How to Dig Yourself Out of Debt
by www.SixWise.com

More than half of Americans, or 58 percent, say they are currently “struggling,” according to a new Gallup poll, up from 47 percent in January 2008.

The increase represents more than 22 million people, according to Gallup, who have found increasing hardship surrounding their lives in the last year.

Meanwhile, a Reuters article reported in January 2009 that “U.S. consumers have never before been so deeply in debt.” As of October 2009, there was close to $1 trillion of credit and charge card debt outstanding, which is up more than 25 percent since 2003, the Federal Reserve reports. And this doesn’t include the $10.54 trillion in mortgage debt.

While experts predict that the credit card industry could lose $70 billion in losses, individuals and families are among those hardest hits.

In December 2008, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent, the highest level in the last 16 years, and 524,000 jobs were cut.

While debt for many Americans is increasing, and many are having a hard time finding their way out, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With a simple plan and a desire, you can get out of debt even if the economy is down, and here are the tips to help you do so.

1. Assess the situation. Before you devise a plan, you need to know how much debt you’re carrying, and at what interest rates. Make a list of what you owe and tally up your total debt.

2. Pay for necessities first. Assuming you have a set income each month, set aside an allotment to pay for the things you MUST have. This includes your house (mortgage or rent payment), your utilities (gas and electric), your transportation (car payment), child support (if applicable) and any medical emergencies.

3. Next pay your taxes and any student loans. If you have money left over, pay the IRS for your taxes, or at least work with them to come up with a payment plan. Similarly, student loans that are backed by the government (most are) should also be a priority payment because the government can garnish your wages, seize tax refunds and sometimes tap into your Social Security benefits if they’re not paid.

4. Pay off your highest interest cards first. Focus on paying down one card at a time, and start with the one with the highest interest rate.

5. Transfer balances to a lower-rate credit card or bank loan. Many credit card companies offer 0% or low interest on balance transfers for a specified time period (watch out for any fees attached). Check sites like lowermybills.com and bankrate.com to find competitive offers. You can also ask your credit card company to match a competitor’s lower rate (many will do so to keep your business).

6. Pay more than the minimum payment. Paying only the minimum, it can take 10 years or more to pay off a card. Increasing the amount as much as you can means you’ll pay the card off faster and save a lot of money in interest.

7. Cut back on splurges to create extra money. Premium cable channels, gym memberships, take-out food and new clothes all add up fast. Cutting back on your expenses as much as you can means you’ll have extra money to pay down your debt faster.

8. Consider finding a second job, or asking for a raise. Asking for a raise is a simple way to boost your income, but if this isn’t feasible right now, think about taking on overtime hours, doing consulting or freelance work or taking on a part-time job.

9. If necessary, downsize. If it will save you money, consider moving from your large home into a smaller one, or an apartment. Remember to keep in mind your goal: paying off your debt. Once this is completed, you can think about buying a new home once again -- without the added burden of your previous debt. You can also downsize by selling one of your cars, switching your kids from private school to public school, etc.

10. Leave your credit cards at home. Buy only what you can pay for in cash.

11. Read “Degunking Your Personal Finances.” "Degunking Your Personal Finances" delves into every aspect of finances that matters to those who are not yet millionaires, and will be a valuable asset to your becoming debt-free. College students, newlyweds, and even the family of four can successfully pay off debt, invest for the future, save for the much-needed vacation, and ultimately achieve financial freedom by following the practical plan outlined in this book. Remember, ignoring a bad financial situation is like ignoring your lawn -- the less you pay attention to it, the more out of control it grows. So the sooner you take action, the faster you’ll be on your way to financial freedom.

Recommended Reading

Debt Collection Abuse? What Debt Collectors Can and Cannot Do

Paying Your Old Bills Can Actually HURT Your Credit -- What You Need to Know

Sources

Yahoo News January 16, 2009

Reuters.com January 2, 2009

Reader’s Digest

Oprah.com Dig Yourself Out of Debt

Wachovia.com