The rising cost of living has led to many people going into debt. When you do not pay your debt on time,the interest rate accrues at a very high rate and before you realize it,the total amount owed is almost double the principle amount. In addition to that,late payments have negative effects on your credit score which will reduce your ability to borrow loans in the future. Listed below are viable debt relief tips that have been tested and proven to work.
Pay Down Debts
The first step that you can take is to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate,once you have cleared the high interest debt,move to the next debt with the highest interest rate and so on. This method enables you to improve your credit score. If you do not have enough cash to make the minimum monthly payment,consider taking up a part time job and use the money earned to clear your debts.
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Do Not Use Your Credit Card to Purchase Necessities
When you start charging necessities,take it as a sign that you are heading the wrong direction. When your monthly income is credited to your bank account,make sure that you have bought all the necessities and leave out unnecessary luxuries. In so doing,you won’t have to use your credit card to pay for basic needs.
Save
In today’s modern society,anything can happen. You can report to work one day only for the manager to tell you that you have been laid off. What will you do when that day comes? Therefore,it would be advisable to set aside a certain percentage of your total income in a trust fund. That money should only be used in case of emergencies.
Debt Negotiation
If you cannot afford to pay what you owe on time,it would be advisable to contact your creditors. You can call them and negotiate for a lower interest rate; this will prevent your debt from accumulating. This may be the best option for you if you are in a serious debt. Most creditors will agree to debt negotiation since they want to recover a part of their money.
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Mortgage Refinance
You can consider a home equity loan to clear your debts. This strategy can be used if you are certain that you can pay for your expenses without accumulating more debt. You must have accumulated significant equity if you are to settle for this option.
Credit Counseling
The counselors will assist you to manage your finances. They will help you to create a budget which will enable you to save to pay off what you owe. Before selecting a counselor you should check that they are BBB accredited,also ensure that they do not charge high fees.
Adjust Attitude Towards Spending
The leading cause of debt is buying stuff you don’t need. Therefore,if you are a shopaholic,it’s high time you quit that bad habit. The general rule is asking yourself whether you really need what you are buying. If you don’t,then there is no need to pay hundreds of dollars for it.
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