We have helpful finance management advice on debt, loans and credit cards

The average American family currently owes more than $9,000 in credit card debt and many people owe much more than this amount. Unfortunately, people find themselves in this position due to any number of unforeseen circumstances. As a matter of fact, great deals of individuals have used credit cards responsibly for many years, and due to some misfortune have ended up needing their credit cards as a safety net.

This situation tends to have a snowball affect due to high interest rates, and makes it nearly impossible for the average American to successfully pay off their credit card debt in a reasonable amount of time. Its no wonder that people cant get ahead; take a look at the staggering amount of monthly accruing interest on many of these accounts:

Credit CardAmount of DebtInterest RateMonthly Interest
ABC $20,000 29.99% $499.83
DEF $15,000 28.99% $362.37
GHI $25,000 24.99% $520.63
JKL $20,000 29.99% $499.83

TOTAL $80,000 $1,882.66

If interest is accruing at a rate of nearly $2,000 each month in some cases, its just not realistic that the average family can pay their credit accounts off simply by making the required minimum monthly payments. Rather, a much larger amount will be needed to even put a small dent in their credit card balances.

If your credit card debt is out of control, and youre facing a similar situation as cited above, its important that you take the necessary steps to pay your accounts off much sooner than the several years it will take if you continue making monthly payments to your credit card companies.

Fortunately, you have options available, and I highly recommend that you start taking a serious look at these options, and carefully research each of the following:

Consumer Credit Counseling
Debt Settlement
Debt Consolidation
Bankruptcy

You may be required to give up some of your time to put the effort into researching and ultimately finding the best solution for your individual situation, but you deserve some relief from the interest rates youre paying. I can honestly tell you that once you have completed your research and made your decision, youll immediately breathe a sigh of relief. Its time to start living again and make your debt a thing of the past.

Since it has become very difficult to purchase anything without a credit card, one consideration to helping raise a credit score, and ultimately a credit rating when you are having trouble getting a credit card is to get a pre-paid card. Many lenders offer a pre-paid Visa or Master Card, which for all purposes look and work just like credit cards. The main difference is, instead of purchasing things strictly on credit, you make a deposit into a bank account that secures the amount of the card limit. Often there is a deposit fee required for opening a pre-paid credit account, and your limit is based upon the size of the deposit that has been pre-paid. The advantages of prepaid cards include that they really can help with credit repair; and, if in fact your credit is really in bad shape, they may be your only option for repairing it.

The best solution to credit problems is to exercise some debt management skills and pay your bills as on-time as possible while avoiding spending money on items you do not really have a need for. Making wise decisions about spending and considering the implications of the decisions from all perspectives will help you make better overall spending decisions. Sure, bad credit is a tough hurdle to get over once you have developed bad spending habits, but it, like bad spending habits, can eventually be overcome. If you need help formulating a working plan that you can stick with on a long term basis, consider credit counseling as an option.

Credit Reports

Taking charge of your credit reports can really help you reclaim your life. There is no reason to let bad credit ruin your plans, but in order to repair your credit it is very important to know what your credit report status really is. After all, if you know what you owe, you can take the necessary steps to repay it. Also, it is very important to keep in mind that although the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Trans Union, and Expedient) may seem all knowing and all powerful, the information they have on you may contain mistakes. It has been known to happen to others.

Obtain a copy of your report from each of the bureaus, but dont do what everyone says and just apply for a loan in order to get a free report. Every time you apply for a loan there is a mark made against your credit rating and points accumulate. Instead, just pay the fees attached, it will save you money in the long run, probably a lot more than the fees to get the reports.

As you formulate your credit repair plan be sure to consider long and short term steps that you can take. For example, prepaid credit cards will help in the short-term as they allow you access to purchases that can only be made with a credit card. However, they offer little in the line of long term credit restoration. While they are used like a credit card, the contribution that they have toward building or repairing credit is so small, that it is not really distinguishable on the credit reports.

Other cards will claim they can help restore your credit worthiness by offering you a larger balance card. Of course, they want a fee of $200-300 up front. Be warned, some of these companies are scams and should be avoided. When in doubt as to whether or not an agency is offering you a legitimate offer, check with the Better Business Bureaus to see if they have any complaints on file.

Best Way To Eliminate Credit Card Debt – 3 Tactics For Lowering Bills

Eliminating credit card debt is a top concern among millions of consumers. However, many people fail to outline a realistic strategy for reducing debts. There are many approaches that will put you on the path toward becoming debt free. Each person must assess his or her own situation and create a plan. Here are three tips to help you become debt free within a few years.

Recognize the Problem and Alter Spending Habits

Before you can take the necessary steps to reduce and eliminate credit card debt, you must first acknowledge excessive spending and resolve to change your lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people choose to live beyond their means. Furthermore, many acquire excessive debts because of trying to keep up with the joneses.

Credit cards serve a valuable purpose. They are great during emergencies and when you are financially strapped. However, if you are charging more than you can afford to pay, this creates a huge problem. As you endeavor to eliminate debts, be determined to stop using credit cards. Do not cancel credit accounts. However, you may consider cutting your cards or storing them away.

Pay Double, or Triple the Minimum Payment

If you are hoping to reduce credit card debts, you must be willing to pay more than the asking minimum payment. In fact, paying only the minimum will make it practically impossible to become debt free. Instead, attempt to double, even triple your monthly payments. If possible, make a large payment toward reducing your balance. This method is most effective.

Obtaining a lump sum of money is challenging. You may choose to use a tax return or bonus money received from work. Getting a part-time job may also provide you with the extra cash. If you own a home, take advantage of your homes equity. Home equity loans or cash-out refinancing generally present homeowners with enough cash to payoff high interest credit cards and other debts.

Use a Debt Management Company

If you need assistance with managing large debts, think about contacting a debt management agency. Trained debt management specialists will review your credit and outline a plan for reducing debts. Furthermore, the company will contact creditors and negotiate a lower interest rate. By doing so, a larger portion of your monthly payments will go toward knocking down the principle balance. Thus, helping you achieve your ultimate goal of eliminating credit card debt.