How do I get out of credit card debt?

Getting out of credit card debt starts with a mindset Alexa von Tobel, CFP®, calls the "Monopoly Step": you can't pass Go financially until your credit card debt hits zero. It's the first hurdle, and clearing it changes everything.

Step one is to stop the bleeding. Alexa's favorite trick: put the card on ice — literally freeze it in a block of water, or delete it from Apple Pay and Google Pay so impulse buys hit real friction. Then list every card by interest rate, pay the minimum on all of them, and attack the highest-APR card with every extra dollar you've got.

Two moves that speed things up: make two payments a month instead of one (interest compounds daily, so it adds up), and call your card issuer to ask for a lower rate. It costs nothing to ask, and it works more often than you'd think.

Credit card debt causes a lot of stress and a lot of shame. Let go of both. It's just a number, and now you have a plan to bring it to zero.

Ready to wipe out your credit card debt for good? The Financially Fearless course walks you through every step. Learn more today.