If you have debt, below are 4 suggestions you can use to get rid of it!

1. Get Current on Past Due Accounts - If you're past due on any bills, now is the time to get them caught up. Pay enough to bring the past due amount to zero and then put the account in your debt snowball. Getting current puts you in the best possible position to get rid of your debt as quickly as possible.

2. Create an Emergency Fund of $1000 - 66% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $1000 emergency. The best way to get ahead of your debt is to put a little money in savings. The ultimate goal is 3-6 months of expenses in savings, but not while you still have debt. For now, $1000 will get you through the majority of emergencies. It also gives you a sense of urgency to get rid of your debt as quickly as possible.

3. Get Rid of the Crazy Debt - I call it crazy because the interest rates are insane! I'm talking about payday loans, title loans and any other high interest loan. They are ridiculous. The typical annual interest rate is 400%. The finance charges typically range from $15 to $30 to borrow only $100. The best way to get rid of them is to pay them off in one lump sum. If you have these loans in your life, use your tax return to pay them off in full. And more importantly, make a promise to yourself to NEVER use them again.

4. Work down your debt snowball - Unless you're dealing with the IRS or a payday loan, work your debt reduction using the debt snowball method. Start with the smallest balance, regardless of the interest rate and pay it off. Add the amount you were paying on that loan to the next loan and keep the money rolling over.