Getting out of debt is a dilemma confronting most singles and couples today. According to a number of surveys, the varied technological advancements make it easy for people to incur debts. The latest gadgets emerging left and right encourage consumers to spend even though they do not have money at hand. Also, the internet prods consumers to purchase on impulse with just one click on the shop online button. While there is a grain of truth in both ideas, having financial liabilities is oftentimes a matter of personal choice. There are, of course, exemptions to this. A clear example of such exemptions is debt incurred due to sudden mishaps.
Getting out of debt is doable. However, erasing all your
debts may take longer than the time you spent gaining them. A firm decision to
be debt-free is the best way to start. With that, you must also decide to stop
acquiring expenses that can lead to additional liabilities. Do you have a credit
card? At this point, you probably know what to do with it. Use cash to pay for
any product or service you need.
Now is the time for you to be mindful of your spending. How
are you going to do that? Record how you spend every dollar in your wallet.
This will reveal how much money is spent on your basic needs, utility bills and
your wants. You might be surprised to see that a big portion of your salary
goes to unnecessary expenses.
List your sources of income. If you have two or three jobs,
note how much you earn from each on a monthly or weekly basis. Consult a tax accountant and ask for legal ways on how you can increase your wages. This is
very helpful specifically if you are self-employed. Moving forward, create a
budget plan according to your income and spending. Include in it how much money
would you be able allocate each month for the payment of your debts. Be
realistic when estimating the figures. Think of the unforeseen expenses that
may come your way.
To ensure that you are not forgetting any of your debts,
list them all down in a clean sheet of paper. Write the individual amounts you
owe, to whom you owe each, the balances and previous payments you have made.
Study them and pinpoint which of these amounts comes with high interests. Debts
with high interests must be addressed first because the interest themselves are
sources of unwanted expenses. Those with low or no interest may be paid at a
later time.
Getting out of debt is for someone who has a strong heart
and iron-clad will. Do not give up even though your financial liabilities seem
to be very overwhelming. Keep on repeating the steps outlined in this article
until something happens and all your liabilities are paid off. Do not file
bankruptcy just to get away from everything. As you do so, open you heart and
mind to a changed perspective about spending and saving your money wisely. Need to read more tips on this topic? You can read them here if you have the time.