Most people always have something they need to pay off, whether it’s bills, loans, balances, and more. The hardest thing, however, can be piling on debt after debt or simply not being able to pay off debts that are already mounting on. That can be from student loans, mortgage payments, car loans, or even debts that pile up from medical expenses and emergencies. It can be hard to imagine a healthy way out when you’re in a dangerous financial rut that sees you drowning in debt, but there are some steps you can take to move forward.
-
File for bankruptcy.
This option is a saving grace if you are no longer able to meet your minimum payments for your debts. It is an especially crucial move to make if you are already under threat of losing your possessions, especially major assets like your home or car. Just ask a bankruptcy attorney, and they’ll tell you that many individuals file for this as a way to consolidate debt. They can also help you determine whether you can be under a chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy filing.
It would be best if you remembered that this would inevitably damage your credit and will reflect in any future moves you make that require institutions or lenders to check your credit for at least the next five years. With that said, it’s still a viable option if you cannot pay your debts and if you need them to be discharged and can give you a fresh slate to build your finances up again. It would be best to get assistance so you can do this in the best way that benefits you.
-
Dedicate more of your income on paying off debt.
If you can, allocate more of any money you do make to paying off your debts in a balanced way. You should not forgo putting aside savings or an emergency fund. However, if you’ve got a staggering amount of debt built up, it would be wise to invest more in getting those paid off so that they don’t continuously grow even more and essentially make your savings moot. It’s all about finding the right balance, depending on your lifestyle.
You can scrimp a little on expenses for a while so that you can have a better pool of money from which to divide your debt payments and savings on. You need savings to keep you out of debt, but you also need to pay any existing and recurring debts as soon as possible.
-
Talk to your creditors about any existing loans.
If you already have loans that you believe you just won’t be able to pay off in time, it’s best to call your creditors already and give them a head’s up. It creates better faith than if you leave it for them to discover and eventually follow up with to no avail. It can also help your case if you use this head’s up to bring any historical evidence that supports your word on money otherwise. Previously paid bills, loans, and the like can help your case.
It may be easier said than done, but don’t get entirely discouraged by your situation. 80% of Americans are in debt, so you are not alone in the struggle. With these financial steps, you’ll have a better chance of being able to overcome your debts and recuperate.
