A Brief Guide To Getting Out Of Debt

By Author: Jesse Whitehead
Total Articles: 130
Comment this article

If you want to get out of debt, you need to realize the dangers of ignoring small expenses.  These small, seemingly trivial expenses are sort of like small leaks in a ship, which if ignored long enough can send even the mightiest sea-going vessel to a watery grave.  It is therefore necessary that you gain control over your impulses to spend and take steps on the road to improving your financial situation.

One step you need to take to stop becoming mired even deeper into debt is to start reducing the expenses that carry high interest rates.  

Here is how you chip away at high interest debts and eventually pay them all off:

1.  First, pay as much as you can on the account with the highest balance and pay the minimum amount on all others.  

2. After you have completely paid off this account, go to the debt with the next highest interest rate and pay as much as you can on it; on all other accounts pay only the minimum required.  

3. Repeat this process over and over until you have paid off all debts.  This may take you many months or even years to accomplish, but it ...
... is well worth doing because you will eliminate those high interest debts that bog you down financially. 

Another step you can take toward reducing your debt is to negotiate with your creditors for a better deal.  If you can prove hardship or inability to pay, you may be able to strike a deal with your lender to reduce interest charges or even the principle amounts.  This will of course lower your monthly payment and make it easier to pay off the balances.

Next, you must prioritize your spending so that you spend money only on things that are essential and which you cannot avoid buying.  Look at past purchases and carefully scrutinize each one to find out if it is something you really need.  If not, don't buy these items in the future.

Pay for your essential living expenses first, such as rent, utilities, clothing, groceries, gasoline, medical prescriptions, etc.  If you have some money left over after paying as much as you can on outstanding debts, try to save a percentage of your income in the bank.  A good rule-of-thumb is to save at least 10 percent if possible.  Be sure to save for a rainy-day fund, retirement, schooling, vacation, and any other future needs you anticipate.  

If you have any money left after this, consider it disposable money that you can spend as you please.  Of course, until you have paid off all debts, you will essentially have no "excess money" to play with. 

Finally, follow this up by not using any further credit.  This means putting away all your credit cards and paying for things with cash only.   This may be hard to do at first, but once you learn to pay for everything with cash, you will spend less than you would by using a credit card. 

In conclusion, this article has presented several steps you can take for you to get out of debt and stay out of debt.  Don't wait any longer.  Don't put it off for tomorrow, or some later date, but take the first steps on the road to financial recovery today.
Jesse Whitehead lives in California, where he enjoys writing articles on a variety of subjects. One of his latest interests is in Iridium Satellite phones. For more information on how to buy or rent a satellite phone, visit SatellitePhone-Rental.com