Tips To Help Lower Your Credit Card Debt

Do you have credit card debt that you wish you didn't have? You're not alone. In fact, the average American between 18 and 65 has more than $4,000 in credit card debt, carrying a balance on their card from month to month. If you have been overwhelmed with your credit card debt for quite some time, it may feel like there is never going to be a way out. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel and a way toward living a debt-free life. Getting started on this new lifestyle may be hard at first, but you'll soon reap the benefits.

• Larger Payments- Instead of making the minimum monthly payment, make larger payments as this will help you reduce the total balance and the amount of interest you are accruing.

• Stop Spending- If you are having a difficult time managing your debt, it's important to stop spending. Determine what purchases are costing the most and look for ways to fix that. For example, if restaurants are racking up your cards, consider cooking more meals at home. To avoid using your card, try leaving it at home so you are less likely to use it.

• Interest Rates- Did you know you can contact your creditor and ask them to adjust your APR? Some companies will comply if you have a long history with them and timely payments.

• Balance Transfers- Transferring your credit card balances is another way to lower interest rates. Some credit card companies offer promotions and 0% APR for balance transfers. This will give you an interest-free period to pay but it is important to pay off the balance within that time-frame before the APR gets tacked on.

• Make a Strategy- Some people like to pay off small debts before tackling bigger debts and others like to pay off bigger debts first. If you create a strategy for yourself, you are more likely to stick to it, lowering your monthly bills.

• Payment Plan- You can call your creditor and ask to be put on a specific payment plan if you are having financial difficulty. This may help you avoid late fees and go into default which can affect your credit score.

• Credit Score- Your credit card debt affects your credit score. If you have a good credit score, you may be offered lower rates which leads to lower payments.

Consolidate Debt- You can consolidate your debt by working with a company and make one lump payment each month to help you get out of debt.
Contact Us

At The Law Office of Wendy J. Christophersen, we offer debt relief and consolidation services to clients in the Buffalo, NY area. There are a variety of debt relief programs out there, but there are also scammers out there who want to take your money. Wendy strives to get her clients out of debt and takes the time to review the options available to you. Financial stress can be a burden to your life, work, relationships, and more. Let us help you with the credit card debt relief you are looking for. Contact us today for more information or to get started.