Loans Canada Launches Free Credit Score Portal And Is Recognized As One Of Canada’s Top Growing Companies
Loans Canada is pleased to announce it placed No. 131 on the 2022 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
For many, getting a new credit card is a rite of passage into adulthood. Having the ability to buy whatever you want or need and pay for it later is exciting and empowering. But it’s very easy to fall into the trap of spending money that you don’t have. Before you know it, your credit card is maxed out, so you apply for another one. The next thing you know, that one is maxed out too, and you find yourself in a financial hole.
Getting out of credit card debt will take some planning, dedication, and a little sacrifice, but you can do it. And when you do, you will have established great habits that will carry you into a solid financial future.
Maxing out your credit card doesn’t just increase your debt level, it also affects your credit score, your minimum payment, and even your future transactions.
There are a number of actions you can take to help manage your maxed-out credit cards. Here are some strategies that will get you on the right path.
You cannot borrow your way out of a debt problem. Do not apply for any additional credit cards. You also need to stop using the cards you have, even when the balances start to go down. Some people literally put a freeze on their charging by putting the cards into a container of water and putting it in the freezer. That way, the cards can’t be used on a whim. By the time they thaw out, you will have hopefully decided the purchase is unnecessary.
If your cards are maxed out, then you have been living beyond your means and buying things you cannot afford. In order to get back on track, you need to have a budget. Write down all of your necessary expenses: shelter, utilities, food, insurance, transportation, and other needs. Cut out the extras, like entertainment and eating out. Your baseline budget should only include your basic needs and debt payments.
Once you have your baseline budget, add a small amount for fun. If you try to drastically change your lifestyle all at once and completely deprive yourself of all fun, you will have a hard time sticking to it. By giving yourself a small budget for extras, you will be more likely to stay on track.
If you are overspending, the problem may be that you need more money coming in. Consider getting a part-time job to bring in some extra cash. Go through your belongings and find items that you can sell in a yard sale or online auction. Maybe you could babysit for a neighbour or friend. Get creative with ways to earn a little extra money.
In addition to earning more, you should also find ways to save money. Try renegotiating some of your monthly expenses, such as your insurance or cell phone plan. Reduce your grocery spending by clipping coupons and shopping for sale items. Do a little research to find other ways to live frugally, and you may find you don’t even need to supplement your income because you can get by on less.
If you’re trying to pay off your credit cards, the suggestion to put away some savings may seem counterintuitive. But you are trying to get away from using your credit cards and life happens. When those unexpected emergencies pop up, you will need a little money set aside to deal with them, so you don’t have to break out the plastic again.
Let your creditors know your situation. If your payments are too high and you are in danger of not being able to pay them, it is important that you give the card issuer a call and try to negotiate the terms of repayment. Sometimes you can get a better interest rate or work out a more manageable payment plan.
Creditors are used to dealing with situations like yours, and they are there to help you. They want to get their money, and they know that the best way to do that is to make repayment possible for you. They do not want you to default any more than you do because then they won’t get paid.
Now it’s time to come up with a strategy for paying off your cards. There are many ways to go about doing it. Some people like to pay off the smallest balance first, in order to see results sooner. Others prefer consolidating their credit card and high-interest debt to make payments more affordable and manageable. In more extreme cases, consumers may file for a consumer proposal or even bankruptcy.
Monitor Your Usage – Monitoring your credit card usage is one of the best ways to avoid maxing on your credit card. You can use budgeting apps available through your bank or third-party provider to do so. These apps often provide you with the ability to link your accounts and cards so you know exactly how much you’ve spent and on what. Moreover, you’ll be better able to budget and set limits on your spending.
Reduce Your Credit Limit – Another way to limit your spending is by reducing your credit card limit, while it may increase your credit utilization ratio, it will prevent you from spending more than you can afford. As such, even if you max out your credit card, it will be at an amount you can afford to pay back.
Have an Emergency Savings Fund – In general, it is recommended that you save up 3 – 6 months of your income for emergencies. This emergency savings fund will help cushion unexpected expenses and life events such as job loss. Instead of relying on your credit card, you can dip into these savings and avoid maxing out your credit card.
Being in debt is stressful, but following these suggestions will get you on your way to paying off those credit cards. Once you reach your goal, you will be in the habit of staying within your budget, and you can put the extra money into savings or investments.
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Loans Canada is pleased to announce it placed No. 131 on the 2022 Report on Business ranking of Canada’s Top Growing Companies.
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