Last checked: 27 September 2026
1. Protect essentials and priority commitments
Before sending extra money to unsecured borrowing, make sure essentials and priority payments are dealt with. Priority debts are defined by the seriousness of the consequences of non-payment, not simply by balance or interest rate. If you are already missing priority payments, get free debt advice before relying on a repayment strategy.
2. Build one complete debt list
Record the lender, balance, interest rate or APR where known, minimum payment, due date and whether any account is already in arrears. Do not leave out an overdraft, store card or buy-now-pay-later balance just because it feels small.
3. Work out what is genuinely affordable
Start with take-home income and essential spending. Keep enough for realistic food, housing, utilities and transport. A plan that only works in a perfect month is likely to fail. Your extra debt payment should be repeatable.
4. Choose an order
Once priority commitments are secure and required payments are covered, you can decide how to target extra money. Paying the highest-interest debt first can reduce interest; targeting a small balance first can create quicker visible progress. The best method is one you understand and can sustain.
5. Automate and review
Where appropriate, schedule required payments just after payday and make the planned extra payment consistently. Review the plan when income, rates or essential costs change. Direct windfalls at debt only after checking that doing so will not leave you short for essentials.
Use the site's debt tools
Debt Planner can organise the figures, while Debt-Free Date can illustrate how different payments affect your timeline. Treat calculator outputs as estimates rather than guarantees.
Need help?
If you cannot afford priority bills or required debt payments, free debt advice is more appropriate than simply optimising a repayment order.