Archive for December, 2007


How do I get out of Debt?

By Kausik Dutta

If you are asking yourself this, you probably have already found out, like many others, that it isn’t hard to accumulate a lot of debt. Credit cards, student loans, car payments, mortgages, medical bills – there are dozens of reasons that people develop debt, and it’s a lot harder to get out of debt than to get into it.

However, there are several things that you can do to take control of your financial situation. If you are in the debt cycle and are wondering what you can do to get out of debt fast, here are a few tips:


Get organized. Find out exactly how much you owe to each creditor that you have. This is often the first step in being able to really work out a plan to get your debt under control. Bills with the highest interest rates should be worked out first, and always make sure that you pay at least something to each creditor each month to prevent further damage to your credit.

Revisit your budget. Document ALL your expenses and take a look at what you are spending your money on. Chances are there are at least a few things here and there that you can cut back on. It’s often a few small things each month that can really set you back. Consider brewing your own coffee in the morning, taking your lunch to work, etc. Also, it may be helpful to set a limit on the amount of money you spend each week. If you know how much you have to last you to the end of the week, it may help you reconsider certain unnecessary purchases.

Use cash instead of credit and debt cards. We all know that problems that can arise out of credit card use. However, debit cards can often make your financial situation worse even though they don’t charge interest. Just like credit cards, debit cards can make you feel like you really aren’t spending much since you aren’t actually counting out the cash. Also, unless you update your checkbook with every debit or check card purchase, you probably aren’t keeping track of those expenses. This can lead to overdraft fees in your bank account – making your debt even worse.

If you have tried all of these and other methods and are still trying to find the best way to get out of debt, you may need to go one step further. Debt-reduction programs exist that can help guide you and get you on the track to being debt-free. These programs can be very helpful for people who are still struggling and asking “how do I get out of debt?”

TIP: Debt-reduction programs are abundant. You don’t want to waste your money on ineffective programs or scams, so make sure that you go with a reputable company. Look for programs from companies that offer a guarantee, provide client testimonials, or are members of a legitimate business organization.

It’s not uncommon to be in a lot of debt, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If you have tried to get out of debt and are still struggling, there are good programs available that can help you get out of debt fast. Just remember the tips and find a good program that can get you on the right track to being debt-free.

About the author:
K.S. Louman writes consumer information articles on personal finance and debt-reduction. If you want to get out of debt fast, please visit www.debt-free-in-three.com.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Debt Consolidation ‘Key Reason’ For Applying For Personal Loan

By: Arouse

An increasing number of people are applying for a personal loan as a means of consolidating their previous debts, an industry expert has declared.

According to Robin Amlot, senior editor of Moneyextra, more Britons are now looking towards a personal loan to help them quickly meet a number of commitments on their spending, such as credit cards and overdue utility bills - thus leaving them with more disposable income at the end of every month. Pointing to various surveys commissioned over recent months in addition to anecdotal evidence, Mr Amlot asserted that consolidating debts is now the “key reason” for taking out a personal loan.

He said: “Two key factors about taking out an unsecured personal loan as a way of consolidating your debts is that you are fixing your interest rate - so you know what you’ll be paying each month - and you are fixing a date in the future at which you will have cleared the debt”

However, the Moneyextra editor warned prospective borrowers considering make an application for such a loan to use the money that they receive wisely and to avoid getting further into the red. “Using a personal loan in this way as a financial management tool makes a great deal of sense but only if you are then disciplined enough not to run up further debt on your credit card(s) and overdraft in addition to the loan you are now paying down,” Mr Amlot asserted.

In addition, he pointed out that a number of Britons are taking steps to reduce pressure on their spending as the effect of the recent credit crunch begins to impact “directly” upon those consumers who are already overstretched financially. He stated that in the run-up to Christmas it is unlikely that the country will “collectively be going further into debt to spend”. Mr Amlot suggested that a number of people are “actively” trying to reduce the amount of money they owe or transfer their borrowing to a cheaper basis, with a debt consolidation loan one possible way of reducing lending commitments. The editor also asserted that borrowers are finding it more difficult to take on further debt, whether this is through a secured loan, credit card or overdraft, while high street retailers have expressed concern that they will face a tough Christmas this year due to a shortfall in consumer spending.

Earlier this year, Susan Hannums, savings manager at AWD Chase de Vere, reported that more people are set to borrow money, through avenues such as secured loans and credit and store cards, in an attempt to help fund spending as the festive season approaches. The rising popularity of applying for a loan at this time of year was partially attested to the rising cost of seasonal gifts and food. However, she asserted that as mortgage costs are set to increase, due to the Bank of England’s series of base rate rises over the last year and a half, more homeowners could see themselves struggling financially in the run-up to Christmas. Ms Hannums also pointed out that the new year often sees a vast number of Britons develop difficulties in managing their money, with the taking out of a debt consolidation loan one possible way of alleviating such pressures.

About The Author– Abbi Rouse writes for All About Loans. Visist us today to apply for cheap loans, personal finance, and UK tenant loans.

Article Source: Articles island - Free article submission and free reprint articles

In Debt? - A Debt Consolidation Loan may be the Answer

By Jeff Kimball

Being in debt can be stressful, especially if you are in way over your head. It is important to understand you need to develop a debt management plan of attack to avoid going into bankruptcy. Bankruptcy will follow you for the rest of your life and make at least the next ten years very rough to get ahead financially.

As you’re dealing with your debt problems you need to take a serious look at your spending habits. Quite often people will have enough income to live on but they can’t quite control the use of their credit cards and spend way beyond their means. This is often referred to as a champagne appetite with a beer budget.

It is important to understand that credit cards where not designed to get you out of debt and with the high interest rates they are charging they will actually get you into more debt.

Depending on your situation you may be seeking debt counseling or already in a position of trying to understand the different aspects of debt negotiation.
A debt consolidation loan maybe just the relief you’re looking for. They allow you to combine all your debt into one loan and one payment. There are several types of debt consolidation loans.

One is a secured consolidation loan in which the outstanding debt is secured by assets you have such as property or a house, typically this type of loan has a lower interest rate since the loaner has the ability to claim your asset in the event you don’t make the loan payments.


Another type of debt consolidation loan is an unsecured loan. This type of consolidation loan will come with a higher interest rate since there are no assets securing the loan making it riskier for the loaner to get their money back in the event you don’t make the payments.

Quite often with the rising home values a home owner will refinance their mortgage and consolidate their other debts into the mortgage. Quite often you will see home owners roll their car payments in to their refinanced mortgage allowing the car payment to go away and only a small increase in their mortgage payment.

There is a dark side to consider when doing this, typically a car loan last for 5 years, when you roll this into your mortgage the term is usually 30 years. This means that you will be actually paying for the outstanding car loan balance for the next 30 years. You may be in a debt situation where this is the only answer but if not you need to consider carefully what you consolidate into a 30 year payment.

Lastly, there are many variables and options you need to consider as you start your debt management plan. Be sure to read the fine print of any agreement you are considering, most lending institutions are trust worthy but just to be sure read all the fine print so you are not surprised by a higher payment than you thought or some other penalty you may not have been aware of.

Jeff Kimball is an independent business writer and webmaster of Good-Debt-Consolidation-Loans.com

Debt: Tool of wealth or not?

Debt is a type of other’s people money. It is a form of leverage.

But, according to Dave Ramsey: Debt is not a tool; it is a method to make banks wealthy, not you.

He said:

“Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you’re in debt then you’re a slave, in the sense that you do not have the freedom to use your money to help change your family tree. According to a recent USA Today article about debt, 78 percent of baby boomers have mortgage debt, 59 percent have credit card debt, 56 percent have car payments.”

“It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster. But it can be done. Imagine how much you could put toward retirement if you just didn’t have a stinking car payment? This is how the wealthy build their wealth. Debt is really dumb. Welcome to the real world!”

Which debt management idea that you agree? Debt as a tool or not?