Get the Hell Out of Debt by Erin Skye Kelly Summary

Get the Hell Out of Debt outlines a proven three-phase method to eliminate consumer debt and build lifelong financial freedom. Erin Skye Kelly combines tactical strategies (like the Smallest Balance Method) with emotional mastery, encouraging readers to shift their mindset about money. The book emphasizes post-debt wealth-building to prevent relapse and create lasting abundance.

This book is ideal for anyone struggling with consumer debt, seeking practical budgeting techniques, or wanting to overhaul their relationship with money. It’s particularly valuable for those who’ve tried debt consolidation without success and need a judgment-free, emotionally aware approach to financial literacy.

Yes—the book is a multi-award-winning bestseller (including a Gold National Non-Fiction Book Award) praised for its actionable, relatable strategies. Over 1,000+ readers have used its methods to pay off millions in debt, making it a top choice for combining mindset shifts with step-by-step financial planning.

1. Phase One: Planning and organizing finances, including assessing debt and creating a zero-based budget.
2. Phase Two: Actively paying off debt using targeted methods like the Smallest Balance or Highest Interest Rate approach.
3. Phase Three: Building wealth through investing and smart financial habits to stay debt-free indefinitely.

This approach prioritizes debts based on emotional impact (e.g., stress or shame) to fuel motivation. By addressing feelings like guilt first, readers gain momentum and personal empowerment, creating a sustainable path to financial freedom.

• Zero-Based Budgeting: Assign every dollar to expenses or debt.
• Daily Check-Ins: Review spending daily to avoid overspending.
• Squeeze Method: Redirect “found money” (e.g., saved coffee costs) to debt.

• Relying solely on debt consolidation without changing habits.
• Ignoring emotional triggers tied to spending.
• Failing to maintain a working budget, leading to recurring debt.

Kelly blends tactical steps (like budgeting frameworks) with mindset work, emphasizing that financial freedom requires both practical skills and emotional resilience. The book frames wealth as a tool for creating legacy, not just accumulating money.

She critiques it as a temporary fix that often worsens debt without addressing root habits. Instead, she advocates for systematic repayment paired with emotional accountability to break the debt cycle permanently.

Post-debt strategies include building emergency funds, investing, and adopting frugal habits. Kelly stresses “wealth hygiene” practices to protect against future debt and grow abundance intentionally.

Some readers may find the emotional focus challenging if they prefer purely technical advice. However, the book’s holistic approach is widely praised for addressing debt’s psychological roots.

Its blend of humor, personal storytelling, and judgment-free tone sets it apart. Kelly’s emphasis on emotional mastery and her rejection of predatory debt solutions (like refinancing) offer a fresh, relatable perspective.