10 Tips for Paying Off Credit Card Debt -

Nowadays, most people prefer using credit cards to pay for goods and services rather than cash.

However, with the current state of the economy, credit card debts are inevitable.

Although falling into substantial debt can affect different aspects of your life, you do not need to freak-out. Usually, most people have some form of debt, whether as an overdraft of their current account, a mortgage on their property, or credit card debt.

If one is cautious, debt can be useful.

For instance, most people cannot afford to buy a home without a mortgage. However, if you are not careful, the debt can spiral out of control, take over, and destroy lives.

Therefore, follow these tips to pay off your credit card debt:

1. Avoid using your credit cards

One of the ways you can avoid using your credit cards is by taking them out of your wallet.

By doing this, you can easily separate needs from wants, thus avoid spending money unnecessarily.

Putting your cards away makes you conscious about your spending because you rely on your cash to pay for bills and credit card debts accrued!

2. Creating a monthly spending plan

Most people spend money unnecessarily because they do not have a spending plan beforehand.

Although human needs are insatiable, you need to determine how to use your money to avoid borrowing repeatedly.

With a monthly spending plan, you will always live within your means because you do not spend on things you do not need. Remember, if you have a monthly spending plan, you can quickly determine when you will pay your credit card debt in full!

Some people reprioritize their monthly spending to avoid being extravagant.

For instance, when you categorize your monthly spending when it comes to groceries, housing, transport and entertainment, you can easily save money to pay off your credit card debts.

If you are not sure how to reprioritize your budget, consider checking your credit card statement. With such an approach, you can know the areas to cut back and save money.

Consequently, use the money you have saved to pay off your debts.

3. Prioritizing the debts

It is crucial to make a list and prioritize all your debts, i.e., interest rates, outstanding balances, and charges.

Prioritization differs from one person to another, but you should prioritize your debts in order of importance.

For example, mortgage and vehicle payments should be at the top of the list because they provide shelter and transportation to and from work, respectively.

After making a complete list of all your debts, it is easier to prioritize because everyone knows and understands what important than the other.

4. Set achievable goals

To effectively pay off the high-interest rate credit card debts and other consumer debts, such as vehicle loans. Overdrafts and line of credit, you need to set realistic goals.

Accumulating credit debts is easy and fast, but paying them takes time, self-discipline, and commitment. Remember, after setting your goals, monitor your progress regularly to stay on track.

5. Minimize your expenses

If you are looking to repay your credit card debts fast and with ease, review your monthly expenses to minimize your costs.

We all spend money buying things we do not need at the time.

Impulse buying is one way you can spend a lot of money in a short period of time.

Therefore, track all your monthly expenses to plan to minimize the costs and free up some cash to pay your debts.

6. Strategic payment

Most people claim that this is the best method to pay your credit card debts.

How does it work? After you pay the debts on your fixed monthly payments (vehicle, term loans, and mortgages), make the minimum payment required on your credit card with the lowest interest rates then maximize your payments on the credit card with the highest interest rates!

After paying your debt, you can use the extra money to pay your credit card debt with the next highest interest rate.

The strategy is not only fast but saves you money.

7. Use the snowball method

This method entails paying small debts first and then advance with time.

When some people pay some bills or debts, they feel a sense of encouragement and satisfaction to keep moving. If you are this kind of person, this is an excellent method.

All you need to do is free up extra cash and make the payments to advance to the next credit card debt. Remember, paying off interest rates first is the best approach mathematically, but we are different.

While some people are motivated by numbers, some prefer the feeling of satisfaction and encouragement to get the job done. However, assess the two approaches to determine which works best for you.

8. Opting to use debt consolidation loans and balance transfer

If you research thoroughly, debt consolidation loans or balance transfer are two ways you can get out of debt. You can either transfer your credit card balances to a credit card with a lower rate or consolidate your loans with a consolidation plan.

Remember to research, read, and understand all the Terms and Conditions, hidden fees, and overall interest savings to avoid making a mistake. Finally, if you choose this option, cut up & cancel all your credit cards to avoid being tempted using them again!

9. Use your savings

Although some people do not prefer using their savings to pay credit card debts, others think it’s the best method.

One can contribute to a saving plan only to use the money to pay off their debts. Consider using your pay increases, income tax refunds, and other unexpected funds to pay off your credit card debt.