Crush Debt Without Killing Joy (Or Caffeine)

Let’s settle this once and for all:

You do not need to stop buying lattes to get out of credit card debt.

There. I said it.

I don’t know who started the whole “skip your morning coffee and become a millionaire” advice movement, but I’m guessing it was someone who hates joy and smells like boiled broccoli.

Look, your $4.75 oat milk cold brew isn’t the reason you’re carrying a balance on three cards. You know what is? Interest rates that could make a payday loan blush and the fact that debt math is sneakier than a toddler with a Sharpie.

So here’s the good news: you can keep your caffeine and still crush your credit card debt faster than Dave Ramsey can say “baby steps.”

Let’s break it down.

1. Avalanche or Snowball? Pick Your Weapon.

There are two main debt payoff strategies that actually work:

Debt Avalanche: Focus on the card with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on the others. This saves you the most money over time. Nerds love it.

Debt Snowball: Focus on the card with the smallest balance first to get a quick win and build momentum. Psychologists love it. And, let’s be honest, we all need a win sometimes.

Which one’s better? Whichever one you’ll actually stick with. Pick your flavor and commit.

2. Hack the Interest Monster

Most people don’t realize this, but you can literally call your credit card company and ask for a lower interest rate. Yep. That’s a thing.

Here’s your script:

You might get a yes. You might get a no. But it takes five minutes, costs nothing, and can save you hundreds—maybe thousands—in the long run.

Also: look into 0% balance transfer cards. These are like magic wands for credit card debt. Transfer your balance, pay no interest for 12–18 months, and crush as much of the principal as possible during the promo window.

Just don’t use the new card to fund your next trip to Cabo, okay?

3. Automate the Extra Punch

Set up an automatic payment—even just $25–$50 extra a week—to go toward your highest-priority card. Automation is the secret weapon of every financially savvy person who also happens to be forgetful (hi, it’s me).

Bonus: You won’t “miss” the money if it never hits your checking account in the first place. Psychologically? You’re winning.

4. Micro-Challenges: Gamify the Grind

You don’t need to go full hermit to free up cash. Try stuff like:

• A “no-spend” weekend challenge.

• Sell three things you haven’t touched in six months.

• Freelance one night a week for pizza money (and throw it at debt instead).

These mini-challenges give you quick wins without canceling joy. It’s like the financial version of doing push-ups during commercials—small effort, big result.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to sacrifice your soul—or your daily latte—to get out of debt. What you do need is a plan, some momentum, and a couple sneaky hacks to make the system work in your favor.

Pick one tactic from this email and put it into play today:

• Call your credit card company.

• Set up a balance transfer.

• Schedule an extra $20 auto-payment.

• Sell that guitar you never learned to play.

Whatever it is, just start. Because your debt doesn’t stand a chance once you stop sipping guilt and start sipping strategy.

Catch you tomorrow,

– Tommy,

Banking On You