How to pay off debt—for good

The feeling of being in debt can certainly be overwhelming. And if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone. An estimated two in three Americans are in debt.

To begin digging yourself out, it can help to start with some motivation. Try this: Tally up all the debt you have, then think of something you could be doing with that amount of money if it wasn’t dragging you down.

If it’s $5,000, for example, then imagine what you could be spending that on. A trip? A new couch? Equipment for your own business? Write it down, print out a picture for inspiration and put it in a place where you can see it every day. I put mine in my letter holder, where I put my bills every month. If I had an extra $5,000 then, instead of that amount in debt, I would have purchased a broadcast-quality camera, Anderson Cooper–style. I printed out a picture of one as my motivation. I liked seeing what I was working toward every day and hated the days of wanting it so badly. Remind yourself of your goal every time you get cranky that you’re paying off debt.

Then follow this plan to make that picture a reality—you’ll live a happier life with much less money-related stress, which can take a serious toll on your health.

Nicole Lapin is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary and personal finance expert appearing on the TODAY show and MSNBC, among others. 

Excerpted from: Rich Bitch, by Nicole Lapin. Copyright © 2015 Nicole Lapin. Rich Bitch is a trademark used under license from Nothing but Gold Productions. Inc. Published by Harlequin. Reprinted with permission.