How is paying off all your loans and becoming debt-free like training for a marathon? JD, a personal finance blogger who is training for a marathon shares his tips. For instance, running first thing in the morning is a lot like the idea of “paying yourself first.” To wit:

I run first thing in the morning. I get it done early so that I can spend the rest of my day on other things without the need to run hanging over my head. And having done this, I feel great. When I’m done with a 12-mile run on Saturday morning, I feel like the king of the world. I’m filled with confidence. In the same way, I felt empowered when I learned to pay myself first, to save and invest for my future before I paid my bills.

Other comparisons include forgiving yourself and getting back on track if you skip a day, and removing passive barriers (JD goes to bed with his running clothes on to make it easier for him to get into the mode of starting his run the next day). Even if you’re not a runner, there’s sure to be some debt-reducing concepts in his post that can help you out.

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Debtor [Get Rich Slowly] (Photo: Paul Keleher)

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.