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5 Smart Strategies for Managing Your Debt

Finding yourself in serious debt is never a fun ordeal, and sometimes it can feel like you’re just one step away from total disaster. Things can get even messier if you aren’t prepared to deal with the situation and knowing some solid strategies for managing debt can often make the difference between coming out unscathed and losing a lot in the long run.

Prioritise Debts by Size

You should be focusing on the larger debts on your list and seek to repay them as soon as possible. The larger interest you’ll have to repay by letting them pile up can be devastating later on, even if things seem fine now. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to rid themselves of significant amounts of debt, and the primary reason for failure.

Don’t Get into More Debt Just to Solve Your Current Problems

Taking out yet another loan to repay the currently most pressing ones might seem like a tempting option, but it will quickly snowball out of control and put you in a position where you’re unable to make a meaningful payment on pretty much anything. Don’t let that happen, and make sure that you’re using funds that you actually have available to repay your current loans.

Debt Management Plans

Debt Management Plans can be a great option if you’re feeling stuck and they’re among the best types of debt management help available on the current market. The only caveat is that DMPs can’t be used for all types of debts and you’ll specifically only be able to use them to cover unsecured loans. On the bright side, if a significant portion of your debt is comprised of those, they should prove a fine instrument in getting rid of your problems. Just make sure you work with a good organisation with a long-standing reputation.

Start a Budget Plan

This might seem like an obvious tip, but you’d be surprised how many people keep moving blindly when it comes to major expenses in their lives. Don’t make that mistake. Ensure that you’re tracking your expenses and income to the best of your abilities. All it takes nowadays is a smartphone and possibly a desktop computer, and you’re all set to easily keep your spending in check – there are lots of free apps that can do the job just fine.

Put a Temporary Hold on Some Expenses

This might be a bit hard to do, especially if you’re used to having some services in your life, but if you can go for a few months without things like Netflix, eating out, Starbucks, and other similar expenses, the difference can be huge when you draw the bottom line at the end of the month. Plus, you might develop some better spending habits for the future and realise how much money you’ve been wasting on useless purchases so far!

Sometimes, managing a significant debt can be easier than it seems, and it doesn’t have to be an experience that puts your entire life on hold. Just make sure that you go in prepared and know what options you have available.

 

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