Getting Out of Debt—Practical Strategies From a Lending Specialist | Guiding You Forward

Debt can feel overwhelming—a quiet weight you carry into every financial decision you make. But according to Jonathan Brouse, vice president of direct consumer lending at Mountain America Credit Union, getting out of debt doesn't have to be a lonely journey. In this episode of the Guiding You Forward podcast, Jonathan shares how, with the right mindset, a clear strategy and a few helpful tools, financial freedom is more within reach than you may think.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The importance of finding your why
• Why choosing the right payoff strategy makes a difference
• How far your credit score really reaches

Start with your why
Before you look at a single number on your statement, Jonathan recommends asking yourself one foundational question: “Why do I want to pay off my debt?” It sounds simple, but your answer is the reason behind every choice you make from there. Whether it's peace of mind, a dream home, financial security for your family or just the freedom to breathe a little easier, keeping that purpose front and center can see you through the moments when motivation runs thin.

Once you have your why, the next step is to form a clear picture of where you stand. Mountain America offers our Credit Score Plus tool, which lets you run scenarios that show exactly how different actions may affect your credit score over time. It's a practical way to turn anxiety into insight.

Choose a payoff strategy and stick with it
When it comes to tackling multiple forms of debt, Jonathan points to three proven approaches to get you back on track. No one strategy works better than any other strategy—it’s all about choosing the path that you're more likely to follow through on.

Don’t overlook this: check your rewards status. Jonathan shared a story about a client who discovered he had thousands of dollars sitting in unused credit card rewards—money he was able to put directly toward his debt. You may be surprised at what you have waiting for you. A tried-and-true rule that applies across every financial strategy is to pay your bills on time, every time. It's the single most impactful habit you can build for your credit health. Watch the full video for Jonathan’s recommendations.

Your credit score reaches further than you think
Most people know a credit score matters when applying for a loan. Fewer realize how many life decisions can be affected by it. Potential employers, landlords and even your phone provider may check your credit to get a sense of how reliable you are. A strong score signals you're someone who lives up to their obligations, and that reputation opens doors.

It's also why Jonathan cautions against closing old lines of credit, even if you're tempted. An unused credit card might feel like a liability, but it's actually an asset. The line of credit is working in your favor whether or not you're using it. If the temptation to spend is a concern, check out the podcast episode to discover how Jonathan suggests keeping the urge to spend at bay.

One of Jonathan's standout pieces of advice isn't a financial strategy at all—it’s a mindset shift. He shared the story of a family who had accumulated significant debt and decided to make paying it off a family effort. They created a visual tracker on their wall, a board where they checked off a box for every payment made. They celebrated each small milestone together, and when the last box was finally checked, the victory felt earned by the whole family. Gamifying your debt payoff, tracking progress visually, celebrating milestones and making it collaborative can transform a stressful chore into a chance to build connection and momentum.

Small, consistent actions compound over time. Whether you're just starting to think about your debt or you're already mid-journey in paying it off, the most important thing is to keep going. Meet with a Financial Guide at Mountain America to find the approach that works best for your situation. Watch the full video of this podcast episode for more tips.