Wondering if there any options for eliminating credit card debt?
Most people know that credit card debt is bad and can cause all kinds of financial hardships. However, many still find themselves in a situation where the only way to get on is to max out their cards. Illness, unexpected bills and even automated repair can cost a small fortune, and if you do not have the money saved, you may have to turn to your plastic. Whatever the reason, you may now find yourself faced with serious debt and feel like there is no way out. Take a deep breath; there are options available to you for eliminating credit card debt. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Assess the Problem
The first thing you need to do is assess the damage, get out all of your credit card statements and your family budget. If you do not have a budget, you are long overdue for one! In order to fix the issue, you must know where you are right now. When you are hemorrhaging money, this is the bandage that will stop the bleeding!
Everywhere you look today, there are companies offering to consolidate your debts, these are debt consolidators or negotiators who will deal with your creditors and try to reduce your monthly payments. This can be an option; however, you should know that you will still be responsible for part, if not a majority of the debt. These programs are not debt elimination per se, they are consolidations.
Phone Calls
While there are tons of companies out there for eliminating credit card debt, and they may offer some solutions, before you set up an account with one of these agencies, you may be better served to pick up the phone yourself. Call your credit card companies and make a settlement offer. Initially they will try to set you up on payment plans and the like, but if what you want is eliminating credit card debt, do hold out for reduced settlements on your account. Some creditors will go for this because it means they will get paid something, whereas if you file bankruptcy they get nothing! Stick to your guns during these negotiations, do not let them hard sell you into an agreement you know you can not manage.
Debt Settlement
If negotiating with creditors yourself is not your cup of tea, there are companies that can do this for you for a fee. But be warned that you should do your due diligence in finding a reputable company that offers this service.
Bankruptcy
There can come a time when the only sensible thing to do is file bankruptcy. If your current and future income is simply not going to be sufficient for paying your debt, you need immediate help in eliminating credit card debt. Failure to pay, make alternative arrangements or file for bankruptcy, can put any assets you own in jeopardy. Some debt collectors have no qualms about attaching liens to owned property and garnishing your wages.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a few ways to begin getting your financial life under control. Which you choose will depend a great deal on your current income to debt ratio. If you can manage consolidation, your credit score may not be affected. However, do not feel bad if eliminating credit card debt through settlement, or even bankruptcy is your only option. You will take an immediate hit to your credit score, but by following sound money management principles, in due course of time, you can increase this situation and get back on solid footing, once again.