by Yasawaii Saadiq, founder of Third Eye Nubians 

Introduction:

You’ve confronted your debt. You’ve built your plan. But here’s the truth: you can only cut expenses so far. At some point, the real breakthrough happens when you increase your income. Part 3 is about turning your skills, time, and resources into more cash flow—and using it as rocket fuel for your debt-free journey.  

Step 1: Audit Your Skills

Ask yourself:  

  • What do people ask me for help with? 
  • What do I do better than most? 
  • What do I enjoy that others find difficult? 

Your skills are currency. Whether it’s tutoring, graphic design, hair braiding, carpentry, or organizing closets—there’s someone willing to pay for it.  

Step 2: Trade Time for Temporary Gain

You don’t have to commit forever, just for this season of discipline. Ideas to boost cash quickly:  

  • Weekend gig work (Uber, DoorDash, TaskRabbit) 
  • Part-time evening job 
  • Freelancing or side hustle on Fiverr/Upwork 
  • Renting out space or assets you own (car, room, camera gear) 

Goal: Put all extra earnings directly into your debt snowball or avalanche.

  

Step 3: Build Something Sustainable

Don’t just chase dollars—build systems. Start learning a skill that pays long term:  

  • Coding 
  • E-commerce 
  • Content creation 
  • Affiliate marketing 
  • Real estate or investing knowledge 

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be persistent.

  

Mindset Shift: From Surviving to Thriving

Getting out of debt isn’t just subtraction—it’s multiplication. It’s proof that you have the power to reshape your financial reality. You’re not just working hard; you’re working smart. That’s how wealth starts. 

 

Closing Message:

You are not broke. You are pre-wealth. The more value you create, the faster you erase what’s holding you back. In Part 4, we’ll talk about staying motivated, avoiding setbacks, and celebrating milestones along the way.