Here are some tips for married couples to get out of debt without money:

• Track expenses and make a budget to cut non-essential spending. Reduce eating out, entertainment, shopping expenses.
• Downsize your lifestyle – move to a smaller home, sell second car, eliminate cable/gym memberships.
• Increase income – take overtime hours, second job, monetize skills/hobbies. Spouse also finds work.
• Sell assets – liquidate any assets you own like jewelry, electronics, furniture, vehicles not in use.
• Renegotiate/refinance debts – contact creditors to lower interest rate, waive fees, reduce minimum payments.
• Balance transfer to 0% credit card – transfer high interest debts to save on interest costs for some time.
• Debt management plan with credit counseling agency – negotiate reduced debt repayments into one monthly payment.
• Bankruptcy – consider it as last resort if debts are unmanageable. Can discharge certain debts legally.
• Trade services – barter services or items instead of paying for things with money. Leverage your skills.
• Borrow from friends/family carefully – explain situation and agree on repayment terms. Don’t take advantage.
• No new debt – absolutely avoid taking any new loans or debts till you are debt-free, no matter how tempting.

With co-operation, persistence and changed money habits, couples can become debt-free without relying on increased income alone.