Credit card debt is your financial worst enemy and a significant hurdle in keeping your monthly expenses within your budget. The best way to avoid credit card debt is to keep it from happening in the first place. But there are many expenses that you cannot afford with cash payment and require credit card payments in the form of EMIs. It is where credit card debt starts accumulating, and if you don’t clear your credit card bills anytime soon, it can become your worst financial problem in the future.
Carrying a balance every month and paying monthly installments to avoid cash shortage can result in credit card debt. It comes with several risks such as rotating charges, interest payments, poor budgeting, delayed financial goals, and bad credit score. Finding out how to get out of credit card debt is very challenging. It’s better to avoid in the first place by opting for some good financial habits to maintain a balance between your spending and payment each month.
If you are already into credit card debt, there are some simple ways that you can take to manage your expenses and monthly buying needs to keep things in control. When you take control of your spending and payment, you can quickly get out of the credit card debt without any financial hurdle.
Put your credit card down.
When you are trying to get out of credit card debt, putting away your credit card for future transactions is the first thing you should do. Try to make upfront payments for short-term financial goals such as groceries, utility bills, and other regular monthly expenses. It will reduce the burden on your credit card and keep your balance at an achievable limit. It’s better not to use your credit cards for a while if things can be avoided.
Look out for lower interest rates.
When you make an emergency purchase using your credit card, ask for the lower interest rates for the monthly payments. It will significantly reduce your credit card bills due to rotating charges and monthly interest rates. Don’t hesitate to call your credit card company to negotiate your interest rates. It works if you are a long-term customer who pays monthly payments on time. Also, pick for a shorter payment duration to avoid additional interest rates when purchasing online using credit cards.
Stick to what you can afford
Having a credit card can be tempting sometimes when you see some exciting offers on products. But, do you need them? Can you afford them with your current earning and spending limit? Try not to make unnecessary purchases that you can’t afford or don’t need. Have good buying habits to keep things in your control and avoid future debt because of the unnecessary card swipes.
Always pay on time
The best way to beat your credit card debt is to pay regularly and on time. Don’t miss a single payment cycle to avoid delayed charges or due payments. Keeping track of your credit card spending and payment schedule can keep you out of debt. After missing a monthly payment, the next payment will be a total of two payments plus interest rates plus late fees. It can be hard to catch up with your next payment if you don’t pay on time.
In addition to the above ways, you can include these habits too in your journey to defeat credit card debt:
- Avoid unnecessary balance transfer
- Cut your expenses
- Pay more than required
- Try to pay the total balance each month
- Avoid cash advances
- Don’t lend out your credit card
- Limit the number of credit cards
So, these are some common ways to avoid or beat credit card debt. With healthy buying habits and keeping to your credit card payment schedule, you can make a dent in your debt.
