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Finding Help To Get Out Of Debt

Posted by | Posted in Debt Management | Posted on 10-09-2010

For 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.

Can You Get Out From Debt?

Posted by | Posted in Debt Management | Posted on 10-04-2010

The first principle towards settling your debt and moving towards a debt-free existence is in prioritizing your debt. What you must hold on for now to and what you must clear immediately is the first step towards debt management. A good debt management and prioritization of you loans settlement will get you out of debt. This article will give you some information guide on your debt management.

Which loans to prioritize?

Logically, the one with the highest rate of interest is the one that should be cleared quickly.

Two types of loans that should be cleared as soon as possible are personal loans and credit card loans.

The interest rate on these loans is the highest. On credit cards, it amounts to around 24% per annum (at 2% per month). A personal loan should be around 18% onwards. Even if you get the personal loan at a discount, it would be around 14% per annum.

Which loans can be serviced over time?

In your debt management process, there are loans which you need to prioritize to pay them off first, but there are loans which you could service them over time to reduce your loan repayment burdens. These loans can be serviced over time:

1. Loans with low or no interest rate
2. Loans with tax benefits

Home loans and education loan offer tax benefits and can be settled over time. Same for loans to family or friends, which are either interest-free or carry a low rate of interest.
The loans which you can close now

If you are in the bad debt situation, it is critical for you to close as much of loans as possible in the short period of time. Look at your asset list and see whether you have loan on these assets. For instance, you take a car loan for an asset - which is the car. In such a case, you can sell the car and close the loan.

If you are really struggling to pay your home loan, shifting to a smaller home or more economic location is solution for it.

Switch to Other Loans

As you know credit card interest rate is high and you might not able to clear it in short period of time; then, look for an alternative and switch it to a financier who will charge you a lower rate of interest.

For credit card, there is service call balance transfer. Say you are paying 2% or 2.25% per month on your card. You can go in for another credit card. They will pay back the bank and transfer your loan onto the new card. For the first six months, they will give you a lower interest rate. Say 1.5% or 1.75% per month. This lower rate of interest will help you pay back more.

For home loan, there are home loan packages which offer a very loan interest rate in the first 3 to 5 years; some even offer 0% interest rates in first 1-2 years. Take up these benefits by refinancing your home loan.

Summary

Almost all people have debt in somehow or rather and debt is the worst poverty. Being in debt is bad enough and not managing it well is worse. Know your debt and manage it property and you will get out from debt one day.

5 Reasons Why You Should Eliminate Credit Card Debt

Posted by | Posted in Debt Management | Posted on 12-09-2009

1.Credit card companies can change almost all of the terms of the credit card by giving just 15 days notice.

We get used to credit card companies adjusting their lending rate by 14% as interest rates fluctuate but did you know they can alter any of the terms for any reason. For example they can increase the late payment fee and they can increase the interest rate without the need to justify it. If you are late or miss just one payment the low rate you are currently being charged can double or even treble almost overnight.

2.Credit card companies can increase the cost of a purchase months after you bought it.

If you purchased a widescreen plasma TV 3 months ago, using a card which at the time was costing 9.9% apr, and you are late with just one payment, the credit card company can charge you a late payment fee, say £40, and increase the interest rate to 29.9% apr, or even more, and there is nothing you can do about it.

They can, in effect, increase the cost of your TV months, or possibly even years after you purchased it. The TV retailer wouldn’t be allowed to do this but your credit card company can.

3.Discount offers are only good if you keep up all your payments.

Interest free balance transfers and initial periods can dissapear for any minor omission. Failure to keep to all the terms of a card will result in special terms being withdrawn and possible penalty interest being applied. If you have interest free purchases and balance transfers make sure you keep up the payments.

4.It’s not just your card payments you have to keep up.

If you miss a payment on your mortgage, or your car or any other financial payment, your credit card companies can re-assess your credit score and increase your interest rate accordingly.

If you therefore miss a loan payment on your boat or car, but still pay the payments due on your cards, you can find that your credit card interest charges jump to 2 or 3 times the original rate.

5.Credit card companies are today making record profits from you.

If you don’t pay your cards in full each month credit card companies make the majority of their profits from you and a substantial portion of that is in the additional charges they levy.

It makes little or no sense to keep money in the bank earning 5% maximum and pay 29.9% or 19.9% or even 9.9% on your cards. Pay off the card and use the card for emergencies rather than the savings. Without the card payments you will be able to rapidly replace the savings.

Without your knowing credit card companies can hold you hostage at the very time you may really need financial assistance. Don’t allow credit card companies the continuing opportunity to make record profits at your expense, and at the same time the opportunity to benefit from any misfortune.

If you can pay the balance off withing 3 to 6 months do so otherwise consider some form of consolidation loan to remove the noose credit card companies have around your neck.