Is There Anything New In The World Of Credit Card Reduction?
I found myself paging through a magazine in the doctor’s office recently and quickly realizing that I was looking at a magazine more than a decade old. This was evidenced by the large hair, odd fashions, and recipes without a drop of olive oil. As I enjoyed the trip through time, I saw an article on credit card debt relief. Considering the credit climate today versus the credit climate of the 1990′s, I assumed the methods and theories of debt reduction would be different. At least, that was what I was expecting to read.
It may be hard to believe, but the methods used for getting your card debt under control hasn’t changed very much at all since 1992. Surprised? The economy has changed, so why hasn’t getting out of debt significantly changed, too?
The basic principles of financial freedom don’t change over time. Live within your means and put some money aside each month. Throughout the last 10 to 15 years we have become a credit card dependent people, using credit cards for ordinary, everyday items.
Debt relief tips didn’t get much notice in the 90′s, but I’m sure there are many people in today’s world that need solid advice for getting out from under their credit burden. We have become too dependent on personal credit cards over the years and now appreciate good, solid advice on how to reduce our debt.
So, what are the basic strategies for a family like yours to get rid of their credit card debt for once and for all? Briefly outlined, here are the steps you need to follow to get on the right track. Amazingly, these 6 steps are just as true today as they were back in 1992:
1) Destroy Your Credit Cards – This may hurt a little if you’re used to having a never-ending supply of credit, but it’s critical. Get rid of those department store cards first, than when you get to your Visa, Master Card, or American Express, stop. Check out the terms of your major credit cards and determine which one you should keep for emergencies. You’ll want to be able to make reservations, use the kiosk at the airport, etc., so you’ll need one major credit card. Cut the rest of the cards up now.
2) Crunch The Numbers – Now it’s time to do a family budget if you haven’t already done one. Without spending a lot of time on detail, simply take your net income each month, subtract the expenses that must be paid every month such as mortgage, rent, heat, lights, food, and clothing. What’s left is your disposable income; what you have to work with to pay off the credit card debt. This is information that you must have on hand in order to move on to the next step.
3) Time to Make the Dreaded Call – Calling the credit card company is the most feared but most critical step to reduce your credit card debt. Making minimum payments on your credit card each month won’t bring that balance down. The interest alone will continue to grow beyond your current balance owed. Pull out all your credit card statements, take a deep breath, and call customer service. Tell them that you are paying off the balance, but that you can only do so if they reduce the interest rate and reverse any late fees or overage charges. Most credit card companies will work out a payment plan for you. Be prepared to negotiate, be firm, and be persistent. The credit card company wants your money, so they will be willing to get it on your terms if that’s the only way possible.
4) You’re Going to Need to Sacrifice – Perhaps you’re expecting a tax refund, or a bonus, or some other “found money.” We all like to have a little extra money to spend, however, this time it’s different. Sorry to rain on your parade, but you have a goal of being debt-free and you have committed every penny to spending down your debt. Look at the interest each credit card company is charging you, even after negotiating a lower rate, and that money becomes more valuable than ever. Your found money is going to have a much bigger return if you use it to reduce that interest-laden debt.
5) Don’t Give Up and Don’t Give In – You won’t be living in a new debt-free world overnight. That’s the reality. You might not be able to breathe easier for a year or more, but you will be making progress toward freedom from credit card debt. There are no instant fixes, contrary to what those commercials tell you. Your credit card debt didn’t happen overnight, so it won’t disappear quickly either. You should see some progress in roughly six months or so. This encouraging news may entice you to splurge on yourself to celebrate, but don’t. Just look at the interest you’ve been paying all these years on those fancy treats for yourself. Haven’t the credit card companies gotten enough of your money? Hang in there; rewards are coming.
6) Approach Debt Consultants Carefully – A never ending barrage of commercials promising fast debt relief has been added in recent years to the business of credit. There are legitimate companies that do handle debt consolidation and financial planning, but you have to check them out carefully. If a debt consultant offers you a quick and easy fix to your credit woes, they are not to be trusted. There are no easy ways out from under a pile of credit card debt. If you consider using a debt consultant, interview them in person and ask pointed questions about how much of your money goes directly to the credit card debt. If you are certain you want to pursue a debt consultant, do so only after checking them out with the Better Business Bureau. Also, ask for recommendations from trusted friends. Get all the information up front before you decide.
When credit became too easy to get, many of us found ourselves with too much credit card debt. Now, we are faced with the unpleasant and difficult task of getting ourselves out of debt. The methods we use to free ourselves from credit card debt are tried-and-true for many years. With determination and a well laid out plan, credit card debt will be a thing of the past and financial stability can finally be yours.
Nicole Dean is the owner of ShowMomtheMoney.com – a fun and informative resource to help moms achieve success working from home. She invites you to learn more ways to save money and make money by checking out her Home-based Business Ideas for Moms section.
