When you’re staring down multiple debts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Credit cards, personal loans, medical bills—all with different balances, rates, and due dates. Trying to track every single one can feel like juggling flaming torches. No wonder debt-free feels impossible.

Here’s a simple mindset shift that can change everything: stop tracking individual balances. Track one number instead—your total debt.

Why Total Debt Matters More

Focusing on total debt gives you a clear, simple target. Instead of bouncing between accounts and wondering which one to tackle next, you see your overall progress in one glance.

Every payment—big or small—lowers that total. Watching that number shrink creates real momentum and motivation to keep going.

How to Track Total Debt Without Getting Overwhelmed

• Use a notebook or simple spreadsheet: At the start of each month, sum up all your debts and write it down.
• Record your payments: Each time you pay, subtract it from your total and note the new balance.
• Celebrate progress: Even a small dip in your total debt is a win. Highlight it, share it, or reward yourself.

Stop Juggling, Start Winning

This one-number focus frees your brain from overload. You don’t have to memorize rates or minimums. You just track progress. It turns a complex, intimidating problem into something manageable.

Need more ways to track debt without burnout? Read: How to Pay Off Debt When You’re Not a “Debt Snowball” Person for a step-by-step system that combines behavior, mindset, and math to get you moving.