Effectively Managing Your Credit Card Debt
Credit cards can be a plus in emergencies and great to use to
build your credit but when using them gets out of hand you could
find yourself dodging collections agencies and even going to
court to settle your debts. One way to avoid all this hassle is
to make sure you manage your credit card spending properly.
Here's some tips that may help you enjoy your credit cards
without ruining your financial future.
1. Planning. Before purchasing any product using your credit
card, make sure to provide yourself with a plan on how you will
be able to pay for your credit card bills. Prioritize your needs
before your wants. Purchasing grand items that you don't really
need might give you that temporary high that impulsive buyers
are addicted to. But that temporary high would eventually turn
to long-term down feeling due to your piled up debts.
2. Limits. Never spend over the credit card limit! If you can,
limit yourself to spending only 2/3's of the upper limit on the
card.
3. Statements. Keep a record of all your credit card
transactions for future reference. In order to prevent
inaccuracies of bills and fraud, always remember to check the
list of your purchase for the month. If your list and the
statement of account do not match, report this to your bank.
4. Pay it off. If you are uncomfortable with the amount of debt
you have accrued on your credit cards, you must come up with a
plan to pay it off. First, of course you must stop using the
card then determine the maximum amount you can pay each month
and stick to that.
5. Pay the minimum. If you are getting into trouble with your
card, pay the minimum then, ask for debt consolidation options
that would make it a lot easier for you to pay your debts. If
you don't know how to solve your financial problems, there are
financial advisers that could help you with your credit card
management. They might offer you financial assistance through
bank loans that would allow you more time to pay aside from the
debt consolidation method. But of course, remember to research
on the agency before getting involved with them. Don't just go
saying amen to whatever they offer since there is a possibility
that they could cause the situation to aggravate.
6. Self control. Having control over your spending is the best
way to prevent getting debts that you won't be able to pay
immediately. But if you're already in the pits, considering the
suggestions above won't hurt.