Friday, November 14, 2008

Ten Ways to Reduce Debt

By Michael Geoffrey

To reduce your debt two things are needed self discipline and good financial planning. Below are ten ways that can help you with debt reduction:

1. Home Equity Loan: If you own a home, you are in a very good position to clear all your debts. You can get a home equity loan, line of credit, or a refinance on your existing mortgage. All three methods will raise the necessary funds to make you debt-free. The danger is that if you default on the loan you may end yup losing your house.

2. Lower interest rate credit cards: There are tons of offers out there for low interest rate credit cards that want you to transfer your balances from higher interest rate cards. Some of these will even offer 0% interest for a limited period of time to encourage you to transfer your balances to their credit card. However, beware of missed or late payments. Those credit card companies are quick to push the interest rates up extremely high because of one slip up.

3. Utilize your assets: If you have any valuable assets, an extra car or valuable jewelry, that you can live without, consider selling these and using the cash to pay off some of your debt. Remember to start with your largest debt. These are usually the most challenging to get control of.

4. Get a personal debt consolidation loan: If you have a good credit score and reasonable income you should have little trouble in getting a debt consolidation loan through your bank or credit union. Credit unions offer lower interest while banks have their own individual lending criteria. Sometimes you may even have to put up collateral for such a loan.

5. Refinance your mortgage to reduce your payments: If you do not own a home you can try to apply for an income loan with a relatively ow interest rate. Lower mortgage payments will free up cash to help pay your debts.

6. Decrease your spending habits: Only spend money on your necessities. Limit your credit card use to emergencies or necessities. Self discipline will put you back on the right track.

7. Use extra money wisely: If you come across unexpected money, such as gifts or refunds, use it wisely. Put it toward your outstanding debt.

8. Pull cash from low interest savings accounts: The amount of interest you are gaining on those low interest savings accounts is probably far less than what you are spending in interest on your debt. It is better to take that money and pay off your debt.

9. Find an extra source of income: Find a second job that earns you a bit more without eating into your time. Every little bit that goes into paying off your debts can make a huge difference.

10. Use your debit card: You cannot overspend with a debit card. You can only spend what is in your account. - 15224

About the Author: