We have no shortage or articles, think pieces, and blogs regarding the ever-present boogeyman of debt and how to slay it. Fact is, no matter if its medical bills, student loans, or credit card debt, we all likely have some sort of borrowed money we need to pay back. We’ve gone over tons of methods of how to pay off debt, how to build a budget that supports your repayment process, and how to pay off debts as quickly as possible. You have no shortage of information of how to accomplish this goal, should you have it.

But… do you need to?

Look, debt is not great, we know that. And it’s important to ensure that you are on time with payments, chipping away at the mountain. So it’s important to stay on top of your debt… but paying it off early? Even our own blogs talk about how tough it is to do, how much you have to sacrifice to get it done. In fact, let’s get it out in the open… this isn’t fun.

• It’s difficult. If you want to pay off debt more effectively, you’ll need to make sacrifices. Less time out with friends. Less retail therapy. Less expenses just for you. If you’re like a lot of people, these expenses may have been what got you into debt in the first place, and undoing that that be incredibly difficult to stick to. Add to the fact that you’ll likely miss out on exciting activities and events, it’s not easy to do the right thing.
• It’s boring. Along with less activities, less purchases, and less money to spend in general (since its going to paying off your debts), you’re going to have less to do in general. If you’re used to happy hours, dinner with friends, and activities that require money to participate in, suddenly those are removed from your agenda. While you certainly won’t be sitting on your couch starring at the wall, it can be difficult to feel limited by your options.

Having less money limits you, no doubt. And even though it’s going to a better place, it can be difficult to live with, especially since paying off your debt takes a great deal of time. But if you’re asking yourself whether or not paying off debts is worth it, the answer is absolutely yes.

• You’ll be happier. No debt means one less thing to worry about, one less bill to pay, and more freedom to do what you want. Take a vacation. Invest in something. Spend money on yourself. You’ll have those options.
• You’ll be in control. Debt can make you feel like you don’t have any governance over your own life, like your money and time are already accounted for before you even have it. With debt cleared, the feeling goes away.
• You’ll have more money. With less bills to pay, you’ll have more money at the end of the month. And with the tactics we’ve taught helping you get there, you’ll be better with your money overall, helping you hold on to more of it over time.

Paying off debt is hard. It’s not fun. And at many moments, it can feel like it won’t be worth it. But by eliminating that roadblock from your life, you’ll be happier, more in control, and with better habits than ever.