Debt affects millions of people today. Bankruptcy’s are on the rise and more and more people are struggling to stay afloat.
For those that don’t manage to avoid bankruptcy, the effects can stay with them for many years. The stigma that was once attached to it has lessened but it can and does still cause many difficulties for its victims. For example, It can cause you trouble when you apply for a job because employers can now credit check you.
Many people who have become trapped with large debts will find that bankruptcy is their only option and if that is the case, you should face it head on. For most though, options may still exist. If this is the case for you, it is important that you take action as soon as possible.
One of the big causes of the debt problem for many people is credit cards. Excessive spending on credit cards along with only paying the minimum balance each month is a sure fire way to spiral into deeper and deeper debt.
It seems to be almost the norm in our culture to think that we are owed something and that we should be able to get the things that we want as soon as we want it. The banks and credit card companies have spent allot of money trying to convince us of this. That way, they can keep us owing them money and working for them forever!
It is time to take a stand and make a difference in your life and to help you do that, here are the 7 top tips to help you become debt free.
Tip 1. Write down all of your debts. It sounds simple, but you’d be amazed at the difference that this one simple step can make. Make a list of all of your debts, list the amount, who it is owed to and the monthly repayments. This can be hard as it is difficult to face up to this problem, especially if you have been hiding from it for some time. It is the most important step though so get started now.
Tip 2. Prioritize your debts. Which are the most pressing debts? If you stand to lose something (like your house) by not paying then that is the most important debt. Next, if you have already had trouble and have come to an arrangement with a creditor, you should try to stick to it. Next, list your debts by interest rate, highest to lowest.
Tip 3. Destroy your Credit Cards. While you still have your credit cards, there is always a chance that you will use them. No matter how strong you think you are, there may come a time when you are weak and will use them. If you don’t have them then you can’t, so get rid of them! Don’t forget to cancel them with the issuer when you have paid them off otherwise it will still show on your file as available credit.
Tip 4. Take the time to examine your Credit report. You can get a copy of your credit report from a number of sources online now. Most of these services will also send you alerts when it is updated. This can help you stay on top of identity theft. The most important reason to check it out though is to make sure that you have no black marks on it.
Tip 5. Write down and stick to a budget. When you stick to a budget, it fills you with confidence that you can make a positive change and break free of your debt trouble. It also makes it much more likely that you will because you know that you are working everyday towards improving your situation.
Tip 6. Never swap unsecured debt for secured debt. Companies will throw offers at you once they learn that you are in debt trouble and you are a home owner, but they will reposes your home at the first opportunity if you start missing payments so don’t do this unless you have no other option and always seek impartial advice first.
Tip 7. Don’t do it alone. There is plenty of help and advice available to you; you just have to look for it. Talk to debt charities, I guarantee that they won’t be surprised or shocked no matter how bad your situation is. They will however be able to offer good and helpful advice.
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