If you are living with debt, then you are not along. Most of the people in America are living with some kind of debt or financial hardship. Even with the use of tools like a debt settlement calculator, financial advisers, professional debt management firms and more, it can be difficult to pay off your debt and then stay out of it. However, there are certain things you can do if you are really ready to take charge of your debt and get rid of it once and for all.
Change your attitude
If you don’t change the way that you think about money, it doesn’t matter what a debt settlement calculator says, you’re never going to get out of debt. You might pay it off, but you’ll rack it up again in no time. You have to start thinking differently when it comes to money. After all, your mind set may have been what got you into trouble in the first place. So, first, an attitude adjustment, then you can continue on your journey to being debt free; because after all, it is a journey. That means it doesn’t just matter what the end of the story is, it matters how you get there.
Change your habits
If you are prone to using the credit cards, start leaving them at home; that is, if they aren’t already maxed out. Make a determination to never buy anything unless it is in the form of cash or your debit card that is linked to your bank account and what is currently in there. Don’t finance anything, put anything on layaway or use your credit cards or loans at all. Don’t apply for anything. For this moment in time, don’t worry about your credit building. Focus on using a debt settlement calculator to get out a debt and that’s all.
Make a Plan
Now you can devise what you need to do. If you are in a lot of debt you might want to meet with a financial adviser to come up with an effective plan of action. If your debt is already in collections, some of those companies might be willing to use a debt settlement calculator to lower the amount that you owe if you pay within a certain time frame. Be realistic about how much you can pay off every month. Being unrealistic will only end up putting you back in the same position that you were in before.
Stick to the Plan
This is the hardest part- it’s all well and good to have the perfect plan. The debt settlement calculator could come up with the perfect numbers but if you aren’t willing to stick to the plan, it’s not going to work. This may mean that you are going to have to forego certain luxuries that you’ve gotten so used to living with. You made need to cancel excessive TV channels, not eat out, lower your spending allowance; that sort of thing. It will be difficult but in the end, it will be worth it to be able to have your life back. You don’t want to be in debt to anyone.
Get Rid of Credit Cards
The best thing to do is just cut up the credit cards. If you hit an emergency and need one, call the company and request it. However, having open access to your cards on a daily basis is a bad idea. If you should choose to keep them, don’t carry them with you. Leave them in a safe at home. Refrain from applying for more credit cards or personal loans until you can be sure that you can trust yourself.
You might think that being in debt is really not that big of a deal. As long as you make the minimum monthly payments, it’ll get paid off soon enough right? Sure, but at what expense? You’ll end up paying just as much in interest charges, you’ll owe your life to the credit companies, you’ll live in constant fear that your car or home is going to be repossessed and more. It’s not worth it. Do what you can to pay off debt and you’ll not only be debt free but you’ll be free to live as you please with a clear mind.