Think of how much debt you pay.
Mortgages, credit card payments, student loans, car loans. home improvement loans, .. the lists goes on. Interest people pay from 4% thru 27%.
Write
down how much interest you are paying toward debt each month. What
would your life if you didn't have to make those payments? Could you
afford that vacation, that classic Mustang you always wanted, or a vacation home? Could you afford those house repairs you have been putting
off? Why are you paying your hard earned money as interest to some bank that has
you under their thumb?
What
can we do?
GET OUT OF DEBT AS FAST AS YOU CAN!
The process is really simple and can be done by anyone. But it takes hard work and most people keep digging their hole with temptations of easy credit.
- Find out where you are. Get a clear picture of all loan details,
including balances, lender information, min payments & dates,
interest rates. Write down all living expenses. If you need
assistance I would recommend the app/program, You Need a Budget.
https://www.youneedabudget.com/
- Join your local credit union and transfer as much of your debt as
possible over to them. Take advantage of any special offers or
introductory rates. Credit unions often offer higher interest rates
on checking and savings than banks.
- Consult
a financial adviser: It is well worth the investment to get even short term financial advice from a professional.
- Make
a conscious decision to stop borrowing money.
- CREATE A BUDGET! -
Budget 5-10% of your income to spend on yourself. (Haircut, cloths,
an occasional overpriced coffee or beer, fast food, lottery ticket,
etc)-
Spend EVERY penny in your budget on paper before you get paid.-
If you overspend in any area during the budget period, adjust other
budget areas to make up the difference to avoid overdraft fees and
amassing new debt.
- Start an emergency fund, DO THIS FIRST before paying extra on
your debt. It will help in preventing new debt.-
Aim to have $1,000 in interest baring saving within one month from
today! (budget for it, sell stuff, work extra jobs)-
Aim to have 3 months living experience as an emergency fund within
one year. Once debt is under control, increase to have 6 months.-
Once you have a short term emergency account set up. USE IT for
emergencies only. (Car breaks down, medial expenses, home repair, vet
bills) and replenish it as quickly as possible.
- Lay
out all of your debt, highest interest to lowest.-
Pay the minimum payment + 10% on all debt.-
Then pay as much as you can on highest interest debt.-
Repeat each month.
- Learn how to invest.
If
you have more debt than you have income:
- Make
more money! Work more hours, get a second job, sell things, and cut expenses. It
takes effort, hard work, and sacrifice but is well worth the time and effort.
- Renegotiate terms with your creditors.
- Seek help from family and friends.
- Get a home equity loan (be
careful not to go into negative equity)
- Consult a Consumer
Credit Counseling Service, but
check with your state regulators and Better Business Bureau before
picking one. Some are dishonest and will hurt more than help. Using a consumer credit service has a
negative impact on your credit score in most cases.
- Steal from your nest egg (this is the next to last resort, only for end of rope)
- As a last resort, file bankruptcy
AVOID PAYDAY and TITLE LOANS AT ALL COSTS! They are crooks and will charge you upwards to 27% interest. (they used to charge 300% before regulators stepped in)
Some Recommend Reads: These are just my favorites.
- Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. http://amzn.com/1595555277
- Suze Orman's 9 Steps to financial freedom. http://amzn.com/030734584X
- Lynnette Khalfani-Cox. Zero Debt:The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom: http://amzn.com/1932450807
- James Scurlock's Maxed Out: Hard Times in the Age of Easy Credit: http://amzn.com/B001PO64WI
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