Credit card users are likely to get in debt at some time. Credit cards are often life-saving and can save your life, but they can also be a burden if you make impulse purchases and spend too much.
It’s not impossible to get rid credit card debt. However, it isn’t something you can do overnight. It takes planning, strategizing as well as determination. There are many ways you can pay off your credit cards debt. Let’s discuss the pros and con of each.
METHODS PERMITTING YOU TO PAY A CREDIT CODE
- Consolidating debt
- Avalanche and snowball
- Transfer of balance
1. Consolidating Debt
This is the most effective way to achieve debt-free living. The process of replacing multiple loans with a single loan. This method offers many benefits if done correctly.
First, your consolidation loan should have a lower rate of interest than your current debt. If you cannot find a loan that suits your needs, you shouldn’t go for consolidation. In the end, you will be paying more and not the amount you want.
Another benefit is that you won’t end up paying multiple bills. You’ll be using the funds from the loan to pay off any credit card debts. Not just for credit cards debt, simplifying your finances can be a good strategy. It makes it easier to keep track and pay off what you owe.
It’s not always easy to get consolidation loans. A poor credit rating, as is the case with credit cards debt, may make it impossible for you to obtain the loan. This option is only available if the loan can pay all expenses and has lower interest rates.
2. Snowball, Avalanche and Other Payment Methods
Instead of trying and pay all your debts at one time, it is better to focus on them individually. This is done by using snowball/avalanche. Both options work in opposite directions. However, the core principle behind them is the same – pay off your credit cards one by one until all of your debts are paid.
The snowball approach is simpler to implement. It can also provide more immediate gratification so people who are motivated by small victories might be well-suited for it.
The idea is to first focus on the smallest of your debts and then pay that off. Next, work your way up to the next smallest and so on until you have all your debts paid off. All other credit card debts are subject to minimum payments. But the debt you are focused on should have a higher payment rate.
Once you are done paying off your debt, you take the money and move it on to the next. It is almost like you are rolling down a hill.
The avalanche method, on the other hand, is about taking on the biggest debt with the highest rate of interest first and then working your ways down. The principle behind the avalanche is to pay off more than minimum for the highest amount of debt while making all other payments as low as possible.
This method works best if your goal is to first get rid of high-interest credit debts. It is harder than the snowball method but it will save money as the interest won’t have to compound as fast.
Whatever you decide to do, the principle is to first sort through your credit cards accounts. Then you can use the funds you used towards the next payment. You will want to avoid additional charges on your credit cards while you pay them off.
3. The Balance Transfer Method
There are many math calculations involved in the final way to pay off your credit cards. The planning phase is similar the snowball/avalanche routes. It involves organizing all of your debts into ascending and descending order. This will help you avoid using credit card accounts that you owe money. Also note down any transfer fees that may apply to each card.
You now have all the information on paper. The only thing left is to transfer your balance from high-interest cards into ones with lower interest rates. You will move all of your debts to cards with an introductory zero percent APR period. This will save you money on interest and allow you to pay off all your debt.
This is only true if you don’t have to pay any balance fees. This is an alternative to an official loan.
THE GRAM PLAN
After you have mastered the most common strategies for credit card repayment, here are some suggestions on how to make your plan of action.
While it is important to pay off all credit card charges within a month, in these times of record consumer debt, outstanding balances have become more common. There’s no reason to be inactive. Be aware that your debt costs you money.
To see a clearer picture of your financial situation, the first thing to do is to organize your debts. This will help track your progress as well as prioritize payments. Start by writing down all debts on any credit card that you have – not only the total amount but also the interest rate and minimum monthly payment.
Next, you need to halt all spending. Prioritize discretionary areas, and cut down on large or annual costs while you pay off the debt. You may also find it beneficial to eliminate your cards and keep only cash.
It is vital that you keep track of what you spend your money on in the first few days of your new routine. This will help map your spending habits to enable you to begin allocating some of your cash towards an emergency fund.
Every penny saved will pay off in the long-term when it comes to credit card debt. You may also find that the savings act as a cushion should you lose your job or face an unforeseen emergency.
Once you are clear about what you need change in order to meet your repayment goals then it is time to select one of those strategies. Be sure to choose the right strategy for you. There are many people willing and able to offer advice. However, only you can determine the validity and accuracy specific methods that will help you get rid of debt.