Credit card debt creates anxiety and financial chaos. It caused many people trap into serious financial issue since the introduction of credit card. This plastic card create easy and convenient payment scheme for you to buy things without the need to worry about cash inside you wallet; frequently make you over spend your money and create debt.
The situation getting worse with the best feature of credit card, the minimum monthly payment; you no need to pay in full of credit card balance each month, just pay the minimum amount will do; the credit card balance snowballing month by month, when you start to realize that you have financial issue, most probably you already at a bad debt situation. When you are in the debt trap, more efforts and times are needed to get out from there.
The last option for debt free is filing a bankruptcy but before your need to choose this option, consider this five-step program first to rid yourself of bad debt with bankruptcy.
1. The desire to get out of debt
This is the most important part of any debt free program. Lip service is not acceptable because it is going to be hard work on your part. It's going to require lifestyle changes and breaking of bad spending habits. You must get yourself ready and have an ultimate desire to get out of debt.
2. Assessing just how much debt you have
Before you put in your actions to resolve your debt issue, you need to know how much debt you have and who you owe. The best way is list down all your debts on to a piece of paper or enters your debts into any of personal finance program you use to assist you. Then, break it down further by listing down each interest rate of each credit card you current paying of. The most current information can be found on your card statement.
3. Devise a workable plan
You need a plan that you can live with. Write it down so that you will be more committed to it. You need to stop adding more debts, stop using credit cards. And try to call your creditors and ask if they would be willing to lower their interest rate. Other actions that you can put into your plan are:
- Generate and review your cash flow worksheet so that you know where your money going to come from each month to reduce your credit card debt.
- Things that you willing to change or give up to make the goal of being debt-free happen.
- Explode a few ways to increase your monthly income to cover for your debt payment.
- Assets that you may sell off to cash out to pay for your debts.
Start out with baby steps, paying more than the minimum each month. You can either choose to pay off the card with the higher interest first or choose the one with the lowest balance so that you can eliminate that one quickly.
4. Cancel all your credit card but leave one This may be painful living without the credit card, but look what having these cards has done to you. Get the scissor out and cut all of them except one so that you will able to use it. Then, call to the credit card companies and call all your credit cards that you have put the scissor on; this is to stop you from asking for a replacement card later.
Now, what do you do with the last card? Carrying it in your wallet makes it too easy to access and use it for impulse purchase. You should keep it in a place where it will take an effort to retrieve it. This last card will only be used for any emergency purpose.
5. Seek for professional help if you just can't manage it on your own
If you find that you can't manage your debts at your own, then getting help from debt managing professional should be your option. You can contact the National Foundation for Consumer Credit (NFCC). This is a national network of nonprofit organization that provide consumer education, debt counseling and debt repayment program. Their counselors can help you set up a budget and re-establish credit.
In summary
If you always trap into bad debt situation, bankruptcy filing a fastest step for debt relief but it is not the best option as the impacts will follow you for many years. Always access other alternatives to rid yourself of bad debt without bankruptcy. The above five-step program can be your guide for better option.
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