A new study by Accredited Debt Relief reveals that nearly half of Gen Z individuals have seen their debt increase over the past year, with similar but slightly lower increases among millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers. The report indicates that many people are struggling to maintain consistent debt repayment plans, often due to high interest rates that eat into their payments without significantly reducing their overall balances. Some borrowers face months where they cannot make extra payments or are forced to rely on credit cards for unexpected expenses, which can make progress feel slow or unattainable. The study emphasizes that repaying debt is often a long-term commitment and relying only on motivation can make it difficult to stay on track. Instead, it suggests creating a system that makes progress visible and reduces obstacles that might disrupt the process. One method is breaking down the repayment goal into smaller, achievable milestones, such as paying off $1,000 or reducing the total balance by 5%. These smaller goals can provide more frequent encouragement that the effort is making a difference. In addition to tracking the total debt balance, the report recommends monitoring other metrics, such as how much of the principal has been paid, the number of accounts cleared, or the amount of monthly cash flow freed up. Comparing current interest charges to those from six months ago can also help visualize progress, especially when high interest rates are slowing down balance reduction. Automating debt payments can help maintain consistency and reduce the risk of missing due dates and incurring late fees. If possible, automating extra payments ensures that money is directed toward the debt before it can be spent elsewhere. However, it is important to choose an amount that is sustainable to avoid financial strain. The report advises focusing on the next manageable step rather than dwelling on past mistakes. This could include making timely payments, directing extra money toward the credit card with the highest interest rate, or reviewing the budget to find ways to increase payments. These small actions can make the long journey of repaying debt feel more manageable. If current strategies aren’t working, the study suggests considering help from credit counseling agencies or exploring debt settlement options. Credit counseling can create a debt management plan that consolidates eligible unsecured debts into a single monthly payment, potentially reducing interest rates or fees. Debt settlement, while it has its drawbacks, may offer a clear resolution for those facing more severe financial challenges.