Friday, August 8, 2008

Top Debt Reduction Tips in These Unstable Economic Times

These are certainly unsound economic times. Every time you open the paper, there seem to be articles about foreclosures, increasing debt and people losing their houses. Are you doing it tough? Are you struggling to make ends meet? Do you live from paycheck to paycheck? If any of the above sounds like you, then it need not be the end of the world. There are some things you can do to reduce your debt and move towards a more sound economic future.

  • Consolidate Your Loans- Many people in financial trouble have a variety of loans with different interest rates. One of the first things you should do is try to consolidate all of your loans in to a single low interest loan. Once you have this loan, you know exactly what your payments will be each month. Once you've consolidated your loans, you need to cut up your credit cards and ensure that you do not get any further in to debt.
  • Stop Spending- Seriously, if you want to get out of debt, you need to stop spending money, I am not talking about the essentials, but you need to stop spending money on things you don't really need. Instead of eating out, go to the supermarket. Instead of buying a coffee, make one at the office. Every little bit adds up.
  • Set A Budget- If you truly want to get out of debt, you need a plan. This is where your budget comes in. You need to look at your income and take in to account every bill you have to pay. Once you've set your budget, you can work out how long it will take to pay your debts. Have it written down and carry a copy with you everywhere. This way, you can refer back to it to keep you on track to stop you from making rash purchases.

Debt reduction is important for many people with the current unstable economy. In this article, we have looked at three major tips to help you in your quest.