Want to pay off debt faster? Try our Best Free Printable Debt Thermometer Trackers! See your progress as you color in sections of the debt thermometer.
Celebrate milestones and say goodbye to debt stress.
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What is a Printable Debt Thermometer?
A Debt Thermometer Tracker is a tool that helps you keep track of how much debt you have and how much you’ve paid off.
It works like a thermometer that you use to measure temperature.
In this case, instead of showing hot or cold, it shows how much debt you have left.
This is a fun way to keep you accountable on the serious topic of total debt payoff!
How Does a Printable Debt Thermometer Work?
Use the Printable debt thermometer just like any other visual tracker you use for your projects.
- Imagine you have a big thermometer drawn on a piece of paper or on your computer screen.
At the top of the thermometer, you write down the total amount of money you owe.
It could be the amount you owe on a credit card or any loan you need to pay back.
You can even use the thermometer to pay off just the credit card debt starting with the highest interest rate.
- The thermometer is divided into sections, each representing a part of your debt.
For example, if you owe $1,000, you might divide the thermometer into 10 sections, with each section representing $100.
Or
If you like to pay off the debt in %, divide the total debt in 5% increments.
I have used different lines to show this in my Debt Thermometer printable.
- Whenever you have extra money, use it to make a payment towards your debt.
For example, if you make a $50 payment or paid off 50% of your total debt, color in that section on the thermometer.
As you continue making payments, keep coloring the printable until you have paid off your entire debt.
It’s like a visual motivational aid or a game where you want to color in as many sections as possible to show that you’re getting closer to paying off your debt.
The more sections you color in, the closer you are to being debt-free!
How to use this FREE Debt Thermometer Printable?
Keep things simple.
- If you are working on the Baby Steps suggested by Dave Ramsey, use this debt payoff graph as a supporting tool.
- Use these FREE charts in your debt payoff planners.
You can download the debt snowball thermometer in PDF format below and print it to use right now. You will need to FREE Adobe Reader software to open the PDF.
Please note that this FREE printable is for your personal use only.
Is a Debt Thermometer Tracker effective for tracking all types of debts, including credit cards, student loans, and mortgages?
The Debt Thermometer Tracker can be used for different types of debts, such as credit card debts, student loan payoff, and mortgages. You can even use it to pay car loans.
Just writes your debt payoff goals before you start using the debt chart printable. You can even name this as a goal-meter template.
A customizable debt thermometer is great for focusing on paying off one type of debt.
e.g. if you are focusing on getting rid of student loans first, print a separate debt payoff thermometer. Use it as wall art to visually remind you of your goal.
Regardless of the specific debt you have, you can use this tracker to monitor your payments and see your progress .
The Printable Debt Thermometer shows you how much progress you’ve made and how much debt you have left.
Do I need any specific tools or software to create a Debt Thermometer Tracker?
No, you don’t necessarily need any specific tools or software to create a Debt Thermometer Tracker.
You can easily create one using simple materials like pen and paper, or even a spreadsheet on your computer.
You can even search online for different designs of debt payoff trackers. It can give you way too many colorful options. The point is to pick one and stick with it until you pay off all your debt.
Your time is valuable and it should be used to take a definite action towards making you debt-free.
The free printable thermometer I shared here requires no additional cost (except the cost of printing it).
Please do not let the price of any app or software stop you from starting your debt pay-off journey.
However, if you prefer digital solutions or want more advanced features, there are free and paid tools available. Here are some options:
- Spreadsheets: Software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers allows you to create digital debt trackers.
- Budgeting Apps: Many budgeting apps also offer debt-tracking features and visualizations. Examples include Mint, Personal Capital, YNAB (You Need a Budget), and EveryDollar.
- Debt Payoff Apps: Dedicated debt payoff apps, such as Debt Payoff Planner, Debt Free, or Debt Payoff Assistant, are designed specifically for tracking and accelerating debt repayment.
- Online Debt Tracking Tools: Various websites and online platforms provide free debt-tracking tool such as Undebt.it
When choosing a tool, consider your preferences, ease of use, and any additional features you may find helpful.
Whether you opt for simple pen and paper or explore digital options, find a method that works best for you.
Simple is better!
How often should I update my Debt Thermometer Tracker?
The frequency of updating your Debt Thermometer Tracker depends on your personal preference and the frequency of your debt payments. Here are a few considerations to help you decide how often to update it:
- Regular Debt Payments:
If you have a regular schedule for making debt payments, update your tracker page each time you make a payment.
This is the best way to manage a monthly budget.
Related Article: How to Make a simple budget in 10 Minutes
- Biweekly or Weekly Updates:
This can be useful if you have multiple debts or if you make more frequent payments.
- Milestone Updates:
Another approach is to update the tracker when you pay off the smallest debt or a certain percentage of your total debt.
- Monthly Reviews:
If you prefer a less frequent update, you can choose to review and track on a monthly basis.
Ultimately, the key is to update your Debt Thermometer Tracker regularly enough to reflect your progress accurately.
That way, you can continue motivating yourself when the days are tough.
Choose a frequency that works best for you and aligns with your debt repayment schedule and personal preference
Should I include all my debts on the Debt Tracker or focus on one at a time?
It really depends on your debt repayment strategy.
- Include all your debts on the Debt Thermometer Tracker:
This allows you to see the overall picture of your debt situation.
You can also track your progress in paying off all your debts simultaneously.
This approach is particularly useful if you have a manageable number of debts.
or
If you want to prioritize a balanced approach to paying them off.
- Focus on paying off One Debt at a Time:
This method involves directing your extra payments toward a single debt at a time.
This way, you make minimum payments on other debts and also leave enough room for any unexpected expenses.
- Combine both:
Once you pay off the first debt or the smallest balances, move on to the next one.
Use the freed-up funds to accelerate payments on the next debt.
This strategy is often referred to as the “debt snowball” or “debt avalanche” method.
These methods allow you to build momentum and gain a sense of accomplishment by completely paying off individual debts.
It can provide a psychological boost and motivation to keep going.
Both approaches have their advantages, so consider what works best for your financial situation and mindset.
Related Article: Best 150 motivational quotes for Debt-free living
What should I do when I reach a milestone or make progress on paying off my debt?
It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements for any goal.
Take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment: Recognize the effort and discipline you’ve put in to reach this milestone.
Celebrate within your means:
Celebrate your milestone in a way that aligns with your financial goals and doesn’t hinder your progress.
It could be something simple like treating yourself to a movie night at home, or enjoying a special meal.
Can I use a Debt Thermometer Tracker for other financial goals besides paying off debt, such as saving for a down payment or building an emergency fund?
Absolutely!
While a Debt Thermometer Tracker is commonly used for tracking debt repayment, you can definitely use it for other financial goals as well.
The most common way we have used Debt Thermometer is to build our emergency fund.
You can even use the debt thermometer for reducing your monthly grocery budget.
This Tracker really is a versatile tool to track your progress and help to get your financial house in order.
Related article: Create your Emergency Fund Faster (Goal $1000)
How can I stay motivated while paying off debt?
- Visualize your progress:
As you color in or shade the sections representing your debt payments or savings, take a moment to appreciate the progress you’ve made.
- Set realistic milestones:
Break down your debt or savings goal into smaller, manageable milestones.
For example, if your total debt is $10,000, set milestones for every $1,000 paid off.
- Track your successes:
Alongside your Debt Thermometer Tracker, keep a separate log or journal to track your successes and milestones.
Write down the challenges you’ve overcome, and any positive experiences related to your journey. Reflecting on your successes can serve as a reminder of your progress and fuel your motivation.
- Seek support and accountability:
Share your debt repayment or savings goals with trusted friends, family, or a supportive community.
- Visualize your debt-free or financially secure future:
Take time to visualize the free life you want to achieve once you are debt-free. Imagine the financial freedom, peace of mind, and opportunities that will come with it.
Related Article: How to Make an effective vision board on Canva
- Celebrate milestones and treat yourself:
Celebrate your achievements along the way, no matter how small they are. This will create momentum and you will soon see yourself getting out of debt faster than you ever imagined.
Advantages of Using Debt Payoff Printables:
Using a visual image, such as a Debt Thermometer, for tracking and paying off debt faster offers several advantages:
- Clear Progress Tracking:
It allows you to see the portion of the debt that you have paid off and the remaining balance at a glance. This clarity helps you stay focused on your goal and motivates you to continue your efforts.
- Motivation and Accountability:
One way to stay motivated while paying off debt is to use the tracker as a constant reminder of your financial objective.
As you color in the thermometer with each debt payment, you experience a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
- Goal Orientation:
The Debt Thermometer helps you set specific milestones and goals along your debt repayment journey.
It provides a tangible representation of your goals.
This way, your goals become more attainable and encourage you to push harder to pay off your debt faster.
- Prioritization and Focus:
The Debt Thermometer enables you to prioritize your debts effectively.
This way, you can identify and prioritize paying off high-interest debts or debts with smaller balances.
Related Article: Save money on Monthly Grocery List with these tips.
- Financial Awareness:
The Debt Thermometer cultivates a greater awareness of your overall financial situation. By visualizing your debts, their balances, and progress, you gain a clearer understanding of your financial health. This awareness allows you to make more informed decisions and adjustments to your spending habits, budgeting, and debt repayment strategies.
- Celebrating Milestones:
As you color in or reach specific markers on the Debt Thermometer, you have opportunities to celebrate your milestones. These celebrations provide positive reinforcement and serve as reminders of your progress and determination.
To get more debt payoff tracker printables and 30-day challenges, check our shop.
Final Thoughts on Printable Debt Thermometer
Debt Thermometer to track and pay off debt faster offers advantages such as
- clear progress tracking,
- motivation,
- goal orientation,
- prioritization,
- financial awareness, and
- opportunities for celebrating milestones.
By leveraging the visual nature of the Debt Thermometer, you can enhance your debt repayment journey and increase your chances of achieving financial freedom.
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