Debt Consolidation

When you are in debt, the thing you want most is some relief. Getting out of debt can be very rewarding; however, if you don’t know what you are doing, it can be extremely frustrating. Here are some tips to help you get out of debt faster:

Getting Started
There are many options of debt relief, depending on the amount of debt the borrower is in. If it is a significant amount of debt, the borrower may want to consider debt consolidation; however, if the amount is manageable, there are some easy ways to get started. The first thing the borrower needs to do is gather all of their debts, whether they are credit cards, loans, or bills, and organize them according to amount and interest rate. Next, look at your other bills, income, and budget and find out what you can feasibly pay every month. Paying the minimum balance on all your cards is not going to help; it will take a long time, and the borrower will end up paying more on interest than principal.

Getting a Plan
Once you have organized everything, you want to start paying off some debt. Start by paying the loan with the highest interest rate. Focus on that debt first -- pay at least double the minimum payment on it and pay the minimum on all of your other debts. This may require shifting your budget around a bit, but it will be worth it. Once you have paid off the first bill, start with the next, and before you know it you will be debt free.

Avoid New Debt
The worst thing that could happen is that you pay your credit cards off and then rack up new debt! Write down all your information for your debts, and, if they are credit cards, cut them up. Keep one card for emergencies, but, as you pay off your cards, cancel them. There is a way to live debt free and have fun doing it; you just have to learn moderation.

To see a list of recommended companies for debt reduction help, or for consumer debt relief, visit ABC Loan Guide.