Feeling like you're on the brink of financial disaster? You're not alone. Millions of people allow impulsive lifestyles to rule their pocketbooks. Don't let past mistakes sabotage your future! Credit card debt elimination is easier than you think.
How many times have you been in this situation? You're enticed by a new credit card offer with an 8% introductory rate. You activate the card, start enjoying the new freedom... and then forget about it. Pretty soon, the 19% interest rate sneaks up on you... and before you know it, you're $2,000 in the hole. With so many offers barraging us daily, it's no wonder some people keep a running balance on as many as eight credit cards. A messy situation, but it's nothing that can't be cleaned up. Credit card debt elimination is possible for those who really want to make a change for the better. Here are some options.
Streamline your bills. Transfer all your balances onto one card with the best interest rate you can negotiate. All it takes is a couple of phone calls to a credit card company where you remain in good standing. You may be charged a fee for closing out your other accounts, but it's still better than paying nearly 20%. Or, if your credit is still respectable, but you know you're getting in hot water, you can apply for a bank loan and open a line of credit account - which only requires a minimum monthly payment and accrues no interest charges. Once you simplify your situation, credit card debt elimination is just a few payments away!
Promise yourself to pay on time. If you don't own a calendar, buy one tomorrow. Mark down the days when bills are due, and place the calendar where you can see it. Are you married? Consider handing the responsibility of bill-paying over to your spouse. Sometimes the fastest way to total credit card debt elimination is by passing the buck to someone who's a bit more disciplined!
If you're in serious financial dire straits, look into debt settlement programs, which take hardships such as divorce into account. Non-profit debt consolidators can help you with credit card debt elimination by reducing your interest rates, simplifying your bills into one payment and then charging you a fee... but you're at the mercy of their payment schedule, and being affiliated with one may in fact damage your credit.
Finally, reassess your budget. There are so many ways to pinch a penny... from ordering less takeout to skipping that morning trip to Dunkin Donuts... from coupon cutting, to cutting out shopping sprees. With the right mind set, you CAN live a more frugal lifestyle. Credit card debt elimination is something that's elusive to many - but it doesn't have to be! Consolidate your debts, take control of your spending... and then take control of your life.
Dina Giolitto is a New-Jersey based Copywriting Consultant with nine years' industry experience. Her current focus is web content and web marketing for a multitude of products and services although the bulk of her experience lies in retail for big-name companies like Toys"R"Us. Visit http://www.wordfeeder.com for rates and samples.
