Posted on 28 April 2009. Tags: Credit card, Credit card debt, debt, Debt Consolidation, Debt settlement, Home equity, Home equity loan, loan
OVERVIEW
Do you have too much credit card debt? It will take commitment and discipline, but here are some tips to get yourself out of credit card debt.
Do you have too much credit card debt? Many people are embarrassed or ashamed of how much credit card debt they have or how they got to that point in their lives. If you have too much credit card debt, admitting that is the first step toward getting yourself out. It will take commitment and discipline, but here are some tips to get yourself out of credit card debt:
• Too Much Credit Card Debt? Stop Using Your Credit Card
Stopping your credit card usage can be the toughest step of all, but it’s the most important. If you are aware you have too much credit card debt, you need to stop using the cards. Not incurring more credit card debt is the best way to digging yourself out of further problems.
• Too Much Credit Card Debt? Find Small Ways to Save
Take a good, hard look at where your money goes every day. The latte you grab on the way into work and the $10.00 sandwich are expenses that add up if you incur them every day. Take a look at your cell phone plan, your cable bill, and any other subscription services you have that could be trimmed or entirely cut out. Seemingly small savings of $50-100 can make a big difference when paying down your credit card debt.
• Too Much Credit Card Debt? Check on Interest Rates
Contact your lenders and ask about lowering the interest rate they’re charging on your credit card debt. The credit market is very competitive and many companies are willing to work with you and not lose your business. Once you’ve gotten your interest rates lowered, prioritize your payments, paying off higher interest rate credit card debt first.
• Too Much Credit Card Debt? Contact Your Creditors
If you find yourself in the position of having to miss a payment, contact your creditor and let them know about this. Try to set up a payment plan that you are sure you can meet. You don’t want to come back to them at a later date and try to renegotiate.
• Too Much Credit Card Debt? Home Equity Loans
It’s possible to tap into your home equity for a secured loan to pay off your credit card debt. You can secure a lower interest rate, fixed monthly payments, and peace of mind. Be sure to only do this if you have kicked the credit card spending habit. Many people will pay off credit card debt with home equity, only to run up their bills again.
• Too Much Credit Card Debt? Debt Consolidation
Unsecured debt consolidation is a possible solution to your credit card debt problem. Finding a non-profit debt settlement company can help you get your credit card debt consolidated into one monthly payment that you can afford.
Credit card debt has become immensely popular these days, with every nearly every other person finding themselves in debt problems. The trick is, in knowing how to deal with your credit card debt situation and taking steps to rectify your problems.
Posted in Credit Score, Debt Consolidation
Posted on 28 April 2009. Tags: Credit card, Credit card debt, debt, Debt Consolidation, Home equity loan, loan
OVERVIEW
People often don’t recognize that they are in trouble with debt until it is too late. Ask yourself these questions to see whether or not you are in trouble with debt.
People often don’t recognize that they are in trouble with debt until it is too late. Ask yourself these questions to see whether or not you are in trouble with debt.
1. In trouble with debt: Do you have a clear picture of your credit card debt?
Many people feel they have a credit card debt problem, but they refuse to acknowledge it. They avoid looking at their credit card balances. They still use their credit cards, even though they know they shouldn’t. They pay off one credit card with a check from another. They transfer credit card debt balances instead of making payments. These are all signs that your credit card debt could be getting out of control.
2. In trouble with debt: Do you pay only the minimum credit card payment every month?
Paying only the monthly minimum can get you into credit card debt trouble quickly. Paying the monthly minimum will cover the interest and fees associated with your credit card, but it will not begin to decrease the credit card debt you owe.
3. In trouble with debt: Do you make late payments? Have you missed payments entirely?
Making a late payment usually means you’re waiting for the money to come in. This means you’re behind already and you will have trouble catching up. Missing payments entirely just means you’re getting further behind on your credit card debt.
4. In trouble with debt: Are you using credit cards to buy things because you don’t have the money to pay for them at that time? You can get into trouble with debt quickly with credit cards if you’re using them to buy things you cannot afford. If you can’t afford an item this month, it’s likely you’ll not be able to afford it the next month either. If you continue to buy things you cannot afford, you will get into more credit card debt trouble.
5. In trouble with debt: Does your paycheck only your bills? If your paycheck is already spent before you get it, chances are you have trouble with debt.
6. In trouble with debt: Do you choose the longest terms for a new debt? If you buy a new car, do you choose to pay over 60 months or 36? If you consistently choose the longest loan period for a major purchase so that you can afford the payments along with all your other payments, you have a problem with the amount of debt you’re carrying.
7. In trouble with debt: Have you already gone through a home equity loan to pay down your debt? If you have and you’re still running up more debt, you have debt trouble.
8. In trouble with debt: How much monthly debt do you have every month when compared to your income? If your unsecured debt (not including mortgage or rent) is more than 20% of your paycheck, you are in trouble with debt.
9. In trouble with debt: Do you have savings for a rainy day? If you don’t have a fund for an emergency and you have debts, you are in trouble with debt.
10. In trouble with debt: Do you worry about money? If you spend more time worrying about your debts than you do paying them, chances are you are in trouble with debt.
Posted in Bankruptcy, Debt Consolidation