To tackle debt head-on, I employed a combination of tools and strategies. I started by creating a budget to gain an accurate financial snapshot of my situation. My debt at that point was over £40,000. My salary at the time was £21,000 per year.

Then, I focused on the easiest fixes that would yield immediate results. I began packing my lunch to work, saving me £150 monthly. I made tough choices, like selling my car and downgrading my phone contract.

I contacted all my utility providers and negotiated lower deals, threatening to leave if necessary. Surprisingly, they all agreed to reduced tariffs. In my pursuit of financial stability, I even rented out my bedroom and slept on the floor of my living room for over a year. Every extra penny earned or saved went directly to paying off debt. Ultimately, I managed to secure a 33% pay increase (about £500 per month) by demonstrating how I saved my company a quarter of a million pounds annually.