Finder.com.au
Credit Card Finder Comparison Service Australia

How To Prepare A Plan To Deal With Debt

Posted February 2nd, 2010 and last modified June 22nd, 2011

Suncorp Clear Options Standard Visa Card

Featured Balance Transfer Credit Card

Using a longer-term balance transfer credit card is an effective way to deal with debt. Consider transferring your existing balances to a Suncorp Clear Options Standard card. Here, you get low balance transfer rate, low annual fees and access to perks and benefits from various entertainment establishments.

  • $27 (Usually $55) annual fee
  • 12.74% p.a. on purchases
  • Cash Advance Rate of 21.99% p.a.
  • 0 days interest free
  • Minimum Income Requirement of $25,000 p.a.
  • Generous credit limits of up to $20,000

There are a lot of people that need to deal with debt nowadays, and if you have the proper information about doing it you will find it quite easy. Take a look at this article for some information about dealing with debt.

As the level of debt rises, especially in today’s economy, many people are trying to find a way to deal with debt. It can sneak up on you very quickly and leave you feeling overwhelmed.

If you are the one of the many that feels this way, understand that you are not alone. There are solutions that can make your debt more manageable, but it is important to note that it can take some time to get out of it considering it took some time to get your debt this high.

How to deal with debt

You can follow these helpful guidelines to reduce and manage your debt.

Talk to your creditors.

If you stay in communication with them things will be better and they may be able to help you figure out a solution. If you can’t make a payment, then make as much as you can so that your credit history can stay intact.

Stick to your budget.

If you really want to get back control of your debts then you need to stick to your budget. Staying focused and on track with your budget is one of the best ways to deal with debt.

Find out all of the payment options that are available.

There are some lenders that offer different methods of payment. Find out what your options are and use the one that help you pay off your balance on time every month.

Ask for advice from a credit counselling professional.

You can also look online for information and advice.

Pay down your debt using alternatives.

If you find that you are having a problem and cannot deal with debt problems fast enough, you may want to think about borrowing money from a family member or friend, or using money from your savings account to help get it down.

Prioritise your balances

Look at the interest rate being charged on any outstanding balances you may have and pay off the ones with the highest interest rate first. While you are doing this, you must make certain that you continue to pay the minimum amount on any other balances.

Budgeting

Here are some easy steps you can use to get a budget prepared.

1. Track your expenses and income. For two months keep a record of all the money in and money out. There are some expenses that will remain constant on a monthly basis such as transport, utilities, insurance, groceries, mortgage or rent. Gifts, entertainment and holidays may vary.

2. Make your budget. Using what you have learned above, use a worksheet to start a budget. The best way to do this is to make it for a month so that you can better compare your income against your monthly expenses. You can also prepare your budget from the point of view of the household. In this case, you will include all of the household member’s expenses and income.

3. Follow the budget and track your spending. Once you have seen exactly where your money is being spent, you will be able to find ways to cut certain costs, or be able to see how you can make your savings even higher.

If you have gotten to the point where you are having a very difficult time and cannot deal with debt without becoming overwhelmed, you should follow the recommendations listed above to help you feel more in control.

Check out today's featured offers:

Westpac Low Rate Citibank Clear Platinum Qantas AMEX Discovery ANZ Platinum
Westpac Low Rate Card St George Vertigo American Express Qantas Discovery Card ANZ Platinum Credit Card

0% p.a. for 6 months

on purchases & balance transfers

2.9% p.a. for 12 months
on balance transfers

$0 annual fee

Up to 10,000 Bonus QFF Points

0% p.a. for 6 months on

purchases & balance transfers

Subscribe to our newsletter and get "The Ultimate Guide to Balance Transfers"

If You Like This Post...

Get all the latest deals, guides and loopholes go in Credit Card Finder's free bi-monthly email. Don't miss out - join the thousands who get it emailed!

We Respect Your Privacy

Ask A Question

Please note: Question moderation is enabled and may delay your question.
There is no need to resubmit your question. Once approved, your question will be public and appear on this page.

Popular Credit Card Offers

  Interest Rate (p.a.) Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) Annual fee Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)  
Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
A credit card with a low rate offer on both balance transfers and purchases, plus a low annual fee.0% for 6 months (reverts to 13.49% )0% for 6 months$4521.49%Apply Now For The Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer Read More About The Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Competitive interest rate on purchases and balance transfers offer.11.99% 2.9% for 12 months$9921.74%Apply Now For The Citibank Clear Platinum Card Read More About The Citibank Clear Platinum Card
St George Vertigo
St George Vertigo
Take advantage of this great offer from St.George with a low rate on purchases and a low balance transfer offer.13.24% 0.99% for 12 months$5521.49%Apply Now For The St George Vertigo Read More About The St George Vertigo
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
An introductory interest rate offer on balance transfers and purchases, plus a $0 first year annual fee.0% for 6 months (reverts to 19.24% )0% for 6 months$0 annual fee for the first year( $87 thereafter)20.99%Apply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card