Probably one of the hardest things to get out of is debt. As if paying bills isn’t hard enough you still have to make sure you take care of your debt every month. Luckily there are multiple ways to get rid of the debt monster. So, chin up, and let us have a look at some of the strategies to become free from debt.
Pay More Than the Minimum Debt
This will help you to pay off your debt faster and get rid of debts one piece at a time. Make sure to make your extra payments consistent so that you can pay off that loan much more quickly. Some lenders allow this and this can help you get rid of all the debt you have in a shorter period of time.
Pay Your Most Expensive Debt First
This is also a good way to get the debt sorted as soon as possible. You may be tempted to start with the smallest ones but by paying the big ones first, you are reducing the overall amount of interest you pay and then you end up decreasing your overall debt. Then you continue on this path by paying down debts with the next highest interest rates to save on your overall cost.
The Snowball Method
This is basically the opposite method of the one previously discussed. With this method, you pay off your smallest loans as quickly as possible. Once this debt is paid you move on to the next smallest debt and you keep doing this until all the debts are paid off. The snowball method can help motivate you to focus on one debt at a time instead of multiple, helping you build momentum and stay on track.
Refinancing Your Debt
Debt refinancing is basically the replacement of existing debt. You replace old debt with new debt that has better terms and conditions. You can take advantage of better interest rate terms of the new debt. You can also reduce monthly repayment with longer terms.
Look a Your Budget
Even if you have a budget. Look at it again and look at your debts. Do not skip this step as your budget can often help you to see things more clearly and put them in a better perspective. Start by taking a look at each item in your spending plan and arranging them based on their level of importance. Classify each line item as a need or want, and highlight expenses that can be reduced or completely eliminated. This is a great method to use if you want to pay off your debt on a low income.
Stop Creating More Debt
If you are already struggling with debt, do not make it worse by adding more debt, responsibility, and stress. Do not use your credit cards for a while and do not apply for any more loans as you do not have the ability to handle even more debt. The problem is that the more debt you have the less income you have and the less you have to live on.
Look at Your Expenses or Overspending
This is also a simple debt-free solution that might help. Review your monthly bank statements to see where you’re spending money each month. For each purchase, ask yourself seriously whether this is an expense you can live without. Remember, you’re not cutting costs just for no reason at all. You’re doing it so you can get out of debt. Keep your budget where you can see it, to remind yourself of your goals and what you can do better financially.
Second Income
Making more money accomplishes two goals. First, you’ll no longer have to rely on your credit cards to make ends meet. Second, you’ll have more money available to put toward your debt. You can increase your income by taking on a second job, doing freelance work, and even selling these you do not need.
Debt Counselling
If you are really struggling and your debt situation is getting out of hand and much more complicated than you can handle, you should consider seeking assistance from a debt relief program. Pursuing debt settlement is a last resort because it involves stopping payments and working with a firm that holds your money while negotiating with your creditors to reach a settlement. This is a long process and can take up to four years.
One Step at a Time
Looking at your total debt picture can be overwhelming, but remember that you’re not going to do it all at once. Always concentrate on one debt at a time and track your process. Be happy with every debt you manage to pay off and just keep working on it until you are stress-free and debt-free!