How to Pay Down Debt Faster Without Feeling Deprived
Authored By: Tyler Stevenson on 2/24/2026 If you’ve ever tried to pay off debt by cutting everything fun from your life, you already know, much like February snow, it doesn’t last. There is good news though. Paying down debt doesn’t require extreme sacrifice. It requires a realistic plan you can stick with.
Here’s how to make progress on debt without burning out.
All-or-nothing budgeting often leads to:
- Frustration
- Guilt spending
- Giving up entirely
Sustainable debt payoff works best when it balances progress and quality of life.
Be sure to check out the budgeting and spending analysis tool inside online and mobile banking to give your budgeting a solid foundation.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but these two methods are popular for a reason:
Debt Snowball
- Pay off smallest balances first
- Builds momentum and motivation
Debt Avalanche
- Focus on highest interest rates first
- Saves more money over time
The best method? The one you’ll actually follow.
Debt consolidation may make sense if you:
- Have multiple high-interest balances
- Want one predictable monthly payment
- Can qualify for a lower interest rate
A lower rate means more of your payment goes toward the balance, not the interest.
Reach out to us or visit a branch to explore debt consolidation options.
You don’t need a second job to make progress. Try:
- Applying extra funds (tax refunds, bonuses) to debt
- Redirecting small savings toward balances
- Automating payments to stay consistent
You can set up automatic payments, even extra payments, through the "Make A Transfer" feature or our Bill Pay option* inside online and mobile banking.
*Bill pay requires a Fort Financial checking account and online/mobile banking.
Debt happens for many reasons. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s progress. Every payment moves you closer to financial breathing room.
Final Thoughts
Paying down debt is about building momentum, not punishment. With the right strategy and support, progress can feel empowering, not restrictive.
Check out our Financial Resource Center for more self-help tips. Visit one of our branches or contact us today to start tackling debt.
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