Get Out of Debt in 2014

Tips for Consolidating Credit Cards & Eliminating Debts in the New Year

New Year’s Resolutions can come in a variety of forms; eating healthy, working out and getting organized are all things that hit many people’s resolution list. But what about paying off credit cards or eliminating debt? For some Americans, paying off debt is high on their list, but getting this task checked off may be difficult. Here are some tips to help become debt free in 2014.

Using a Budget to Get Out of Debt

The first step in any savings or debt elimination plan is making a good budget. This is important for keeping finances on track and helping achieve money goals. A good budget will include all priority expenses including bills, groceries, and gas. This budget should also include an emergency fund; this fund will help cut down on credit card use for unforeseen expenses including car repairs or emergency medical bills. Taking a look at where money is going will make it easier to cut unneeded spending and pay off more debt every month.

Not Using & Consolidating Credit Cards

Many people suffer from the credit card debt cycle; paying the minimum balance every month while continuing to rack up charges. The only way to stop this cycle is to stop using credit cards, period. Instead of using credit cards to pay for unexpected expenses or make purchases between paychecks, set aside funds into an emergency account. This will help eliminate the need for credit cards while also making it possible to cover unforeseen purchases.

Consolidating multiple lines of credit can also be helpful in reducing debt. If multiple credit cards have racked up debt, look into consolidating the balances onto one, low interest line of credit. This will help organize payments while also having a larger impact on the balance. A lower interest rate will also help a higher percentage of monthly payments chip away at the card’s actual balance.

Getting Out of Debt by Cutting Frivolous Spending

Eating out regularly and spending money on unnecessary items can add up quickly and eat away discretionary spending funds in a flash. This is not saying that enjoying take out every once and a while needs to stop, but spending money frivolously throughout the month can have a big impact. By cutting back on this kind of spending, more money can be put towards paying off debts or into savings every month. Even shaving $250 off a monthly budget can add up to $3,000 over a year, a good chunk of money to put towards any outstanding balances.

Having debt is something that has become the norm for many Americans, but that does not mean they have to accept it. Using a budget, managing credit cards, and cutting unnecessary spending can all be ways to help pay off debts faster and build up a large savings account. The New Year is a great time to start fresh and build a strong financial future!

*Photo Courtesy of Lending Memo via Creative Commons License

What Kind of Budget Planner are YOU?

I found this article at http://www.personalfinancebudget.com/ How can you create or maintain a 6 figure income if you don't budget effectively. Better question, how are you going to grow it once you get it?

What Kind of Budget Planner are You?

There are a few different types of planners when it comes to managing budgets. The invisible planner neglects to track, manage, or take the time to update the budget. This planner seems to think if you create a budget it will take care of finances for you. All by itself. The passive planner takes a look at the budget on occasion but, really doesn't bother to take action when the figures don't add up? You might be a passive planner if you think that your budget will fix itself. Gee, these are two really great budgets, where do I get one? The efficient planner seeks to keep the budget alive and well. This planner has a realistic view of budgeting. So how do you become the efficient budget planner?

Set realistic expectations for yourself. We all want to be efficient budget planners. However, sometimes we make it hard on ourselves to achieve efficient budgeting. Many people set unrealistic budgeting goals and set themselves up for defeat from the start. Being more realistic with budgeting methods and figures can be easier and prove to be more efficient. If you're an invisible or passive budgeting planner, seek out the most efficient budgeting tools that meet your needs. The easier you make it on yourself, the more likely you are to follow through with budgeting tasks like budget tracking, updating, and maintaining.

Set realistic amounts for budget expenses. If you traditionally spend $500 on food each month, don't try to make your budget balance by decreasing the amount to $300. That is of course unless, you intend to actively use some money saving strategies to meet that goal. If $300 is a realistic goal, then go for it by all means. Follow this concept with all your expenses. Set realistic goals based on past spending. Then, if income and expenses don't balance, you can reduce spending in categories that you can (and will) most realistically make an effort to reduce.

Set realistic goals. If you have a huge debt payment, you're likely not to have the funds for savings until you eliminate debt. Plan to manage and eliminate debt first, then apply those freed up funds to savings and investment goals. Planning your goals to be achieved in a logical, realistic, time period and order will increase your chances of success at overall budget planning. Be sure to designate short and long term goals accordingly.

Budgeting is all about being real. Getting a real grasp on your finances. Being true to yourself and your financial needs is essential to your budget planning success. Don't plan a high finance budget on a moderate finance income. Be real with yourself. Everyone is different and has different financial goals and needs. Decide what you need to survive and be happy. What are you willing to realistically give up, or cut to the minimum, to make your budget plan work? Don't expect yourself to make major lifestyle and personality changes to suit your budget plan. Especially, if you've tried this in the past and failed. Instead, when planning your budget, create a realistic plan that suits your individual needs and personality. You'll be more likely to stick to it and succeed at achieving your financial goals.


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Stacy O'Quinn
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