You go to the mailbox and scan – a couple of fliers (Nah), your magazine subscription (yes!), and bills (groan). Every month the bills show up and as you sigh and take out your checkbook you wonder if you will ever be free.
Each month you pay the minimums and although you KNOW you’ve got a handle on it – you are not charging your credit card or accumulating new debts anymore – it seems that you will be paying the minimum fees forever.
Did you know that HOW you pay your debts can affect how soon you will finishing paying them off – even if you keep paying the same amount for debt every month? Of course, you might be able to get a consolidation loan, but if you’re not eligible or are not interested then there are several other things you can do.
It’s not always the easiest to figure out the mathematics, but there are three steps to quicker debt relief – guaranteed.
STEP ONE – Create a list.
List your smallest debts first followed by your largest high-interest debts (credit card) and then your largest low-interest debts (Lines of credit and taxes).
Plan to pay the minimums on all debts with these goals in mind:
STEP TWO – Small bills first.
They may not be the highest interest, but every bill that you are paying some interest on means you are usually only paying minimal amounts on the principal.
Multiple debts are also a sure way to bring your spirits down. Paying off small debts first is a quick way to start checking them off – and freeing your mind.
STEP THREE – Move the payments along.
When one debt is paid add the funds to the next debt. For example, say you’re making 75 payments to a small debt. When the debt is cleared add the 75 to the next debt on your list.
If the next debt had a minimum payment of 100, you will now pay 175 until it is paid off. When that one is finished, take the 175 and add it to the next payment and so on.
STEP FOUR – Save the cash!
Don’t forget that when your debts are cleared you have set yourself up for a better financial future. The best way to take advantage of your new situation is to use all the money you were spending on debts and start investing or saving it every month.
With this strategy your debts will clear faster meaning you will pay less interest, you will see progress as you clear small debts first, and you will not be tempted to use the funds for personal use instead of debt repayment.
It is a worthwhile goal to get out of debt. Seeing that goal come sooner and teaching yourself discipline sets you up for a brighter financial future. You OWE yourself that!
