| |
| |
|
|
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
Currency Trading Fee Concept Troubles with Global Economy; Do you see future problems with our global economic plans to make a one world system, where free trade and prosperity can rein the world over. Many world leaders have agreed a one-world system is best for all. What Are The Benefits and Consequences Of Getting Rid Of Debt The Easy Way We have all experienced getting so far in debt we don't know how we're going to get out. There are many different options that you have for quick relief with benefits and consequences. Debt Recovery Can be Easy OK, so you are up to your head in debt. You are stressed out, it is now affecting the way you function and absorbing most of your daily thoughts. Individual Voluntary Arrangements- A New Alternative to Bankruptcy This May, the Department of Trade and Industry in the UK found that there were 10,091 bankruptcies in the first quarter of 2005. This represents an increase of 24. Senate Passes New Bankruptcy Law The United States Senate passed a law on March 10, 2005 that changes the bankruptcy laws in America. It is expected that the House of Representatives will look to pass the same bill in April, which will send it to President Bush for his signature. IVA: Individual Voluntary Arrangement What Is an IVAThe IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) was introduced by The Insolvency Act of 1986 as an alternative to bankruptcy which benefits both the debtor and the creditor. An IVA enables people facing financial difficulties to come to a formal agreement with their creditors rather than having to face bankruptcy. 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. Two Ways To Debt Relief There are many debt relief programs out there both off line and online. Sometimes it can be difficult to chose one from the other. 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. Debt Consolidation Versus Debt Negotiation Debt consolidation versus debt negotiation are two options that are available to you if you need debt assistance. When your monthly bills become too much for you to handle, it makes sense to use debt consolidation or debt negotiation for solving debt and credit problems. Credit Card Debt & the Unfairness of the Universal Default Clause Let's look at a real world example: A woman purchased a new $4,000 large screen TV a few months ago based on the knowledge her monthly payment was going to be $175, and based on the 9% interest rate charged by her credit card company. For five months straight she made all her payments on time, but in the fifth month she was late paying her mortgage bill, for reasons unknown. Credit Counseling or Bankruptcy: Which is Best for You? People often get to a place where they simply can't pay their bills, especially in today's economy which is not particularly sympathetic toward the poor or even the middle class. Inflation has impacted nearly every facet of daily life including food, gas, rent, clothes, utility bills and more. Pay Off Your Student Loans and Reduce Your Debts Financing a college education is one of the more expensive debts you may incur. Student loans can take years or even decades to pay off. Debt Negotiation and Debt Settlement Debt negotiation and settlement can give you a drastic reduction in the amount of debt you owe and allow you to repay your debts in a much shorter time. Resolving your debts is important to your well-being and financial stability. Debt Collectors; And what you can do to Get Them Out of your Life FTC opinion letter on validation Section 809(a) of the FDCPA, 15 U.S. Tips For Saving Money Still living from pay to pay? Or envying those great wealth accumulators and wondering how they did it? Every month you make a resolution of saving some dollars from your paycheck, but only end up breaking it. Looking for some magic formula for saving money?Well, there’s no magic formula—only some simple rules to be followed with determination and persistence. Debt Management Systems What is a debt management system, and when do you need it? Like any kind of management system, debt help systems can be good or bad. We will take a look at what you can do to manage your debt better. Establish Money Saving Goals For Added Success Having something tangible to strive towards can work wonders for your money-saving efforts. To those of you that have already been actively implementing money-saving tips in order to lower your monthly bills, for added inspiration, establish a meaningful goal along with a specific dollar amount. Personal Bankruptcy: Last Option To Legally Stop Bill Collectors Do you have stacks of unpaid bills?Are you in debt?Are bill collectors hounding you?Are you frustrated and annoyed and wish to get them off your back?If you answer yes, then pay close attention.Filing for a personal bankruptcy may be the last option for you. Debt Free Living - 5 Tips To Get Out Of Debt A few times I wonder what sort of credit system moved the global economy 200 years ago. If the intention of getting into a business is meant to 'help' fulfill the needs and wants of someone, I don't see how credit card salesmen can drove more people into debt and backruptcy.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
