When you get into trouble overspending on your credit cards, it may be time to work on reducing your debt levels. Here are some guidelines to reduce debt and bring it to manageable levels.
Budgeting
Budgeting is the best weapon in a creditor arsenal. If your debts are higher than what you earn, chances are, you will be denied for further credit. Get your debt at acceptable levels to qualify for when you apply for a credit card.
Debt to Income
Once you study the debt to income ratio, you will know just how important it is to your debt picture. The debt ratio is the amount of money needed to repay your debt each month and divide it by your take home salary.
Pay yourself first
Paying yourself first is very important to financial success. No matter what, sock away a few hundred dollars in a savings account each month. You and your future are equally important than the money you may be blowing away. It will also help you in times of emergencies.
Snowball the credit cards
When your credit card payment is due, pay more than just the minimum. If you have just received a refund from Uncle Sam, use the refund to pay off your debts and start squeaky clean. So squeeze more than you can each month and work towards paying off your credit cards.
Financial knowledge
Understanding your credit and debt is no rocket science. You do not need an MBA from Harvard for basics like budgeting and debt management. Besides, plenty of resources are available on the internet to help you get started. Do a thorough study on how to reduce debt and work hard towards eliminating debt permanently. Once you pick up the pebbles of financial wisdom, you will soon be able to reduce or eliminate debt and bring your finances under control.
Budgeting
Budgeting is the best weapon in a creditor arsenal. If your debts are higher than what you earn, chances are, you will be denied for further credit. Get your debt at acceptable levels to qualify for when you apply for a credit card.
Debt to Income
Once you study the debt to income ratio, you will know just how important it is to your debt picture. The debt ratio is the amount of money needed to repay your debt each month and divide it by your take home salary.
Pay yourself first
Paying yourself first is very important to financial success. No matter what, sock away a few hundred dollars in a savings account each month. You and your future are equally important than the money you may be blowing away. It will also help you in times of emergencies.
Snowball the credit cards
When your credit card payment is due, pay more than just the minimum. If you have just received a refund from Uncle Sam, use the refund to pay off your debts and start squeaky clean. So squeeze more than you can each month and work towards paying off your credit cards.
Financial knowledge
Understanding your credit and debt is no rocket science. You do not need an MBA from Harvard for basics like budgeting and debt management. Besides, plenty of resources are available on the internet to help you get started. Do a thorough study on how to reduce debt and work hard towards eliminating debt permanently. Once you pick up the pebbles of financial wisdom, you will soon be able to reduce or eliminate debt and bring your finances under control.