Tally one more vote for debt-payment. It’s a no-brainer to me. My opinions on the subject have already been noted... but I would like to add:
Microsoft Excel has been a BIG part of helping me with my finances. I started using a spreadsheet of my own design about five years ago. I calculate my paycheck with it. I list EACH and EVERY recurring payment that I make. I take about 20 minutes each week to review every purchase I make, enter the amount in my spreadsheet, and then track what my balance will be throughout the year (even predict if I’m overdrawing myself months in advance).
I’ve found that, going through the motion of building this spreadsheet, updating it, and building little side-sheets with the data (retirement, debt payoff goals, future taxes, etc), I have a REALLY strong grasp on My finances. Anyone that’s completed high school algebra can do it too!
Good Luck!!!
