How to Stay Debt-Free After Settlement: A Complete Budgeting Guide
After completing debt settlement, maintaining a budget is key to staying debt-free. Start by assessing your income and fixed expenses, then track your spending. Set clear financial goals and prioritize needs over wants. Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for essentials, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. Build an emergency fund with 3-6 months’ worth of expenses and automate payments. Review your budget monthly and adjust as needed. Budgeting helps you avoid new debt and stay on track toward financial freedom.