How to pay off $15,000 in debt by the end of 2026

Paying off $15,000 by the end of the year is a goal that's likely within reach, even in this tough economic landscape. /iStockphoto Debt balances have been climbing rapidly over the last year, and so have the costs of carrying them. Not only are credit card balances clocking in at over $1.23 trillion , a record high, but the rates attached to them remain stubbornly elevated, too — even after multiple Federal Reserve cuts late last year. That has left millions of borrowers stuck in a cycle where their debt compounds rapidly, and as a result, the minimum payments barely move the needle. And, when you add in the extra budgetary strain from inflation, paying off debt can feel nearly impossible right now. At the same time, the calendar is working in your favor if you're trying to tackle your debt before year's end. There's more than half a year left in 2026, meaning that there's still a realistic window to make meaningful progress on what you owe, even on a balance as large as $15,000. But if you're going to pay off that large a balance , doing so requires more than just good intentions or making occasional extra payments. It takes a structured plan, consistent execution, and in some cases, a willingness to explore outside help. The good news? Paying off $15,000 by the end of the year is a goal that's likely within reach for many borrowers, even in this tough economic landscape. But how exactly can you do that? That's what we'll outline below. …