Experts say credit card debt continues to increase. A recent CardHub credit card debt study cited by Yahoo Finance identified the “tipping point” when credit card debt becomes too much for most American families to handle. According to CardHub, $8,300 is an unsustainable amount of debt for most households in the U.S. If you are struggling, that’s a sign you have too much debt for your personal situation whether it’s $2,000 or $20,000. By reaching out for debt counseling, you can change your personal financial situation around. At Christian Credit Counselors, our trained professionals guide people in the debt consolidation process so they no longer have to worry about debt that’s out of control. In addition to consolidating your debt so you have one easy monthly payment, there are other ways you can improve your cash flow.
Conserve by going ‘green’
You can improve cash flow by going green. Whether you rent an apartment or own your own home, try different eco-friendly tips to save energy and money. Caulk around doors to stop air leaks. You can shop for clothes at consignment stores instead of buying everything new at the department stores. Other easy ways to save money include scraping your dishes instead of rinsing them, using cold water for washing clothes and hanging clothes to dry outside.
Refinance your car or home
Another simple way to improve your cash flow each month is to reduce your monthly bills. Most people pay rent or a mortgage as well as a car loan. If you have an older car or are older yourself, you might not want to extend a mortgage or car loan. But if you are decades away from retirement, refinance your mortgage so you have a smaller payment each month. If your car is fairly new, you might be able to obtain a loan with a lower interest rate. If your credit score is too low, seek debt counseling for specific advice about how you can improve your credit score.
Budget for the unexpected
When you receive debt counseling, you learn a lot about yourself and what led you to a bleak financial situation. Your trained credit counselor won’t judge, but will ask you to think about your financial priorities. Once you know how to budget and plan, you can better differentiate between wants and needs. Saving money for emergencies is a need. Once you consolidate debt and start a Debt Management Plan, you’ll have more money that isn’t allocated for bills and debt. You can use some of your funds to save. When you save and budget, you can better control and predict your cash flow.
At Christian Credit Counselors, we can help you whether you have already reached your tipping point or are on the verge of losing your home, car or relationships due to debt. We work on your behalf by talking to your creditors so you don’t have to. With a lower interest rate, you’ll pay off what you owe in less time.
Do you want to know more about debt and how you can make smart financial decisions now that will help you secure a more prosperous financial future? Sign up for our newsletter for monthly money tips.
