Debt Relief Options
Debt relief options depend on your situation. For some, getting out of debt requires more than just cutting back on the luxuries in life. If you consistently spend more than you earn or cannot make more than the minimum payment on your credit card, you are sinking ever deeper into debt.
Here are your options to aid you in escaping debt:
Stop saving and start paying. Many people continue to fund their retirement accounts even when in debt. This is a false economy. Most retirement plans pay 3-7% interest, while credit cards can charge upwards of 30% interest. By paying off the debt, you are in essence earning a 30% return on your money, rather than the 3-7% in your retirement account.
Earn more money. While this is common sense, most people don't consider more income as an option for escaping debt. Try getting a second job, work overtime or turn your hobby into a side business for extra cash. Even simple garden work once a week can bring in a few hundred dollars a month, which can go directly to paying down your debts.
Use debt consolidation. Many services allow you to lump your existing high interest debts together into one lump sum which carries a lower interest rate. This should lower your monthly payments and help you pay off your debts faster. This is one of the best debt relief options out there.
Talk with your creditors. Call up your creditors and explain to them your situation. Be up front and honest about what you are willing and able to pay them, and ask for either a lower interest rate or temporary reduced payment. Creditors get this a lot and respond favorably; after all, they would rather you take a little longer to pay them than not pay them at all.
Get professional help. There are numerous nonprofit agencies that provide advice for people in debt. They can help you create a realistic budget and provide additional advice and support to help you out.
File for bankruptcy. If all other debt relief options are exhausted, you can - and should- file for bankruptcy. You should consider this option only if you face losing your home, or your debt is so high it will take over three years of shoestring budgets and heavy overtime to crawl out from. There are numerous types of bankruptcy, including Chapter 7 (which erases most debts) and Chapter 13 (which buys you 3-5 to pay bills). Bankruptcy is never a pretty option, but sometimes the only one. Consult a bankruptcy lawyer before moving ahead with this.
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