How I Started Getting Out of Debt (Even When I Was Flat Broke)

Yep, it’s possible—even if your bank account’s looking like a sad joke right now.

I know it sounds totally unrealistic—how do you even begin to pay off debt when you’ve got literally no money? I used to think the same thing. I mean, when you’re unemployed, underpaid, or just scraping by paycheck to paycheck, the idea of becoming debt-free feels like trying to climb Everest in flip-flops.

But hear me out—it is possible. I’ve done it, and I’m gonna walk you through the exact mindset shifts and baby steps I took to make it happen.

Let’s get into it.

How Do I Get Out Of Debt With No Money

1. Take a Hard Look at Your Budget (Even If It Hurts)

First things first—I had to sit down and be brutally honest with myself about where my money was going. Even if you’re not earning much (or anything at all), there’s always something you can tweak.

I started asking myself: Do I really need that $6 coffee every day? (Spoiler: I didn’t.) I made a simple rule—before spending a dollar, I’d ask, “Will this get me closer to being debt-free?” If not, I skipped it.

2. Chip Away at Small Debts First

This one helped so much with motivation. Instead of trying to tackle the biggest debt right away (which felt impossible), I focused on the little ones. When money came in—birthday cash, a random Venmo refund, a side gig—I threw it at the smallest debt.

Each “paid in full” moment gave me a little boost, and those wins started to snowball.

3. Cut Back Like Your Life Depends On It (Because It Kinda Does)

I’m not gonna lie—cutting back on my lifestyle was rough. No takeout. No shopping “just because.” I swapped Netflix for library books and got real familiar with rice and beans.

But every time I said no to something extra, I reminded myself I was saying yes to a future without debt hanging over my head. Remember, it’s just temporary until you achieve your goals!

4. Ask for Help (Yes, Really)

I hated the idea of asking for help, but at some point, pride had to take a back seat. Reaching out to a couple of close friends and family members can actually save you from paying all that interest on a loan and give you the leg up you need.

If you’re honest and you’re not someone who’s always borrowing with no intention of paying back, you’ll be surprised how willing people are to support you.

5. Ask for a Break (Seriously—Just Ask!)

Okay, this one might feel a little awkward at first, but hear me out. I once called up a credit card company and just said it straight: “Look, I want to pay this off, but I literally don’t have the money right now—can we work something out?” And you know what? They were actually open to lowering my minimum payment for a few months.

A lot of creditors would rather get something than nothing, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for a payment plan, interest reduction, or even a temporary pause. Worst case? They say no. Best case? You just made your debt more manageable. Win-win.

6. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need (Or Even Kinda Need)

You know that treadmill you swore you’d use every day… three years ago? Yeah, sell it. I went through my closet, my kitchen, even my garage—and I listed everything I could live without. It was wild how fast $20 here and $50 there added up.

You probably have way more cash sitting around your house than you think. Old furniture, electronics, baby gear, clothes, tools—people will buy just about anything online. Use that money to knock out a chunk of your debt.

7. Ask for a Raise (You Deserve It!)

If you’ve been putting in the work and your paycheck isn’t matching your value, it might be time to ask for a raise. I know it’s nerve-wracking—I totally rehearsed my “can we talk about my salary?” convo like 20 times. 😅

But here’s the thing: the worst they can say is no. And if they do say no and you know you’re worth more, maybe it’s time to start looking for a new job that pays better. You’re not stuck.

8. Pick Up a Side Hustle

Let’s be real—most 9-to-5 jobs just don’t cut it these days. That’s why I started doing some side gigs. There are tons of ways to earn extra cash: freelancing, food delivery, reselling, tutoring, or even blogging (yep, that’s how I got started—shameless plug, but here’s my income report on how I made $8k in a single month-to inspire you 😉).

The point is, you don’t need to wait for a big break—just start something. Here are 101 ways to make money online!

9. Look Into Grants or Scholarships (If You’re a Student)

If you’re in school, please don’t sleep on this—there are grants, scholarships, and financial aid options that could literally wipe out some of your debt or cover future expenses. I applied for everything I could, and a few actually came through. Free money = less stress.

10. Kick the Habits That Are Bleeding Your Wallet Dry

Alright, this one’s a little tough love. Sometimes debt sticks around because of habits we don’t want to admit are costing us big time—like smoking, drinking, online shopping, food delivery five times a week… you get the idea.

I had to get real with myself: was I spending money to feel better in the moment… and digging myself into a deeper hole in the process? Yeah, kinda. Once I started cutting those habits, I saw the difference—fast.

11. Talk to Someone Who Knows Their Stuff

If you’re feeling totally stuck, you don’t have to do this alone. A quick session with a financial coach or credit counselor can be a game changer. They can help you see options you didn’t even know you had, and it can keep you from repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

Bottom line? You don’t need a six-figure income to start climbing out of debt—you just need a plan, some hustle, and a little bit of guts. You got this!