October 17, 2022
- Categories:
- Bankruptcy
Used in moderation, credit cards can be a helpful financial tool. They can be utilized to pay bills, buy groceries or finance larger purchases.
The downside is that credit cards also have the potential to get you into significant debt. Millions of Americans currently have credit card debt that exceeds $1,000, and this type of debt is among the leading causes of bankruptcy. If you feel like your credit card debt is getting out of hand, here are a few tips that may help you gain control again.
Try to pay more than the minimum
Generally, credit cards will have a minimum balance that needs to be paid each month. The problem with only paying the minimum due is that interest starts to pile up without the debt being reduced. It may help you to pay more than the minimum when you can.
Prioritize debts
Make sure you have a firm understanding of the different creditors that you owe and prioritize those that have the highest interest rates. Like anything else, there are different methods and contradictory opinions when it comes to paying off debts. Some people prefer to use the snowball method. Essentially, this means paying off the smallest balance in full and moving on to the next smallest. This way, debt can start to feel less overwhelming.
Budgeting isn’t easy, and neither is addressing debt. What’s most important is acknowledging the problem when there is one. This way, you can take the necessary steps to get your financial situation back on track. Seeking some legal guidance will also give you a clearer idea of your options.
Attorney Brad Hawley
Attorney Brad Hawley possesses years of practical experience focused on bankruptcy, civil and criminal defense. He has prosecuted and defended clients in state court, and is a former enlisted member of the United States Army. Brad is driven by his desire to help people that have been hurt by the legal system, and is dedicated to fixing injustices he sees around him. [ Attorney Bio ]