Posts Tagged ‘credit card debt’

How do I manage my credit card debt after the holidays?

It is that time when the Credit card debt increases two fold as we come together to celebrate Christmas and the holidays. It is the time of year were people let go a bit and tend to overspend on gifts, lunches and of course alcohol. Although the kids like the presents, the lunches fill your belly and the alcohol keeps the Christmas spirit alive. The hangover on the credit card debt doesn’t go away as fast as the hangover from the eggnog. New Zealand’s major electronic transfer provider Paymark released statistics this week on New Zealand’s spending habits. Kiwis have [...]

You don’t have to drown in your credit card debt

I remember back in the old days when Credit card debt was almost unheard of. Aaah, wouldn’t it be nice to go back to those stress free days when a person’s word meant something and all you really owed was a favour. These days it’s a different reality, with so much pressure placed on us [...]

Looking For Some Great Debt Free Advice And Information


Getting rid of the debt is one of the easiest things that can be done by you when it comes yo your finances. Most individuals unknowingly find themselves in such a situation. With the ongoing state of the economy, and everyone trying hard to make ends meet, not to mention inflation and high rates of [...]

Looking For Some Great Debt Free Advice And Information is a post from: Ncorda Article Directory


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Looking For Top Debt Relief Methods


When it comes to debt relief, there are a few things a person should  think. For instance there are sufficient and more people out there who have got themselves into a very unfortunate situation by getting themselves into debt. What they want to do in this instance is to educate themselves on how and why [...]

Looking For Top Debt Relief Methods is a post from: Ncorda Article Directory


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8 Alternatives to a Debt Consolidation Loan

by Eric K Frey

When people feel like their financial situation is spiraling out of control, they often quickly seek out a debt consolidation loan. Although that may be the correct choice to make, these 8 options should be considered first.

1) Selling assets to pay debt should be done first. There may be a way for you to pay your debt without a consolidation loan if you can create more money. This additional money can come from selling assets that you already have and don’t need anymore. Amazon, Ebay and the local newspaper classified ads are a great way to make a few extra bucks from items that you can sell. If you are a homeowner with a large debt, you may even consider selling your house or renting out a spare room.

2) Pay as much as you can towards your credit cards. If you are able to make your minimum credit card payments you should consider how much additional money you can pay off each month. Reduce excess spending wherever possible and pay as much as you can on your credit cards. If you don’t settle for making just the minimum payment, you can make a significant impact in your debt over the course of 12 to 24 months. If your debt situation makes it difficult to meet the minimum payment, a consolidation loan may be easier for you to manage.

3) If you own your own home, the lowest interest rates are obtainable by taking out a new mortgage to pay off your existing mortgage (if any) plus enough funds to repay you other debts. If repaying your existing mortgage will result in penalty charges consider a 2nd mortgage with your existing lender. The interest charged will probably be slightly but not significantly higher.

4) Take out a secured loan with another lender. If you have already missed or been late with any payments, and as a result your credit score is too low for your mortgagor, consider a secured loan with another lender. Secured loans in these circumstances are more expensive and the lenders are quick to repossess your home if you miss payments. Only take this route if you are certain that you can make the repayments.

5) A loan secured on other assets. If you have an expensive car, boat or plane you will probably be able to obtain finance using these assets as security. The rate of interest will be higher than a loan secured on property. If you do not have property or it is fully mortgaged securing a loan on other assets may be an option.

6) Consider loan that is unsecured. Although a secured loan will typically have a lower interest rate and can be repaid over a longer period of time, you may not have anything to use as security for a loan. Additionally, you may not want to risk having your property repossessed if you miss a payment. In this case an unsecured loan will be worth considering.
8) Low interest credit cards. When your debt is not too high and your credit score is pretty good, you will probably be able to apply for a credit card with a low interest rate or even a 0% rate on balance transfers. A credit card may actually be able to offer a better rate and you would find on any loan. However, be prepared to pay off the balance of during the transfer period or you could end up with an even higher rate.
8) Do your own research of the options. There are many possible courses of action that you could take to get out of debt. Some are better than others, some may be obvious and others can be confusing. Thoroughly research the choices for your own situation before making a final decision. Talking to different lenders and banks may be able to help give you more information so that you can compare your choices. Asking a bank for advice won’t commit you to anything, but it might help you get out of debt.

Debt consolidation can be a great choice for many people when burdened by debt. However, it is not the only solution and getting out of debt will take a little determination, effort and some time no matter what course of action is used. The benefits are worth it though and your life will be much less stressful and enjoyable when you are not overwhelmed by debt.

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