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First,
stop making excuses about why you're in debt. Don't blame the credit
card companies or your parents. Put that energy into reducing your
debt. Debt can be extremely stressful, so tell someone you're in financial
trouble. if you can't talk to a family member or friend, contact an
organization that deals with debt reduction. Then get a handle on
how big you problem is. You can sit down with pen and paper. When
you have no idea how much you owe, simply establishing a member is
a critical first step.
Don't avoid the B-word
The best way to start reducing debt is to set up a budget. It's not
a punishment; it's a way of knowing exactly where your money goes.
You'll need to add up your income and subtract your expenses, then
set up a plan.
Don't lie to yourself. Be honest about your spending habits and you'll
end up with a more realistic budget.
Start an emergency fund
A savings account that should grow to at least three months of expenses.
Event 200 rupees a week can help if it means you don't have to visit
a payday lender two months from now. Without an emergency fund, unexpected
costs or loss of income can drive you deeper into debt.
Wha's
you plan?
Use you budget to help you plan you debt-reducction strategy. List
all of your debts, from the highest interest rate to the lowest.
Aggressively pay down the highest-rate balances while making on-time
minimum payments on the others. Your budget will dictate how much
you can devote to paying down you balances each month.
In
addition, consider these tips
• If you have the money in savings, pay off what you can.
The amount of savings income you get is usually dwarfed by interest
rate you pay on your debts.
• Use any extra cash bonuses, extra paychecks to pay down
debts.
• Volunteer to work overtime, or get a second job.
• Eat at home when possible. Avoid buying lattes and fast
food.
• Go cash-only. After the bills are paid, allot yourself a
certain amount of cash for gas, groceries, etc. When the cash is
gone, the fun is done.
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