Dealing With Debt

Dealing with debt doesn't have to be scary. Owing money can feel like a never ending problem at times but simply working out how much money you owe and then making a plan to settle the bill is the best way of dealing with the situation.

When money is tight, making ends meet can seem hard enough without having to juggle your finances as well. Many people are opting to put all their debts in one place, and it's easy to see why. By consolidating your credit card, loan and other debts you could end up with just one manageable amount to pay, making it easier to sort out your finances.

Debt consolidation is a method of managing debt by combining all debts into one lump sum so that you are repaying one loan as opposed to several.

You can either consolidate your debt on your own, approach your bank for a suitable loan or seek help from a debt consolidation company. Whatever method you choose you will benefit from having only one payment to make each month, making the repayment of debts a much more manageable process.

Debt consolidation typically allows you to secure a lower interest rate or fixed interest rate for your payments which is particularly useful if you have outstanding high interest loans or credit cards. One repayment at a lower interest rate is much better than several different repayments at varying interest rates.

If you want to get out of debt quicker then there are a few actions you can take to speed the process along. It may sound obvious but reducing your spending is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid getting in any more debt. In order to reduce spending, look at areas such as your mortgage, insurance and utility bills and identify any potential ways of saving a few more pounds.

Price comparison is easy with the help of the internet so invest a little time into making sure you are getting the most competitive prices for everyday bills and costs.

Increasing your income is another handy way to generate more cash which can then be used to settle debts. You could look for a second job to supplement your income or work additional hours at your current job. Taking on more responsibility at work and progressing towards a pay rise is also a good way to boost your career as well as your bank balance.

Make sure you are not overpaying tax and ensure you are claiming your full entitlement to social security benefits and tax credits.

Last but not least, you could declutter your home and sell any unwanted items. Traditional car boot sales still take place every weekend throughout Britain and online marketplaces mean you can sell any surplus bits and bobs without having to leave the comfort of your own home.