In Debt Over Your Head? These 5 Simple Steps Will Help
The next 5 steps are not difficult. They only take commitment. You can do it. The feeling of freedom and success when the bills are not hanging over your head will make this all worthwhile.
Ready to get stated? Let’s go.
Step #1. Work out where you are now
You may not have looked at your financial position for a while. Maybe that’s why you are suffering under a load of debt presently. But you need to take stock of your financial position now. Unless you know where you are now, it’s hard to work out how to fix things.
Just get a pen and paper and all your credit card bills and look at the situation honestly. List out all your debts and their interest rates and the minimum monthly repayments.
Don’t get worried about how much you owe. It’s been said that anyone can get rid of all their debt within 5-7 years, including their mortgage. That means you too.
Step #2 Stop spending more than you earn NOW
This is the first thing that must be done to start the ball rolling for your financial success. This is most probably the reason you need to take action now. Look at your living expenses and cut out those things you can’t afford.
Also cut up all the credit cards except one for emergencies and commit yourself to only spending what you can afford from your own income.
Step #3. Find some cash to pay down those debts
Once you have come to grips with Step #2, the next step is to work out ways to put some money aside every week or month to start paying down those debts, preferably faster than the minimum monthly requirement. Pay as much as you can. It’s better to pay down these debts than to put the money in the bank. This is because the credit card interest is a lot more than you can receive from the bank for funds on deposit. The aim is pay down the highest interest debt first.
If you have 2 credit cards with the same interest rate, pay off the one with the smallest balance first. That will give you a boost and the resolve to keep on going.
Step #4. Build a Savings Fund
Once you have those credit cards under control it’s time to think about putting some funds aside to start building some savings. You’ll be surprised how fast your money grows if you religiously keep adding to the balance and don’t touch it. If you really need to purchase an expensive item like furniture or car it is better to save for it than to borrow, if at all possible.
Step #5. Pay Down That Mortgage.
Since the interest rate on your mortgage is usually a lot less than credit card and store debt you can leave this item till last. Also it is increasing in value over time – unlike your car, TV, Video, furniture and boat. You will be surprised how many years you can cut off your mortgage repayments by just adding a few extra dollars each month to the payment.
These a just a few basic rules to help you get back on your feet financially. The main principle here is to work on reducing your credit card debt. Once that is done use those freed up funds to build your nest egg and pay off the mortgage. That’s the plan that works.
Now get those documents out, do the sums and start on your road to financial freedom.
Tags: 5 Steps, Aim, Credit Card Bills, Credit Card Interest, Credit Cards, Debts, Emergencies, Financial Position, Financial Success, Interest Debt, Interest Rate, Interest Rates, Living Expenses, Money In The Bank, Mortgage, Pen And Paper, Repayments, Simple Steps, Step 1, Step 2Need extra money to get you to the next paycheck? Payday loans come to the rescue. However, you should be prepared to pay the price which is usually a hefty one. But there are steps you can take to minimize the financial damage.
What are Payday Loans?
Cash advance loans, post-dated check loans or deferred deposit check loans are high-rate loans and are intended to be used for short term. Emphasis here is on short term, usually 14 days since most of us get paid bi-weekly.
How does a Payday Loan work?
The old economy created the idea of living paycheck to paycheck. As if that wasnt bad enough. In todays economy many dont even get to the next paycheck. So, the potential borrower writes a personal check payable to the lender for the amount she wishes to borrow plus a fee.
The lender cashes the check and keeps the fee, of course. Ideally this type of loan will get the borrower room to breathe and he/she can pay off the loan when he/she gets paid.
Lets take a look at an example. Ms. Susan Borrower needs $200 and the cost is $30. She writes a check for $230 and the payday lender agrees to hold the check until her next payday that is usually 14 days away.
After 14 days, depending on the particular plan, Ms. Borrower takes $230.00 in cash to the lender and takes back the personal check she wrote. Or, she can roll-over the check by paying a fee to extend the loan for another two weeks. Each time she rolls-over the check, she will pay a fee that in this example was $30. In theory, if she rolls-over the check for one year, she ends up paying $30 for 26 times or $780 for borrowing $200.
How is the payday loan fee calculated?
Usually lenders charge a fixed fee for per amount borrowed. For example $10.00 for every $100.00 you borrow and it can be as high as $30 for every $100.00 you borrow. Ouch and double ouch! This translates to something like 700% annual rate of interest and some people are worried about the 20% credit card interest rate.
How can Truth in Lending Act help you?
Under the Truth in Lending Act, the lenders must disclose the cost of payday loans. So look for them to compare. Among other information, you must receive, in writing, the finance charge (a dollar amount) and the annual percentage rate or APR (the cost of credit on a yearly basis).
What type of collateral should you have?
Your personal check is the collateral. Reverting back to the old days of my word is my bond. But since many people break their words as easily as they would their bonds, lenders make these loans very very expensive so that those who do pay will carry the cost of collection from those who do not pay.
What alternatives do you have instead of payday loans?
Contact your credit union or small loan company, find out if your company offer any short term assistance. I know it could be hard to tell friends and family members about your financial hardship but swallow your pride a little bit and ask them for help. Just make sure that you dont swallow your pride too much by not paying them on time.
If you are borrowing to pay other debts or other bills, why not just ask your creditors for more time to pay your bills? Find out what they will charge for that service including late charges and additional finance charge or a higher interest rate.
What steps can you take to reduce the cost?
When you need credit, shop carefully. Compare offers. Look for the credit offer with the lowest APR.
Compare the APR and the finance charge (which includes loan fees, interest and other types of credit costs) of credit offers to get the lowest cost.
Some firms will offer you a low cost guarantee that helps you save time in comparison shopping. An example of this type of guarantee is: Must be a verifiable, bona fide offer from an online payday loan provider. Excludes one-time, promotional offers. Rate comparison must be based on a 14 day loan of less than $500.
How to cure the problem not the symptom?
Pick up meditation and prayer and I dont mean bombarding God or whatever higher power you believe in with requests for money. I mean take the time to get to know your higher Self that can help you look at life in a more balanced fashion. This knowledge can help you control emotional stuff which are major reasons for out-of-balance expenditures and emotional spending binges. Who knows, you may even be able to have a direct communication with God and straighten out more than your finances.
Remember that the outer world is just a reflection of us inside and we cannot change our outer circumstances without changing what we think in our hearts.
The need for money usually stems from a combination of low income and lack of disciplined spending habits. Take steps to improve your income which usually starts with better education. Look for ways to improve your education and acquire new skills that can help you get better jobs and higher paying positions. I know it is hard to get enough energy at the end of 50 60 hour week to study. But, dont you rather have the stress of studying for a better future for a limited time than to keep worrying about payday loans for years to come?
Also, with the Internet, you may have small business opportunities that did not exist before.
Take a good look at where your money went during the last six months. If an item shows up over and over, it is no longer a one-time deal. Make a budget that really reflects your monthly and daily expenditures.
If you need help working out a debt repayment plan with creditors or developing a budget, contact your local consumer credit counseling service. There are non-profit groups in every state that offer credit guidance to consumers. These services are available at little or no cost. Also, check with your employer, credit union or housing authority for no-cost or low-cost credit counseling programs.
Finally, if you decide you must use a payday loan, borrow only as much as you can afford to pay with your next paycheck and still have enough to make it to the next payday.
What are the benefits?
So what are the benefits to this payday loan? It sounds like there isnt any.
With so many companies cropping out every day offering this service and thousands of individuals using them and even offering testimonials to their benefits, I have to concede that there are benefits.
To start with, many times Payday Loans are really the only fast alternative to get you out of a financial jam. The qualification is hassle free. You can get a yes or no answer fairly fast and it can be done online.
In many cases there arent any credit checks.
Some lenders do not even require you to fax them documentation.
Your inquiry is kept confidential.
And you can have the cash by the next business day.
* DISCLAIMER: Vishy Dadsetan, http://www.MyPersonalFinance.com or My Favorite Shop, Inc. do not endorse any reverse mortgage product or lender. This article and website does not provide legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Although Vishy Dadsetan has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this site, it assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies.
Tags: Cash Advance Loans, Check Loans, Credit Card Interest, Example Ms, Extra Money, Financial Help, Highway Robbery, Living Paycheck To Paycheck, Loan Fee, Ms Susan, Old Economy, Paycheck Loans, Paycheck To Paycheck, Payday Lender, Payday Loan, Payday Loans, Personal Check, Post Dated Check, Rate Loans, Rate Of InterestFor many credit card holders, credit card debt can put a damper on what would have been a quick fix to financial woes. High credit card interest rates can lead to substantial credit card debt for millions of individuals and families around the world. It is far too easy for credit card holders to find themselves falling into credit card debt. High credit card interest rates are not the only factor that leads to a surplus of credit card debt, the high expenses people must cover in order to get by in their everyday lives lead to the general public seeking financial help. Credit cards seem like an easy answer, allowing customers to buy things now and pay for them later. However, if put in the wrong hands, credits cards can lead to even more financial trouble than the customer was already in.
There are a number of companies who capitalize on the large amount of credit card debt that can be found throughout the country and the world. These companies claim to have all the financial solutions customers who are in debt are looking for. How many times have you seen advertisements for companies claiming to get you out of credit card debt in five easy steps, or claiming to help you eliminate credit card debt in just months? The claims seem promising to people trying desperately to get themselves out of the throngs of bad credit. However, not all these companies can be trusted. It is important for any customers tempted by these get out of debt fast claims to first research these companies. Many companies simply use these empty promises as a way to prey on those who have already established bad credit and seem like easy targets to get quick cash from.
But do not worry, you do not have to fall victim. If you are tempted to employ the services of a company offering credit card help, be sure to do your homework. Research the company; try to find former customers to talk to, and make sure that your money will be spent wisely – helping you get out of debt. In far too many cases people who are already in financial trouble find themselves falling in further debt after being scammed by companies who claim to have all the answers to getting out of credit card debt. In fact these companies simply offer useless tips while scamming customers out of even more money. In fact, some debt-help companies do just the opposite – cause further debt for their financially troubled customers. Customers who are well informed and ready to find the right company to help them get out of debt will be able to spot frauds right away and employ the services of a company that will offer valid assistance rather than a hoax.
Tags: Bad Credit, Credit Card Debt, Credit Card Holders, Credit Card Interest, Credit Card Interest Rates, Credit Cards, Credits Cards, Damper, Empty Promises, Everyday Lives, Families Around The World, Financial Help, Financial Solutions, Financial Trouble, Financial Woes, Help Homework, Homework Research, Substantial Credit, Throngs, Wrong HandsWord Count:Article Body:
Keeping control of your money is one of the hardest lessons we have to learn as new college and university students. For many of us it is our first time away from home, and the first time we have to be truly responsible for all the financial affairs in our lives. Some get a handle on money matters faster than others. That’s just the way she goes. But if you’re not really all that sure where your money is going each month, here are a few things you may want to consider.
I. Avoid Temptations
If you have a particular weakness, and we all do, just stay away from it. If you love shopping, stay out of the malls. If you’re a tech-head, stick to once a year upgrades. Nobody says avoiding temptation is going to be easy. However, it is a must if you want to save money. When you want to give into your temptation, this is the time to use your “allowance”. Your allowance can be a set amount for ’special’ items, or just a big jar where you put your loose change at the end of every day.
II. Credit Cards
If you have a credit card, use it only for emergency. Although they are really handy, credit cards are dangerous and possibly very damaging to your financial future. Credit cards (and in particular student credit cards) have very high interest rates. If you are only able or willing to make the minimum monthly payments then you will very quickly end up with a HUGE amount of debt because of the interest. The really bad thing is that you will also have to pay interest on the interest you owe. So, credit cards are good in a pinch, but should never be used as an extension of your cash.
III. Credit Card Interest
If you have credit cards and your credit is in good standing, you should take the time to call your credit card company, and ask for your interest rate to be lowered. It is just as simple as that. Most people have no idea they can even do this so they never make the call. Just ask the rep for a better rate on your credit card and they will take care of it for you.
IV. Financial Consulting
Many financial companies, community colleges and even churches offer classes on how to manage money. In some cases the courses are free, but often they cost around $35 to attend: it is money well spent. Another choice you have is consumer-counseling services. This is a great if you are getting into debt trouble. The counselors will work with your creditors to lower your balances, interest rates, and establish workable payment schedule that you can manage.
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