Unemployment is at its worst in this recent economic meltdown and these unemployed people are struggling to pay off debts. Are you in a similar situation? Then you can file bankruptcy as it is considered to be the last option of debt relief programs. But if you declare bankruptcy then it might ruin your financial future. Therefore, you can follow a debt management plan to avoid the adverse effect on your financial situation.
Here are a few tips that will help you eliminate your debt without damaging your financial situation:
1. Look for a job:
You can be successful in eradicating your debts if you get a job immediately. You can use your income to pay off the debts and attain financial liberation. You need to work hard in order to get a well paid job therefore start applying for it. Until you get a job try to deliver newspaper, set up a roadside soft drink stand or deliver pizzas and utilize the money towards paying off your debts.
2. Negotiate with the creditors:
The next crucial step to eliminate your debts is to negotiate with the creditors to lower the principal balance and interest rate to make it affordable. You can easily convince the creditors by stating your financially distressed situation. If you directly approach the creditors then you can avoid the threatening calls from the creditors. Make sure that you are aware of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) then you can take action against your creditors if they harass you.
3. Pay the accounts down.
Right now do you have a part time job? Then inculcate the habit of saving so that you can start paying off your debts immediately. If you are unable to manage your expenses then formulate a budget plan as it will help you pay off the debts in an organized way.
4. Keep a track of your credit report:
You need to keep a track of your credit report once you pay off your debts. Make sure that your credit report shows paid in full otherwise your credit rating will drop. Therefore, request your creditors to notify the credit bureau as “paid in full”. You should review your credit report every three months in order to check if there is any discrepancies on it. If you locate any wrong entries on the credit report then ask the credit bureau to remove it.
5. Avoid borrowing:
It is advisable to avoid borrowing in order to secure your financial situation. You can create an emergency fund and deposit a portion of your income in the savings account then you can prevent yourself from taking out new loan.
GUEST POST: Stewart Smith, financial writer.
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