1. Blog
  2. How to Tackle Credit Card Debt & Save Thousands of Dollars

Q: Each year, I resolve to tackle my credit card debt and I never seem to get anywhere. What can I do to start the new year off right?

A: While it might only have taken a short time for your debt to add up, it will take much longer to pay off. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Start by listing how much you owe and how much interest you are paying.
  2. Then prioritize your obligations: Housing and vehicle payments are typically at the top of the list.
  3. Next, track what you currently spend. For at least one month, jot down everything on which you spend money. Before you can make any changes, you need to identify what you can change.How to tackle credit card debt and save lots of money.
  4. Then ask yourself some tough questions:
  1. Now create a realistic monthly spending plan in which expenses don’t exceed your income (this worksheet can even guide you through the process and provide you with tips as you go).

If possible, your plan needs to account for debt payments that are higher than any minimums you might be paying now.

Include savings for unanticipated expenses in your plan. While it may seem odd to save money while you’re trying to pay down debt, you need savings to pay for what you used to charge on your cards.

The savings will let you put your credit cards away and use cash or debit. This will help you stay within your budget and pay off the debt.

It Takes Work, But It’s Worth It

You may need to put long-term goals on hold while you fine tune your money management skills.

On the plus side, paying down costly credit card debt can save you thousands of dollars of interest charges each year and will free up funds to help you reach your goals once you are debt free.

 

Related Topics:

 

<< Back to the Blog Main Page

 

more ways to improve
your finances

learn all about credit
online workshop

In this free online workshop you’ll learn everything you want to know about credit reports, ratings, and scores.

how to get
debt help

Are you looking for confidential, non-judgmental help to relieve your stress get your finances back on track?

insights and ideas
on our blog

On our blog we endeavour to explore insightful ways of saving money and using it more wisely.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *