Understanding consumer debt: The good, the necessary, and the …
Using credit cards is a fact of life for many of us, but the days of leveraging ourselves into stratospheric levels of debt are long gone. No longer is it fashionable (or wise) to have accordion files of credit cards in our wallets. Here are some tips for debt management and understanding which debts can work in your favor, which debts are necessary, and which ones are lethal to achieving financial security.
Debt management starts at home: Looking in the mirror and in your wallet
Understanding how you use credit cards is a big step toward eliminating credit card debt. Keep track of your spending for a month and categorize your credit card expenditures. Chances are you’ll immediately notice certain areas where you can cut back or stop spending altogether. Identify where you can cut back, and be realistic. It’s not likely you’ll never order another pizza, but doing it once a month instead of every Friday night is a realistic choice.
Getting to know your debt: What kind are you carrying?
Financial experts typically categorize debt as good or bad. We’re taking a different approach by categorizing consumer debt as good, bad but necessary, and just plain bad:
- Good debt: This represents an investment in your future. Purchase money mortgage loans and student loans are sound investments as long as you avoid borrowing beyond your means. Note that we specified purchase money mortgage loans. A few years ago, home equity loans and lines of credit were funding everything from speed boats to luxury vacations. Borrowing against home equity can be good or bad, depending on your reasons. Interest paid on mortgage loans and student loans is typically tax deductible; consult a tax accountant or financial advisor for details.
- Bad but necessary debt: We’re living in uncertain economic times, and unemployment and loss of health insurance can send your finances straight down the drain. Some credit card companies offer a period of low or no interest for a specific period; this can provide several months for you to pay off a medical bill. There are also dedicated credit cards available to pay veterinary and dental expenses; these plans offer interest free repayment periods depending on the amount financed.
- Bad debt: Meeting your girlfriends for an afternoon of retail therapy? Cash is the new plastic. Take your debit card or cash instead of your credit cards. Avoid getting hooked into opening new credit card accounts; you may receive deep discounts on your purchases for one day, but if you’re paying off your credit card over time, any discount you received is eaten up by interest.
Identify and manage your spending style, your debt categories, and what you owe for each to establish a foundation for planning and prioritizing how to pay off your credit card debt. Seek debt consolidation and credit counseling help to help you resolve unmanageable debt and put your budget back on track.
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Loading ...Falling consumer credit card debt: Are we learning a lesson?
This week’s news brings interesting implications for consumer finances. First we learned that existing home prices have slumped to record lows, which has the media buzzing about the “new role” of owning a home. The new role is that our homes no longer function as limitless ATM machines. No more buying electronics, recreational vehicles, jewelry, and designer wardrobes with home equity loans and lines of credit. Under these circumstances, it appears that consumers would again turn to credit cards for the instant gratification of discretionary purchases. No way. Americans may finally be getting the message about the high cost and consequences of carrying high credit card debt.
Federal Reserve: Credit card debt decreases for 21st consecutive month
The Federal Reserve reports that credit card debt levels are continuing to fall, and that average credit card debt for individuals has fallen to $4951 as of June 30. This is the first time since 2002 that average consumer credit card debt has fallen below $5000. This is a trend worth continuing. Although recent legislation helps consumers in some ways by limiting credit card fees and requiring credit cards to notify customers in advance of arbitrary rate increases, many credit card companies are raising interest rates to recoup the income they’re losing due to caps on penalty fees. High cost debt is a particularly heavy burden during times of economic uncertainty.
Debt consolidation and credit counseling services provide help, support
Debt consolidation through a home equity loan or personal debt consolidation loan is often a first step to gaining control of credit card debt. What if you can’t borrow against your home or can’t qualify for debt consolidation loans? In situations where you can’t qualify for debt consolidation loans, a consumer credit counseling service may be able to help. These agencies act as a credit card debt consolidation service without loaning money. Instead, consumer credit counseling services offer debt consolidation and additional benefits:
- Reviewing your finances and developing a cash based budget
- Designing an affordable credit card debt repayment plan
- Negotiating with creditors to lower or eliminate finance charges and fees (based on need)
- Communicating with creditors on your behalf, which usually stops harassing calls to you, your home, and your work
- Administering your debt repayment plan for a low monthly fee, often based on ability to pay
- Avoiding bankruptcy through financial counseling and affordable debt repayment
Don’t put off taking “charge” of your credit card debt a moment longer. Contact a credit counseling service for debt help today.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Using credit cards to improve credit scores
Although credit-challenged consumers typically have problems qualifying for a general purpose credit card, using store brand (also called private label) credit cards can help rebuild credit. There are advantages and disadvantages to doing this.
Debt management: Beware of temptation you can’t afford
- Department stores often lure customers into applying for their store credit cards by promising a deep discount for the day’s shopping: “Save 30 percent on everything you buy today!” is a popular approach. Falling for this pitch can be bad news if you don’t have a tight hold on your spending. The credit card company is betting that you’ll charge more than you can pay off in one billing cycle, and will pay interest on your purchases. Finance charges can reduce or negate the benefit of the discount offered for opening the account.
- Opening too many credit accounts can “ding” your credit scores. Going to the mall and opening two or three credit cards in one day can reduce your credit scores, which can ultimately cost more long term than savings gained using the one-day discount shopping spree offered for opening an account.
- Store brand cards are considered a higher risk by credit issuers because in times of trouble, consumers may be less likely to pay their department store card than general purpose cards they use to buy groceries and gas. Store brand cards carry high interest rates that can make paying off balances difficult. Avoid the slippery slope of credit card debt by charging no more than you can pay off within one billing cycle.
Debt consolidation and credit counseling help available
Using credit cards to improve credit may seem unusual if you’re working to improve your credit, but the only way to raise credit scores is by using credit. Before grabbing your plastic and heading for the mall or electronics store, please keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid spending sprees: If you’re a fan of retail therapy, it’s important to avoid going crazy with your credit card in your favorite store. Instead, buy one or two items you can afford to pay off as soon as you receive your statement.
- Make affordable purchases consistently: Establishing a good repayment history over time boosts your credit scores. Instead of binge buying all in one day, plan your purchases. Replenish your favorite cosmetics or buy new tools one at a time over a period of months.
- Monitor your credit scores: Check out your credit scores each month at sites such as CreditKarma.com.
Tracking credit scores can boost your determination to avoid credit card debt and improve your credit scores. Contact a service that offers debt consolidation and credit counseling if you need help with debt management.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Do You Have Secret Credit Card Debt?
A recent survey by CESI Debt Solutions found that 80% of married couples spend money their spouse doesn’t know about. The provider of debt management and debt counseling services polled 200 Americans and found that 18.5% of married people have a credit card their spouse doesn’t know about and 15% have a secret bank account.
Secret Purchases
While there can be a variety of reasons someone decides to spend money in secret, 60% of those surveyed said they keep purchases secret to avoid problems at home. Furthermore, 38% feared that if their spouse found out about their secret spending it would result in a separation or divorce. The most common purchases made in secret are clothing and accessories, food/dining, beauty/personal care items, and gifts.
Financial Infidelity
If you, too, regularly buy things without your spouse knowing and/or have secret credit card debt, there could be a problem. Financial infidelity can be a symptom of serious problems in a marriage. Having credit card debt your spouse doesn’t know about indicates a lack of trust. But it also could mean that you have a problem controlling compulsive spending and are afraid to be found out.
Get Help with Debt
If your spending has gotten out of control and you have a lot of credit card debt, consider getting help from a debt counseling firm. A debt counselor can help you get to the root of financial problems and put together a plan for paying off debt and curbing the urge to spend in secret.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Credit Card Debt: Floating Down the River of Ruin
Carrying excessive consumer debt is not only a burden in the figurative sense, it weighs on many aspects of daily living. Ask yourself the following questions, and you can better understand how debt can damage more than your budget:
- Do your know how much you owe? Credit card debt increases quickly if you’re making minimum or late payments. Make a list of your creditors, your balances, and the annual percentage rate (APR) you’re paying for each account to help you prioritize repayment and make a debt management plan.
- Do you argue over money? If you and your significant other can’t agree on household finances, and are accusing each other of overspending, you may be headed up “debt creek” without oars.
- Do you hide or avoid opening credit card bills? This indicates two problems–you don’t want to face what you owe and/or are concealing the truth from yourself and your partner. Aside from forgetting to pay hidden bills, you can also violate your partner’s trust. Getting debt help before navigating such troubled seas may save more than your finances.
- Do you hide purchases made with credit cards? This is a sign of overspending that can lead to out-of-control credit card debt.
- Are you treading water? If you’re only making minimum payments on your accounts or taking cash advances from one card to pay another, you’re making a bad situation worse.
- Do you avoid answering the phone? If collectors are calling, you’re already in trouble with credit card debt. Contacting a consumer credit counseling and debt consolidation service can help you arrange affordable repayment terms without accruing additional penalty fees.
- Are you having problems at work? If your boss has warned you about receiving (or avoiding) collection calls at work or your debt is causing you to be distracted, it’s time to get debt help.
- Do you run out of cash well before your next payday? This indicates a strong need for debt management and credit counseling. Non-profit credit counseling can help you develop a cash-based budget along with solutions for repaying credit card debt.
- Do you frequently borrow money from friends and family? Borrowing money “just for a few days” gets old if you’re asking for another loan soon after repaying the last one. Getting a debt consolidation loan through your bank or seeking credit counseling can help take the pressure off family and friends.
Rather than risking your health, relationships, and employment, please get debt help immediately. Credit counseling services can be the lifesaver you need when you’re drowning in credit card debt.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan explains why consumers need protection from debt settlement scams by comparing them to doctors who make patients sicker rather than returning them to good health. Blogging on the Huffington Post, Ms. Madigan notes that passage of the Illinois Debt Settlement Consumer Protection Act enacts the strongest protection in the U.S. from unethical debt settlement operators. Madigan estimates that 30 to 40 percent of bankruptcy filings occur after consumers have dealt with debt settlement companies. Here’s how debt settlement scams typically work:
- Consumers respond to promises that their credit card debt can be lowered.
- Non-refundable fees are charged up front; these fees can total hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Consumers are told to stop paying their credit card debt and to send that money to the debt settlement company.
- The debt settlement company sets the money aside in a trust account or escrow account.
- When a sufficient amount of money is accumulated (as determined by the debt settlement company), the debt settlement company attempts to negotiate a settlement with the consumer’s creditors.
Meanwhile, consumers’ credit card debt grows due to late fees and accrued interest, and credit ratings fall due to non-payment. Attorney General Madigan notes that a majority of consumers drop out of these plans and end up having more debt, worse credit, and may also be sued by their creditors. The debt settlement company keeps the money it charged up front and its clients can end up filing bankruptcy.
New Law Limits Up-Front Debt Settlement Fees
The new Illinois law limits the up-front fees that debt settlement companies can charge to $50 and prohibits further payments unless debts are actually settled. Fees are capped at 15 percent of the savings realized from debt settlement. Debt settlement companies can no longer advise clients to stop paying creditors and are required to notify clients that creditors may not agree to reduce balances owed, and that debt settlement plans can negatively impact consumer credit scores.
Following in Illinois’ Footsteps
More states must take a cue from the Illinois law and take steps to shelter vulnerable consumers from scams. If you’re in trouble with debt, facing foreclosure, or both, please contact a certified credit counseling service and/or a HUD approved housing counselor. Legitimate consumer credit counseling and debt consolidation services can help you negotiate affordable payment terms while reducing or eliminating fees and finance charges on credit card debt.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...5 Signs That You Need Debt Help
Credit cards are a convenience, but carrying balances can quickly lead to unmanageable debt. Here are some signs that can indicate you’re approaching the danger zone with credit card debt:
- You don’t know how much you owe: If you open your bills and focus only on the minimum payment amount due, you could be headed for trouble. “Debt denial” can provide a momentary escape, knowing how much you owe and where you use your credit cards can help you develop a cash based budget.
- You make impulse purchases using credit cards: Sure, everyone deserves a treat now and again, but if you’re consistently making unplanned purchases on credit cards, they can create financial disaster. Keeping track of what you spend, where you spend, and how much you spend using credit cards is useful to identify problem spending.
- You avoid facing debt issues and discussing them with your “other half”: Putting away unopened bills and hiding debt from your partner are definite signs that your debt is out of control. Financial problems can cause family problems and problems at work; getting help through consumer credit counseling and debt consolidation services can help you establish a cash based budget and an affordable debt management plan.
- You typically make only the minimum payments required: Your debt is no problem; you can always make the minimum payments. Creditors are required to show how long it takes and how much it costs to pay off your balance with minimum payments. Reading this information on your monthly statements provides a clear picture of how difficult and expensive it can be to pay off credit card debt with minimum payments.
- You have little or no savings: Financial experts recommend paying yourself first by funding savings and retirement accounts before paying your bills. If your debt payments make saving difficult or impossible, it’s time to get debt help.
Debt Consolidation: A First Step Toward Debt Management
If you have good credit, you may qualify for a debt consolidation loan for enough to roll all of your credit card balances into one loan with one payment. This streamlines your debt management chores, but can lead to trouble. Debt consolidation loan consequences include resuming credit card spending after your balances are paid off. This sabotages your finances by creating more debt.
Non-profit credit counseling and debt consolidation services provide financial counseling, and can also negotiate affordable payment arrangements with your creditors. You are required to surrender your credit cards, but gaining freedom from credit card debt is worth sacrificing your plastic habit.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Are You Ready for Debt Counseling?
Have you considered working with a debt counseling firm to get your bills under control? A debt counselor can work with you to get at the root of any spending problems you have, and help you become a better manager of your money. Here are some things to look for when looking for a debt counseling firm.
- Debt counseling only works if you are willing to change your behavior. It won’t do any good to seek debt help if you are resistant to doing the work that needs to be done. Digging out of a lot of debt won’t happen overnight, so you have to be committed sticking with the program for as long as necessary.
- Debt counseling should be free or low-cost. Some churches or other nonprofits may offer free counseling or have sliding scale fees. But don’t let pricing or nonprofit status be your only criteria for selecting a counselor. Check out the reputation of anyone you are considering working with. Are they affiliated with a reputable membership organization such as the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and have accreditation?
- Credit counseling should include help with curbing spending, budgeting, saving, in addition to paying off debt. Ask about workshops or other opportunities to learn more about managing money, such as workbooks or online tutorials.
- Avoid agencies that pressure you to sign up for expensive debt management programs or require that you apply for a debt consolidation loan. High-pressure sales tactics could indicate a scam is brewing.
Don’t be embarrassed to get help with debt. Finding a counselor and admitting your weaknesses is better than digging a deeper debt hole that you can’t climb out of.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Consumers can have love-hate relationships with credit cards; they love the convenience and benefits offered by credit card companies, but paying high interest and fees makes it difficult to reduce credit card balances even when paying more than the minimum amount required each month.
Legislation designed to protect consumers is meeting with mixed reactions from credit card companies. Anxious to recoup losses associated with the new rules, some credit card companies are raising interest rates, increasing or imposing membership fees, and are reducing “niche” credit cards tied to retailers and services that reflect consumers’ interests and spending habits.
The economic downturn has caused some credit card issuers to slash credit lines and reduce or charge more for other financial services including checking and savings accounts. While consumers with good to excellent credit can negotiate with credit card issuers and financial institutions, consumers with fair or poor credit ratings may not be able to negotiate lower rates and fee waivers.
Good Credit? Here’s Some Good News
Effective debt management requires paying close attention to who and how much you owe. Credit card companies compete for business by offering low introductory rates to open a new account. These offers can also encourage transferring balances from your existing credit card accounts to your new credit card account. This can be a great way to reduce the cost of debt if:
- You can pay off the debt transferred within the introductory period of no to low interest.
- Transfer fees (typically 3 to 5% of each balance transferred) plus the introductory interest rate on the new credit card are significantly less than the annual percentage rate you’re paying on your credit card balances.
- There are no membership fees or other fees that reduce your potential savings.
- You can stop using credit cards once you’ve completed your balance transfers.
Newsweek reports that some credit card issuers are lowering rates they charge during introductory periods and extending the length of the introductory periods, which can vary from six months to a year or more. This can help you pay off credit card balances at less cost.
Bad Credit? Consumer Credit Counseling and Debt Consolidation Programs Offer Solutions
Credit counseling and debt consolidation services may be able to help if you cannot qualify for low cost balance transfer offers or debt consolidation loans. Credit counseling and debt consolidation services typically work with clients to find affordable solutions to repay credit card debt. This process requires reviewing your financial situation and determining how much you can afford to pay toward credit card debt.
Credit counselors can also help you design a cash based budget and negotiate the terms of your debt repayment plan with your creditors. These programs provide the added benefit of debt consolidation because you make one scheduled payment to your credit counseling service and they pay your creditors.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Recent reports of falling FICO credit scores is not surprising in light of high unemployment rates, stagnant real estate markets, and ongoing home foreclosures. Unfortunately, other factors can lower your credit scores even if you’re paying your bills on time, haven’t lost your job, and aren’t in foreclosure.
- Credit utilization ratio: You can calculate this number by dividing the amount of debt you owe by the amount of credit you have. If you owe $3000 between three cards that have a combined total credit line of $10,000, your credit utilization ratio is 30%. Financial advisors recommend keeping your balances at about one third of your available credit, or about 33%. Unfortunately, if credit card issuers cut your credit lines, your credit score can decrease.
- Credit card issuers cutting credit lines: The days of carrying a wallet full of credit cards with five-figure credit lines are gone. Credit card companies are reducing credit lines to limit their risk. In the example above, owing $3000 against $10,000 total credit lines would put you in good shape, but if your total credit line is reduced to $5000, owing $3000 would increase your credit utilization ratio to 66.6%, which is well over the recommended utilization level of 33% or less.
- Unemployment: As high unemployment rates linger, more consumers find it necessary to make minimum credit card payments and may also increase balances using credit cards for essential expenses. Missing payments can take a big bite out of your credit scores very quickly.
- Sluggish housing markets: This can cause problems for homeowners who need to sell their homes to relocate to a new job or for those who can no longer make payments. If you can’t sell your home, or your lender won’t approve a short sale, you may be forced into foreclosure. Contact a housing counselor for help to avoid foreclosure.
- Reduced income: Taking lower paying jobs while waiting for your next professional gig can help pay the bills, but if you fall short, using credit cards can seem like a temporary “bridge” to make ends meet. High interest rates can send credit card balances out of control.
- High interest rates: Although legislation designed to protect consumers is now law, credit card companies are responding by increasing interest rates to replace revenue lost when certain practices and fee assessments were outlawed. The complicated methods credit card companies use to calculate interest can cause interest owed to increase rapidly.
Eliminating credit card debt saves money and improves your financial security; develop your own debt repayment plan or get help from credit counseling and debt consolidation programs. Although your credit rating can decrease during a debt management program, you can increase your savings and eventually rebuild your credit by making mortgage, vehicle, and student loan payments on time.
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Cost of Bankruptcy Has Risen Since 2005 Reform
Understanding consumer debt: The good, the necessary, and the ...
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Chris Rocks is the Regional Director of the National Credit Federation (NCF). NCF is a nationwide membership-based organization that assists consumers recovering from a financial difficulty and those who need a significant increase in their credit score.
Chris began his financial services career as a Financial Advisor helping young families with risk management and asset accumulation strategies. It was during that time that Chris realized that many of these young families also needed someone to guide their choices with regards to debt management.
He made the transition into the mortgage industry where he first worked as a loan originator and later the Vice President of a small mortgage company. As Chris came across clients who had suffered through financial challenges and saw the difficulty they had in re-entering our credit driven economy, he discovered there was a real opportunity to leverage his unique background and help others.
He can be contacted by visiting his personal site, GoodCreditLiving.com.
Francine L. Huff is the Publisher and Editorial Director of Super Savvy Publishing, LLC, which provides editorial and publishing services. She is a gifted author, freelance journalist, and motivational speaker who has entertained and motivated a variety of audiences through workshops, panels and keynote addresses. Francine is the author of The 25-Day Money Makeover for Women, which has inspired and motivated many readers to rein in poor financial habits, become good stewards over their money and work toward a debt-free life. She has appeared on a variety of TV and radio shows. Francine previously worked for the Wall Street Journal, where she was the spot news bureau chief, a news editor and a copy editor. She has interviewed a variety of financial professionals about financial issues and strives to present information about managing money in an easy-to-understand format that is accessible to people of all backgrounds and income levels.
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience working in mortgage banking and loan servicing. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
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