We all want to get rid of credit card debt faster—because faster is always better than dragging it out for decades. But here’s the catch: the way credit card companies want you to pay (a.k.a. just the minimum) will keep you broke, frustrated, and stuck in debt for years—sometimes 17 years on a single $5,000 balance.

That’s not just expensive—it’s exhausting. And families don’t have time to waste on debt.

Today, I’m breaking down exactly how to pay off credit cards faster, stay focused, and stop the cycle for good.

Why Minimum Payments Keep You Broke

Minimum payments are your credit card company’s best friend—and your worst enemy. They’re designed to keep you on the hook, paying interest forever, while barely touching your actual balance.

Example: if you owe $3,000 and make only the $75 minimum, a year later you’ll still owe $2,800. You’ll have paid faithfully for 12 months and almost nothing has changed. That’s why minimum payments feel like running on a treadmill—you’re working hard, but not moving forward.

The truth? Credit cards aren’t built to help you win. They’re built to keep you spending. Which means if you want to break free, you need a plan that works for you, not for them.

Step 1: Get Real With Your Numbers

If you’ve been avoiding your credit card statements—today’s the day to stop. Grab every statement, log in to your accounts, or pull your credit report. Write down your balances and minimum payments.

Think of it like pulling up Google Maps before a trip. You can’t get to your destination without knowing where you’re starting.

Step 2: Pick a Payoff Method (and Stick to It)

There are two main debt payoff methods:

• Debt Snowball → List debts from smallest to largest. Pay minimums on everything except the smallest. Attack that one with every extra dollar until it’s gone, then roll that payment into the next. This gives you quick wins and momentum.

• Debt Avalanche → Pay off debts with the highest interest rate first. This saves money mathematically, but can feel slower emotionally.

Both work—but the key is to pick one and stay consistent. If you keep switching methods, you’ll stall out. Personally, I teach (and used) the Debt Snowball because nothing beats the motivation of a quick win.

Step 3: Create a No-Nonsense Budget

Your budget is your game plan for crushing debt faster. I recommend zero-based budgeting (EveryDollar is my favorite app for this). That means every dollar that comes in gets an assignment.

For this season, cut or pause anything that’s not essential. Cancel unused subscriptions, reduce eating out, and stop the random Target runs. BUT—make sure you still budget a little “fun money.”

Why? Because if your budget feels like suffocation, you’ll sabotage it. Give yourself breathing room while still staying focused.

Step 4: Find Extra Cash to Throw at Debt

This is where momentum really builds. Look for every dollar you can redirect toward your debt:

• Sell stuff → If you’d donate it, someone will buy it. Facebook Marketplace is your friend. Even $10 here and there adds up.

• Renegotiate bills → Call your internet or phone provider and ask for a lower rate.

• Side hustles → Babysitting, Instacart, or freelance work can bring in extra cash.

• Pause extras → Commit as a family to skip eating out for a month. Funnel that savings straight to debt.

Step 5: Stop the Swipe

If you keep swiping, you’ll never dig out. This might mean:

• Removing cards from Apple Pay.

• Freezing your card in a block of ice (yes, I literally did this).

• Using cash or debit only.

It should hurt a little to spend money—that tiny pause gives your brain time to say, “Wait, do we really need this?”

And remember: pause all new debt. No new credit cards, no “buy now pay later,” and no store cards. That “extra 10% off” isn’t worth years of payments.

Step 6: Get Accountability

This is the piece my husband and I missed in our debt-free journey, and honestly—I wish we hadn’t. Doing this alone is heavy. Having someone in your corner cheering you on (while the rest of the world thinks you’re weird for cutting up your cards) makes all the difference.

That’s why I created the Alliance Coaching Membership—a community of families all working on the same goal, with monthly coaching, accountability, and real-life tools to help you pay off debt faster.

The Mindset Shift: From Shame to Strategy

Debt isn’t just a math problem—it’s a behavior and mindset shift. If you’ve been telling yourself “I’m just bad with money,” stop. That’s not the truth. The truth is, you’re learning a new way to interact with money.

Yes, people might think you’re weird for ditching credit cards. But being weird is what will set you free.

Final Word: Progress Beats Perfection

Paying off debt isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about making steady progress. Small wins stack up. One less subscription, one item sold, one extra payment—it all moves the needle.

So if you’re tired of paying the minimum and watching your balance barely budge, it’s time to get rebellious, create a plan, and get your freedom back.

👉 Ready to stop letting credit cards run your life? Join me inside the Alliance Coaching Membership and let’s pay off your cards faster—together.

Stay rebellious,
Jewlz