subject: Getting Out Of Debt – Options For Sensibly Eliminating Credit Card Debt [print this page] Getting Out Of Debt Options For Sensibly Eliminating Credit Card Debt
The percentage of people who own at least one credit card increases every year but there again, credit card debt is also at a record high as well; cards have become easier to obtain and more tempting to use, which is a lethal combination. The problem is it is just too easy to spend money but now people are looking for ways to try and pay off the thousands they owe to the finance companies. Unfortunately, by the time many people realize just how bad the situation is, a credit card debt relief answer might not be possible.
At this point it is important to start as you mean to go on and stop all spending on the card otherwise it will make arranging a debt relief plan much harder to implement. This fist stage is the most difficult but once the decision has been made it is then just a matter of looking at all the credit card debt relief options available. Of the options available, three in particular come to mind as the best ways to approach the debt consolidation problem.
Obviously, the easiest way to proceed is to apply for a credit card with a low interest rate on balance transfers where the debt can be consolidated where repayments can be made regularly within a specified budget. Consolidation loans are becoming popular as all the debts can be replaced with just one amount which should be considerably easier to pay on a regular basis.
This option does require a certain willingness on the part of the person in debt to be strict about the payments and the regularity in which they are made if they really want to end the debt problem. This option will not work if the credit standing of the debtor is poor and they are not in a financial position to pay off their debts monthly.
For people that cannot use the normal credit card debt relief methods then settlement negotiators are probably the next best route. Debt relief companies usually have a good track record at this type of negotiation with the usual arrangement of around half the outstanding debt will have to be paid and any balance can be dropped.
If all else fails the debtor is left with bankruptcy to clear the debts but this is not something that should ever be looked upon as the first course of action as there are serious consequences to be considered. Whilst this final option may at first appear to be the best it means credit in any form will be difficult if not impossible for a very long time until the credit history starts to build once again in a positive manner. Whichever credit card debt relief option you take, remember that this should only ever be a one-off as important lessons about managing finances should be learnt so the situation is not repeated.
