Sometimes life throws you curve balls. Debt can sneak up behind you and before you know it, it can take over your life. All of your thoughts are consumed with how you will be able to get rid of all your debt. With these simple tips, you can find yourself debt free within 12 months!

1. Reduce interest on your payments--In order to find out if you can reduce interest on your payments, you must simply ask your creditor if they will charge the original amount on the payment, not the interest. If the person you are talking to is unhelpful, be persistent. If the company is a member of a trade association, then you may be able to complain to the association if you feel you have been treated unfairly.

2. Calculate your overall debt and monthly payments-To see how much debt you owe, add up your total credit card debt, medical bills, unsecured personal loans or any other unsecured debt you have accumulated. Then, calculate your monthly payments and write down how much you pay monthly for each credit card you have debt for, along with any medical bills or loans.

3. Be wise with your money-Set up an affordable monthly savings plan where you can set aside money in your trust fund every month. Try to refrain from eating out, going to movies, bars, etc. You can save a lot of money by packing lunches for work and cooking meals at home. Instead of going to the movies, stay home and rent one. Limit eating out to once a week. Brew your own coffee at home instead of paying $4 for a Mochaccino at Starbucks. By doing this, you can put all that money into paying off your debts.

4. Negotiate with your creditors-Instead of ignoring letters or phone calls from your creditors, communicate to them what the problem is and ask them to freeze your interest. If they know about a problem early on, they are more likely to be sympathetic than if you flat out ignore them.

5. Determine whether you need additional help-Getting rid of your debt on your own can be a tedious and lengthy process. If you need help with organization and setting aside money for an affordable monthly savings plan, or if you are getting nowhere with your creditors, then it is time to pick up the phone and get help from a qualified debt settlement agency. If you find that you need additional assistance, research debt relief agencies in your area.