7 Habits of Debt-Free People You Should Copy (2024)

Have you ever wondered how debt-free people got that way? Or more importantly, how do they stay that way?

It’s not magic, and it’s not luck. Debt-free people develop and maintain a set of deliberate habits that put their financial health first. What’s more, they leverage tools and resources that make those habits easy.

These are the 7 habits of debt-free people and how to make them work for you.

1. Debt-Free People Monitor Their Money

Here’s the deal: debt-free people are engaged with their money. They know where it’s going and what it’s doing at all times. That means tracking their income, spending, and saving to make sure it aligns with their goals. It also means keeping an eye on their net worth. Net worth is the value of your assets minus your liabilities, and it is a powerful indicator of financial health.

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  • Related: 7 Habits of Women Who Always Have Money

2. They Grow Their Money

Paying off debt is an accomplishment to be proud of, but the name of the game is to grow wealth. Paying off debt = growing wealth. People with savings stay debt-free because they never have to turn to credit when an unexpected expense comes up. They have at least three to six months of expenses in a savings account, ready to cushion any financial emergency. How do they do it? They spend less than they earn and save every month.

  • Related: How to Invest With Little Money

3. They Don’t Waste Money

Debt-free people don’t waste money, full stop. That’s because they always know what’s going on in their financial picture and are in control of their spending. They know the value of money and aren’t willing to squander it. If they notice they’re spending money on something that doesn’t align with their values or priorities, they put on the brakes and make a change.

  • Related: Ultimate Guide to Saving Money

4. They Are Not Cheap

Debt-free people don’t waste money, but they aren’t cheap, either. Being cheap happens when you’re not aware of your money. You don’t know what your money can afford, so all you buy is cheap stuff.

Be intentional with your money. Know exactly what you can and cannot afford. You won’t overspend which means you will become debt free. Debt-free people have learned not to afraid of buying high-quality items or experiences. If something they want is expensive, they create a savings plan to pay it. They buy everything they can afford. They enjoy their money.

  • Related: How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck: An Actionable Guide

5. They Are Patient

Debt-free people know that buying quality with cash takes time. They resist the desire for instant gratification. Watching a savings account earmarked for a special purchase or goal grow consistently can be more satisfying than settling for something inferior in the moment — not to mention it prevents you from taking on more debt. Be patient. Buy quality stuff, but don’t take on debt.

  • Related: 9 Things to Stop Buying to Save Money Fast

6. They Set Financial Goals and Priorities

Debt-free people are clear about what’s important to them, and they use that clarity to set financial priorities and goals for their future. Whether it’s saving for a down payment, planning for retirement, or building an education fund for their kids, they always have a plan. No one reaches their financial goals (big or small) by winging it, and debt-free people don’t risk their futures to chance.

7. They Proactively Learn More About Money and How to Best Manage It

Financially woke people didn’t get that way by accident. Those who enjoy the debt-free life hone their money smarts by learning everything they can about how to manage their resources. That means reading personal finance books and blogs, listening to podcasts, and joining enlightened communities. In this digital age, almost everything you need to know is available for free online — there’s no excuse.

Save More Money! Read these next….

  • 7 Habits of Women Who are Never Broke
  • 43 Hacks to Live on One Income and Never be Poor
  • 9 Essential Dave Ramsey Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

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7 Habits of Debt-Free People You Should Copy (2024)

FAQs

Why is being debt free bad? ›

Cons of Living Debt-Free

That's because payment history makes up 35% of your FICO® Score , the credit score used by 90% of top lenders. Without open accounts, there may not be enough credit activity for credit bureaus to calculate your score, which could harm your credit.

Is it possible for Americans to live debt free? ›

Becoming debt-free doesn't happen overnight. A plan is typically required to pay down existing debt, a broad plan that should entail tracking expenses, creating a budget, reducing expenses where possible, giving your income a boost, monitoring your credit score, and building an emergency fund.

What percentage of Americans are 100% debt free? ›

Around 23% of Americans are debt free, according to the most recent data available from the Federal Reserve. That figure factors in every type of debt, from credit card balances and student loans to mortgages, car loans and more.

Do 90% of millionaires make over 100k a year? ›

Choose the right career

And one crucial detail to note: Millionaire status doesn't equal a sky-high salary. “Only 31% averaged $100,000 a year over the course of their career,” the study found, “and one-third never made six figures in any single working year of their career.”

What is the snowball method of debt? ›

The "snowball method," simply put, means paying off the smallest of all your loans as quickly as possible. Once that debt is paid, you take the money you were putting toward that payment and roll it onto the next-smallest debt owed. Ideally, this process would continue until all accounts are paid off.

At what age should you be debt free? ›

"Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary has said the ideal age to be debt-free is 45, especially if you want to retire by age 60. Being debt-free — including paying off your mortgage — by your mid-40s puts you on the early path toward success, O'Leary argued.

What is the average credit card debt in the US? ›

The average American household now owes $7,951 in credit card debt, according to the most recent data available from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the U.S. Census Bureau. But that's just the average.

Is there a downside to paying off debt? ›

It May Negatively Affect Your Credit

It's common thinking that paying off any debt can only be good for your credit, but paying off some debts early might actually have the reverse effect.

What would happen if everyone was debt free? ›

Answer and Explanation: If everyone stopped getting in debt and paid off all their credit cards, saved for everything and spent what they earned this will increase the savings excessively which will decrease the circulation of money in the economy.

What is the disadvantage of not paying debt? ›

If the creditor has already obtained a court judgment which is defaulted, the creditor may be able to take enforcement action or make the debtor bankrupt, which could have more serious consequences. For example, if the client is a home owner, s/he may risk losing her/his home.

Why is it important to not be in debt? ›

Mishandling debt can lead to a bad credit history.

This can have a negative impact if you are applying for a job or attempting to obtain a home loan. Managing your debt wisely can put you in a good financial position when it comes to making major purchases.

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