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Eight out of 10 Americans are in debt, according to a 2015 report from Pew Charitable Trusts.

Among that 80%, the median amount owed is $67,900.

Even high earners such as Kanye West have dug themselves into holes - the rapper recently said he's $53 million in personal debt.

While there are many debt-repayment tips and strategies for Kanye and the rest of us who find ourselves in debt, one of the most important steps to take on your payoff journey is something most people don't consider.

"You have to ask yourself why you got into debt in the first place," says John Gajkowski, a certified financial planner at Money Managers Financial.


The reason this question is so crucial is that you're never truly "done" with your debt. "Debt management is like weight management," Gajkowski tells Business Insider. "It's a lifelong thing. It's an ongoing process."

To keep it from happening again, you must recognize why you got into debt in the first place and then avoid the habits that got you there.

"The nice thing is, by getting out of debt, you've developed all of these new, positive habits," Gajkowski says.

Don't abandon those new habits - whether tracking your spending, living below your means, or automating your payments - as soon as you've paid off all of your creditors, he emphasizes. Use them to not only stay out of debt, but to get ahead of the curve when it comes to saving and investing.