No matter how diligent you are about paying your monthly bills, you can’t seem to make any headway on your debt. In fact, those high-interest credit cards are costing you money. But all is not lost. Here are 10 easy ways to pay off debt.
1. Get A Gig:
It may be that time to do something to supplement your income to pay down that pesky debt faster. Maybe you can take on a part-time job, ask for more hours at your current job, or earn income online through a blog or other endeavor. In fact, you can actually get paid to take online surveys.
2. Double Your Minimum Payment:
Many people who have credit cards make only the minimum required payment. Such a payment basically covers the interest, so it keeps you from becoming delinquent. But it doesn’t get you any closer to paying your debt off. So, double up your payments when you can. You may not think an extra $100 here and there will make much difference, but you might be surprised.
3. Use Cash Back Credit Cards:
If you just have to spend, try to put your purchases on a card that can earn between 1% and 5% cashback. Be careful, though, since overspending on credit cards is what likely caused most of your woes in the first place.
4. Refinance Your Credit Cards:
If your credit score is at least 650 on FICO’s scale, consider getting a personal loan. Using consolidation as a form of credit card debt relief, you will save money on interest. Plus, you’ll only have one payment to worry about each month and a fixed one at that. You’ll also know exactly when the loan will be paid off.
5. Look For Rewards Programs:
Keep your eyes peeled for rewards programs that pay you some of your purchases back. Some programs like Swagbucks give you “swag points” for every buck you spend. Your accumulated points can easily be redeemed for gift cards, and you can earn cash bonuses.
6. Split Your Payment In Half And Pay Twice:
Because your credit card interest is based on your average daily balance, making smaller payments more frequently can slash the amount of interest you owe. This works well for those who carry a balance from one month to the next.
7. Consider Downsizing:
If you’re a renter and you can’t seem to make a dent in your debt, perhaps you should consider moving to a smaller unit, or, if the landlord allows, taking on a roommate. These may seem like drastic moves but imagine how you’ll feel to get rid of that debt once and for all.
8. Sell Household Items:
Get rid of those items that are in good shape but are collecting dust due to unuse. You can put them on Craigslist or eBay and apply any proceeds to pay down your debt. There’s no use keeping things that you don’t use and could be profiting from.
9. Establish New Spending Habits:
Yes, we know how much you enjoy your morning shot of espresso. But you may have to sacrifice in the near term to get where you want to be financially in the long run. No, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of life’s niceties, but for now, try to view them more as occasional rewards for good decisions.
10. Live On A Budget:
You can try to dismiss the idea, but the truth is that you won’t get ahead if you’re shelling out more than you’re taking in monthly. A budget will help keep you on track as you work to pay off debt.
Now that you know 10 easy ways to pay off debt, start working your way through the list and begin building a solid financial future.
Also Read: Reasons That Could Make Your Credit Card Application Unsuccessful
