Before any non-essential purchase, wait 48 hours. Most "wants" lose their appeal after two days, and that saved money can go directly to your balance.
Every month, the moment you are paid, move 20% of your paycheck into a separate "sinking fund" savings account. This is not an emergency fund (though you should build one of those too). This is for predictable irregular expenses: car repairs, annual insurance premiums, holiday gifts, medical copays. When these expenses arise, you use this fund instead of a credit card. Most debt cycles start with a single surprise expense that the borrower had no savings to cover. debt4k
Do not completely drain your bank savings accounts to zero just to pay off debt faster. Without a minimal buffer (such as $1,000), a single unexpected auto repair or medical bill will force you to swipe your credit card, completely reversing your progress. Before any non-essential purchase, wait 48 hours
Several tools can help you track progress and stay motivated: This is not an emergency fund (though you