How to get out of debt
WLUC-TV (FOX)/Marquette, MI
8 August 2011

MARQUETTE -- If you want to get out of debt, financial counselors agree with Jennifer Stanaway's advice posted on our Facebook page:  "Budgeting is key to getting out of debt, quit using credit, pay cash for everything."

"Write down every single penny that you spend because it's the little things that you may not even be considering," says financial counselor Stuart Baker of GreenPath Debt Solutions.

Our Facebook follower, Bridget Johnson, posted this comment:  ''Sometimes a 'spending habit' is necessary," like high gas prices, which certainly aren't helping anyone.

At GreenPath, Baker offers tips to save money every day, such as combining errands with going to or from work.

"Try to help them work on ways that they can potentially change some behaviors and change those expenses without actually having to make some major cuts.  Sometimes that's all it takes," Baker adds.

In the Upper Peninsula, cutting costs can be difficult.  Seasonal utility costs are often what can tip someone over the edge into debt.

Baker advises always keeping a savings account with three month's worth of expenses.

"If you have an emergency that happens, you want to be able to fall back on cash instead of falling back on debt, so you have to have that healthy balance, and if you're saving a little, plus you're paying a little bit extra on the credit card, that's a good thing," Baker explains.

For our Facebook fan, Sandy Jorgensen, and any others wondering how to get out of debt on a limited income, always remember that you must pay your bills on time.  It could be the single most important aspect of your credit score.  If you contact your creditor about your situation, sometimes the company could push back the due date of a particular outstanding bill.

And beware of advertisements to settle or consolidate your debt for a lesser rate--those usually involve fees up front, costing you more in the long run.

Link to TV news video: How to get out of debt with GreenPath