| |
| |
|
Debt Relief Information |
|
|
|
The 5 Secrets to Getting Out of Debt Fast
As they stare down at a teetering pile of bills, so many consumers wonder how they racked up such a large debt. The answer boils down to simple mathematics. "On a basic, fundamental level, the problem is created by spending more than you make," says Brad Stroh, co-CEO of the San Mateo, California-based Freedom Financial Network, LLC, a company that specializes in debt resolution services. The reasons for doing so, he notes, are varied: ? Spending addictions ? Lack of budgeting (mistaking the amount of money coming in and going out) ? Loss of income (reduced hours, layoffs, forced to leave the workforce) ? Increased costs (health-related expenses, fuel and other basic living expenses) ? A personal hardship (divorce, medical illness, loss of a loved one or other major changes in a person's life) You can, however, get out of debt-but it takes commitment. Here are 5 steps to accomplishing your goal. 1. Start Planning-and Saving "The only way to guarantee solid financial footing is through proper planning-and that's where most consumers go wrong," Stroh says. "Proper planning means monthly budgeting of cash flow, combined with saving for long-term security." Stroh recommends saving at least 5% of your income to ensure long-term financial security. "Of course, this percent will vary by age group and the individual's financial goals and objectives," he says. "Younger people can expect to spend their early years saving less of their income, paying off student loans and debts incurred during periods of lower income. Older individuals should be planning for retirement and saving a larger share of income." 2. Seek Professional Help If you are facing financial hardship, do not procrastinate when it comes to seeking professional advice. "People often wait too long," Stroh says. "If someone is living paycheck to paycheck, is behind on any revolving financial obligations (including credit cards), is using credit cards to pay for necessities, or is facing collection, he should consider getting immediate advice from a professional debt management firm or financial advisor." 3. Stop Spending If you continue to spend money, despite your ever-growing debt, you likely have a bona fide addiction that requires psychological intervention. "Debt problems are frequently symptomatic of more fundamental personal issues, such as reticence to address difficult financial problems," Stroh says. "Spending addictions can have many causes, including lack of personal confidence and fulfillment. Similar to many other addictions, a spending addiction can fill a void in an individual's life-albeit with a fleeting source of satisfaction. People with spending addictions constantly strive for the 'high' that they receive from buying clothes, cars and other goods. This leads to a long-term problem when they cannot meet the consequent financial turmoil that comes when the bills arrive. For anyone who may think he has a serious spending addiction, we advise seeking professional counseling or therapy to resolve the fundamental sources of this addiction." 4. Start Communicating If you're like many consumers with outstanding debts, the last person you think about speaking with is the creditor-the company you've been avoiding at all costs. "Not contacting your debt creditors to discuss and develop a plan for paying, settling or reducing the principal amount and/or interest on the debt" is one of the worst mistakes you can make, says financial expert Ivan Gelfand, president and CEO of Pepper Pike, Ohio-based Ivan Gelfand, Inc., and author of "Your Money, Your Future" (to be published in April). He also recommends contacting relatives or friends for temporary assistance in reducing debt and making payments, which will lower your outstanding debts' interest rate. 5. Conquer Denial-Today! Many consumers who recognize-and even accept the fact-that they have a spending addiction refuse to address their problems, according to Stroh. "Budgeting is not fun," he says, "but dealing with creditors is even less fun. Many people will therefore bury their heads in the sand, hoping their problems will go away. Unfortunately, outside of winning the lottery or getting a windfall inheritance from a long-lost uncle, budgeting and consulting with a professional counselor are the only ways to successfully resolve financial problems." -------- Fox Symes assists all Australians discover the truth about their debts and how they can rapidly reduce them. There are methods available to the Australian public and you can discover how to use these to assist you in reducing your debt with a free phone consultation from Fox Symes. Visit http://www.foxsymes.com.au or contact them directly on 1300 361 204.
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Mandatory Credit Counseling for Those Considering Bankruptcy Most Americans are aware of the sweeping changes in U.S. British Families and Debt There is current concern from the Bank of England that British families are getting deeper into debt, however, it has been said that lenders are putting themselves at risk because people are now more willing to make themselves bankrupt.Despite people already having significant amounts of debt, credit card companies are still prepared to lend these people money. Bankruptcy Reform There are some new bankruptcy laws going into effect before long and many think they are much needed. Of course, that depends on which side of the bankruptcy you are a part of. Is Filing for Bankruptcy an Option for You? Bankruptcy laws give debtors a way to resolve debt by dividing their assets among their various creditors and in some cases will allow debtors to be freed of outstanding debts that cannot be paid, even after the division of assets. For individuals who find themselves unable to pay their debts, bankruptcy can be a viable option. What is Debt Settlement? Debt settlement is the process of negotiating with your creditors so that you are able to pay off a certain percentage of the debt amount that you owe. A debt settlement company will use different types of strategies to negotiate with your creditors so that you get the best outcome. IVA Advice An IVA (individual voluntary arrangement) is an alternative to bankruptcy introduced by the government as part of the Insolvency Act 1986. This article provides an overview of IVAs and suggests what readers should watch out for when looking for IVA advice. Deal with All Your Debts with Care! Lots of people take a large ammount of loans and suddenly they discovered that they're in debt and life seems pretty gloomy for them, in this situation please don't despair. Most people have been there and know just how easily it can creep up on us. 5 Options Toward Debt Relief If you are in debt, well over your head in debt that is, there are options to help you overcome this situation. Let's examine five possible responses and uncover which ones lead to true debt relief. Why You Should Get Out of Debt Today? The main reason for getting out of debt today, is because people with little or not debt have more control over their future:1. They have more discretionary income, meaning that you won't be living pay check after pay check as you probably are right now. Bankruptcy: What the New Law Means to You On April 20 of this year, President Bush signed a bankruptcy reform law. When this law goes into effect in October of this year, it will be much more difficult for Americans to use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start on their financial lives. Dont Drown Your Debts, Manage Them! Are you among the millions of people who have found themselves unable to make even the minimum payments on credit cards and other unsecured debts? If so, there is relief in sight. It is no longer necessary to keep paying constantly but never really make any progress towards reducing or eliminating your debts. Debt Reduction, a Necessary Endeavour Massive debt is something many Americans face. Debt reduction is now becoming more and more of a necessity. Turning Bad Debts into Good Debts through Investing Fundamentals If you've ever earned enough money to put some aside, like most people you've probably invested it with an eye toward security - since, perhaps, you can't imagine yourself ever getting rich."Most people dream of becoming rich, but it isn't their first choice," Rich Dad said. New Bankruptcy Law - Where's the Consumer Protection? On April 20, 2005, President Bush signed into law the Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act, a piece of sweeping legislation that brought about the most sweeping changes in personal bankruptcy law in the last quarter century. This bill, which takes effect in October 2005, passed with the overwhelming support of both parties of congress, claims, through its very name, to offer "consumer protection. Purchase Your Future Now While It Is Still Inexpensive Leaving school, getting a new job, or even a raise at your current one, has most people considering their next great purchase. Few think about the affect this could have on their future. IVA Information If you're thinking about an IVA, it is essential to get the best information possible. This is because although an IVA can be a manageable way to resolve your debt problems, it can also represent a commitment of up to five years. Tips To Take Control Of Debt Collection Yes, debt collection tips can help. You may think you have no power when the debt collector comes calling, but think again! Creditors don't like losing out on the ability to collect money owed them. New Bankruptcy Law - Targeting the Wrong People? Last April, President Bush enthusiastically signed into law the oddly-named Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act. This bill, representing the biggest overhaul of bankruptcy law in twenty-five years, was written in order to discourage "bankruptcy of convenience. 4 Simple Ways to Solve Your Debt Burden Getting Behind Getting behind on your debts owed can be a very frustrating and trying time for you and your family. Depending on how far behind you are, there are other repercussions, such as your credit rating, that will affect you further down the road. New Bankruptcy Law Will Not Protect You from Identity Theft Recently passed by Congress with overwhelming support, the oddly-named Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act was designed to eliminate "bankruptcy of convenience." The perceived problem is that many compulsive gamblers, shoppers and drug users often run up huge debts on easily available credit cards with no intention of paying their bills.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
