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Paying Down Debt
Debt is a reality most people will face at some point in their life. Not all debt is bad, but letting debt carry over month to month or consume your finances can become a huge risk.
Paying down debt can be a daunting task, and there are no "one-size-fits-all" solutions. Having the right information is an essential first step as you work towards debt repayment.
Learn about these related topics, or keep scrolling to read about how to pay off debt.
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Learn About Paying Down Debt
Not all debts are the same. Some carry higher interest rates, for example. Learn how to prioritize your debts in order to cut down on your debt burden in the most efficient way possible.
Debtors have a number of tools to cut down on their expenses and emerge from debt. This article offers explanations of a number of debt relief options, including credit management and debt consolidation.
You have options for dealing with creditors informally. Find answers to your questions about debt relief options, the consequences of defaulting on a mortgage or car loan, and much more.
A guide to choosing the right credit counseling organization. Learn about the benefits associated with debt negotiation services and firms, how to avoid the risks involved, and what to look for in a credit counselor.
This section offers a collection of state law summaries dealing with permissible interest rates. Find your state’s interest rate laws to determine the maximum rates, exceptions to the limits, and more.
Sometimes refinancing is the best way to pay off existing debts. Learn about when refinancing is appropriate, what to look for in a lender, and how to avoid refinancing scams
Paying Off Debt 101
Many types of debt are needed to improve your life, move things forward, or even to make a larger income, such as:
- Student loans for higher education
- Buying a home to build equity
- Credit card debt for necessary purchases
- Car loans for purchasing a vehicle
Some of these debts may not be a problem. However, unmanageable debt can quickly take on a life of its own with a "debt snowball" effect. Once it starts as a small debt rolling forward, it just gathers more "snow" and can become a gigantic debt avalanche by the end.
How To Pay Off Debt
When you are looking to get your finances under control, you must prioritize certain debts above others early in the process.
Differences in interest rates and consequences for default require careful consideration before you start paying. When you can’t eliminate debt immediately, your choice of which debts to tackle first can impact how quickly you become debt-free — and how many problems arise in the process.
Here are some tips for paying off your debt:
1. Handle Your Necessities Before Repayment
Borrowers should first ensure that their necessities are covered. Falling behind on mortgage payments, car loans, or utility payments could result in foreclosure of a home, repossession of a car, or having utilities cut off.
Payments toward child support and taxes should also be a serious concern since failure to pay your legal obligations can result in:
- Wage garnishment
- Raised interest rates
- Jail time
2. Use the "Snowball Method" for Debt
If you find yourself in a "debt avalanche," some borrowers find the snowball method an effective way to handle debt payoff. You simply start by paying your smallest debt first. These usually go away quickly, which feels effective and gives you the momentum to keep going.
Usually, this means paying credit card debt first to avoid the late fees. This will also prevent payments on accrued interest that create additional financial strain.
One of the smartest techniques for a repayment plan is to pay off debts with the highest interest rate first. This is similar to the snowball method but takes a different approach — focusing on the largest interest rates instead of the smallest amounts.
3. Consider Debt Consolidation Options
Loan consolidation is another option. Debt consolidation may help you access better interest rates and simplify the administration of debt. You, or a professional company, can start this process. You first need a personal loan and will use it to pay each debt in full. Once these are paid off, you no longer have to keep track of multiple lenders, due dates, interest rates, and communications.
This is common practice with student loans. If you are considering consolidating your student loans into one, do your research to see which lender’s offer is the best for your situation.
4. Refinancing Your Debt
Refinancing is one way to manage debt. It can help a homeowner take advantage of lower interest rates or improved credit scores.
But while refinancing can help resolve financial problems, it can also cause more problems. Consider the pros and cons before you take this step.
Options When You Can’t Pay Down Debt
If you cannot get ahead of your growing debt, you have options. There are debt management plans (DMP) and options for student loan debt.
You can also:
- Get credit counseling
- Try debt negotiation programs
- Ask for debt settlement
- Seek a debt discharge with Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Use a repayment plan with Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Remember, you have rights against harassment from debt collectors, and it is easy to fall prey to debt scams. A bankruptcy attorney is often the best person to step in if you face harassment or lawsuits from creditors or don’t know where to turn for serious debt help.
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