Four Step Get Out of Debt Plan
You go to the mail box and scan - a couple fliers (nah), your magazine subscription (yes!) and bills (groan). Every month the bills show up and as you sigh and take out your check book you wonder if you will ever be free.
Each month you pay the minimums and although you KNOW you've got a handle on it - you are not charging your credit card or accumulating new debts anymore - it seems that you will be paying the minimum fees forever.
Did you know that HOW you pay your debts can affect how soon you will finishing paying them off - even if you keep paying the same amount for debt every month? Of course you might be able to get a consolidation loan, but if you're not eligible or are not interested then there are several other things you can do.
It's not always the easiest to figure out the mathematics, but there are three steps to quicker debt relief - guaranteed.
STEP ONE - Create a list.
List your smallest debts first followed by your largest high-interest debts (credit card) and then your largest low-interest debts (Lines of credit and taxes).
Plan to pay the minimums on all debts with these goals in mind:
STEP TWO - Small bills first.
They may not be the highest interest, but every bill that you are paying some interest on means you are usually only paying minimal amounts on the principal. Multiple debts are also a sure way to bring your spirits down. Paying off small debts first is a quick way to start checking them off - and freeing your mind.
STEP THREE - Move the payments along.
When one debt is paid add the funds to the next debt. For example, say you're making $75 payments to a small debt. When the debt is cleared add the $75 to the next debt on your list. If the next debt had a minimum payment of $100, you will now pay $175 until it is paid off. When that one is finished, take the $175 and add it to the next payment and so on.
STEP FOUR - Save the cash!
Don't forget that when your debts are cleared you have set yourself up for a better financial future. The best way to take advantage of your new situation is to use all the money you were spending on debts and start investing or saving it every month.
With this strategy your debts will clear faster meaning you will pay less interest, you will see progress as you clear small debts first, and you will not be tempted to use the funds for personal use instead of debt repayment.
It is a worthwhile goal to get out of debt. Seeing that goal come sooner and teaching yourself discipline sets you up for a brighter financial future. You OWE yourself that!
What Debts Show Up In Your Credit Report?
A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) now requires the credit bureaus to provide consumers a free annual credit report upon request. Access to the free credit reports has been phased in beginning December 2004 in the West and will finally be nationwide by 1 September 2005. This is good news to consumers.
Now each year, you can request a copy of your credit report and check it for inaccuracies and evidence of identity theft. If you discover errors or missing items in your credti report you can petition the credit bureaus to make the necessary corrections (see Credit Reports for additional information.
You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three natonal consumer credit reporting companies, and many credit counselors recommend requesting all three since the information contained in each of the credit reports may be somewhat different. Also, it is wise to spread out your requests throughout the year so that you can see any sudden changes that might arise (for example case you are a victim of identity theft).
For more detailed information on how to get your free credit report, read Your Access To Free Credit Reports and "Free Credit Reports - Have You Requested Yours?"
What Is Your Current Credit Score?
But while you are now entitled to receive a free credit report from each of the Credit Bureaus, they are NOT required to provide you with your credit score for free and therefore the consumer credit reporting companies do not provide you with a copy of your current credit score when they send you you free credit report. Instead, they charge you to get a copy of your credit score. (For an explanation of the difference between your credit report and your credit score, and what they are used for, see Credit Reports vs Credit Scores
Nevertheless, you can obtain a free copy of your credit score from certain third parties. Click here, if you don't know what your Credit Score is.
As you make corrections to your credit report and begin to pay down your debts, you can watch your credit score rise.
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