If you have found yourself with seemingly-insurmountable debt, the road ahead can be unclear and perilous. Whether your balances are due to medical expenses, student loans, or credit cards, it can be incredibly challenging to get out of debt. Interest rates, loan terms, and hidden fees can make your repayment efforts seem futile. If you are looking to make wise financial decisions and get out of debt, avoid making these common mistakes.
Mistake #1: Continuing Your Old Habits
Credit card debt, in particular, can be quite difficult to manage. This is because many people tend to add to their debt as they are trying to pay it off. If excessive spending or irresponsible financial choices have led to a large amount of debt, changing your habits for the better is a vital step. Draft a realistic budget, avoid unnecessary spending, and learn about healthy financial habits.
Mistake #2: Using A Relief Program To Get Out Of Debt Without Doing Appropriate Research
When some people try to get out of debt, they enlist the help of relief programs to get the job done quickly. Although some of these programs are reputable and offer essential counseling services, other debt relief or credit repair services are scams. Before signing anything regarding your balance and loan repayment terms, do thorough research and be sure that you understand the consequences of what you are signing.
Mistake #3: Focusing Entirely On Reducing Debt
If you are drafting a plan to repay your debt, it can be tempting to pay off the highest amount possible each month. However, focusing entirely on reducing your balances can lead you to neglect other critical financial areas. Contributing to your retirement, savings, or emergency funds can be just as crucial as reducing debt, so be sure to weigh the pros and cons of contributing to each area. Depending on your loans’ interest rates and terms, it may be more financially sound to add to your retirement accounts while paying smaller amounts toward your loan balances.
Mistake #4: Treating All Debts The Same
Not every loan is the same. Many people end up tackling multiple sources of debt at once; credit card bills, auto and home loans, medical expenses, and student loan payments are just a few common sources of debt. Each source of debt will likely have its own unique terms, interest rates, fees, and fine print. It may be better for you to focus on some loans over others, or perhaps the wisest choice is to pay off multiple loans at once. The strategy you use will depend on the specific terms of your debt.
Take Control of Your Finances with EveryIncome
EveryIncome is dedicated to providing our clients with career and finance management tools to help them create a stable financial future. Regardless of where you are in life, our system of tools and guided learning is tailored to fit your specific needs. Take control of your financial health today. Contact the team at EveryIncome online or give us a call at (571)370-5400. For more tips and tricks to foster financial wellness, follow EveryIncome on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
