20 Things to Do Once You Get Out of Debt
We talk a lot around here about how to get out of debt, and if you’re working towards financial freedom, keep it up!
But, don’t forget to dream.
The road to financial peace can be a long and difficult one, and it’s important to have a vision for the future so you don’t get discouraged and burned out along the way. With that in mind, take a minute to think about exactly what you’ll do once you’re finally debt free. And check out some of these ideas for inspiration. We have a mix of the fun and the practical, so there should be something for everyone.
Keep busting that debt, and keep dreaming!
1. Focus on your fitness.
Join a gym or hire a personal trainer for a few sessions. Or use that extra money to pay for an event like a 5K or a marathon in a city you’ve always wanted to visit.
2. Take some classes.
What have you always wanted to learn? Whether it’s salsa dancing, piano, golf or cooking, put your extra money towards something that’s new and exciting to you.
3. Learn a new language.
Language software or in-person lessons can be expensive. Now that you’ve freed up some cash, put it towards mastering that foreign language you’ve always dreamed of speaking. Check out your local library, they may offer free access to language learning apps like Mango Languages or Rosetta Stone.
4. Take a vacation.
This is probably the most popular idea. Whether you drive to the nearest beach or fly to a more exotic destination, it’s time to treat yourself and your family after all that hard work paying off debt. Remember to check out money-saving websites like Kayak, Groupon and AirfareWatchdog to get the most bang for your buck.
5. Beef up your retirement plan.
You may have scaled-down your retirement contributions while you were getting out of debt. Now’s the time to think about your future by adding to that 401(K) or Roth IRA. Aim to invest about 15 percent of your total household income into a retirement account.
6. Save for college.
Whether you’re saving for yourself or your children, it’s never too early to start. Now that you’re debt free, you can dedicate a chunk of your income to funding future educational goals.
7. Pamper yourself.
If you’ve passed on manicures, pedicures and massages for months or even years in order to get out of debt, go ahead and make up for some lost time. Schedule a spa day and savor every second.
8. Get your emergency savings fully funded.
Becoming debt free is a big step towards financial freedom, but it’s not everything. True freedom means you’re prepared for life’s inevitable ups and downs. Take the money you’ve been throwing at debt and put it in an emergency fund. Keep adding to it until you have about six months’ worth of expenses stashed away. Then you’ll be covered if you lose your job or have to take a leave of absence.
9. Pay it forward.
If you got any help during your debt-free journey, you know how much of a blessing it was. Who do you know who could use a little blessing? Whether you pay for the person behind you at the drive-thru or quietly give cash to a family in need, paying it forward is an awesome way to celebrate your newfound financial freedom.
10. Go on a shopping spree.
Maybe you eliminated unnecessary clothing or electronics purchases from your budget while you were getting out of debt. Now’s the time to splurge a little. Just set a spending cap and obviously use cash so you don’t end up in debt again.
11. Have Christmas in [fill in the month].
Give every member of your immediate family a set amount of money and pull each other’s names out of a hat. Use the money to surprise each other with a gift, a dinner out or something else that’s fun. It’ll be like Christmas just came early.
12. Fix up the house.
Finally get started on that home improvement or remodeling job you’ve been putting off in order to save money.
13. Throw a debt-free party!
Remember all those times you had to turn down invitations from friends and family because you were throwing all available money at debt? It’s time to thank the people who stood by you when you were being cheap, er…frugal. Invite your posse over for a party and have a little fun with some debt-free-themed food and music.
14. Give.
Donate a generous lump sum to your church or a worthy charity.
15. Travel. Anywhere!
It doesn’t even matter where you go. Near or far, if its with a grateful heart and financial freedom, it’ll be a blast!
16. Get caught up on your health care needs.
I do not recommend putting your health on the back burner in order to get out of debt, but sadly, some families end up skipping doctor’s appointments to save money. If you’ve fallen behind on your annual check-ups, take time to schedule everything you’ve missed. Head to the dentist, the family doctor and consider getting a skin cancer screening from a dermatologist.
17. Save for the next big thing.
Whether it’s a house, a car, a new baby, an adoption or a college education, throw your extra cash at the next major purchase or life event on the horizon.
18. Invest.
Talk with a financial advisor about investing in stocks, mutual funds, savings bonds or other options. There are also programs out there like Capital One Sharebuilder that can help beginners enter the investing world with relatively small amounts of money.
19. Sign up for a mission trip.
If you are torn between whether to give your extra money to a charitable cause or take a trip, this could be the perfect option for you. You’ll get to see a different part of the world (or the country) and make a difference at the same time. Keep in mind, not all mission trips are created equal. Do your research to make sure you’re working with a reputable organization that will allow your one- or two-week commitment to have a lasting impact once you’re back home.
20. Meet that child you’ve been sponsoring.
This is along the same lines as the mission trip idea. The difference is, instead of going through your church you’ll probably be working with a parachurch organization like Compassion. Each year, many of the major child sponsorship groups offer excursions that allow sponsors to meet the children they’ve been writing to and supporting. Talk about an experience of a lifetime.