Credit card debt is the most common consumer debt most people will
have trouble with. Since it is so dangerous to carry around a few
thousand ringgits when you do your shopping, credit card is the
perfect solution in terms of convenience and safety.
In other words, you are also bringing with you a
huge amount of money to spend.
If your credit limit is RM10,000 per card
and you have three credit cards,
it is like having RM30,000 spare money in your wallet
to let you spend instantly.
That's the reason why most people has trouble controlling their
spending habits. If you are one of the victims of this modern
financial creation, see if the below tricks are useful to you.
Earn More Money
---------------
It is not a bad thing to fall into debt. Look at the positive side,
it actually urges you and motivates you to earn more. Your current
income is simply not enough to cover your desired lifestyle or
needs.
Why I say "needs"? Some people own money not because they like to
spend a lot. For example, expensive medical fees demanded by
hospital when your old parent is hospitalized may be the cause of
maxing out your credit limit.
The most practical and encouraged solution: EARN MORE MONEY.
Take up a part time job.
Start a business!
Increase your productivity!
......
Just make more money. Period.
Turn Credit Card Debts into Term Loans
--------------------------------------
Call the banks to seek for alternative. Instead of keep paying the
not-so-affordable minimum payment, you can ask to turn the debt
into term loans with lower interest charges.
Shred the plastic
-----------------
To avoid using the card and keep on spending more, cut the credit
cards. When it is out of sight, it is out of mind.
Use Debit Cards
---------------
I know credit card gives you convenience and safety, especially at
petrol station. You can always replace it with debit cards.
Overdraft (OD)
--------------
If you have a property, such as your house, you can apply Overdraft
facility to settle your credit card debt. OD interest is lower.
Moreover, you can always pay it off earlier ,unlike term loan or
car loan.
"Relatives-financing"
---------------------
Be honest. Talk to your relatives and close friends. They will lend
you the money if it is not substantial. You can spread the amount
to several friends and relatives. Instead of paying 18% credit card
debt interest, you can pay them slightly higher interest compared
to Fixed Deposit rate.
Cut Expenses
------------
This is the obvious thing to do.
Pay more than the minimum payment required
------------------------------------------
This sounds simple. But most people won't realize that they had
increased the credit card debt until the day they can't even afford
the minimum payment.
Balance Transfer Program
------------------------
You can apply new cards that offer you low interest or
interest-free period when you transfer balance. Instead of paying
many small debts, consolidate them and only focus to settle one
debt.
Insurance policy loan
---------------------
If you have paid insurance premium for a few years, you can take
out policy loan to settle your high-interest-debts.
Seek help from AKPK
-------------------
AKPK is a debt counselling agency by the federal government to assist
you. They may be able to help you negotiate with the banks and
solve your problem earlier. Don't be shy to call them.
Do you realize that when you don't need money,
banks keep calling you to lend you more?
But when you desperately need the money,
they are somehow reluctant to hand you the cash.
This is the reality.
So, how do you settle your credit card debts?
Tell us your success stories. Or you can also warn us with a bad
example.
Tell use your story here at the comment section:
http://kclau.com/wealth-management/reduce-credit-card-debt/
Canyon Defense
Bloxorz
Sushi Go Round