your portfolio. Harpo is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your financial decisions.