You’re probably feeling the aftermath of dealing with post-Christmas credit card debt now. The bills are starting to come in, and you’re seeing the numbers on your credit card statement add up. You’re not alone. According to a study by NerdWallet, the average American consumer racks up $1,053 in post-Christmas debt.
But have no fear. You can take action to restore financial stability. For those of you who are still struggling to pay off Christmas bills, we’ve compiled a list of suggestions to help you out. Stick to these suggestions, and you’ll be back on track in no time.
Analyze Your Credit Card Debt
The first step is to take a good, hard look at your current credit card debt. How much do you owe in total? What’s the interest rate on each of your cards? What’s the minimum payment on each one?
If you’re not sure where to start, sit down and make a list of all your credit cards, the amounts you owe on them, the interest rates, and the minimum payments. This will give you a snapshot of your current debt situation and help you see where you need to focus your efforts.
Create a Budget for Payment
Now that you know how much you owe, it’s time to create a budget for repayment. This is where you’ll need to be realistic about your abilities and your current financial situation.
If you can’t afford to pay the full balance off right away, consider setting up a payment plan with your credit card company. This will help you avoid late fees and penalties, and it will also help you stay on top of your debt.
Another option is to use a personal loan to consolidate your credit card debt. This can be a good way to reduce your monthly payments and get your debt paid off faster. Just be sure to compare interest rates and terms from different lenders before you decide on one.
Consider Using a Balance Transfer
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your post-Christmas credit card debt, you’re not alone. But with a few simple steps, you can start to get your finances back on track.
The use of a balance transfer is an alternative to consider. This is where you move your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate. This can help you save money on interest payments and get your debt paid off faster.
Just be sure to read the terms and conditions of any balance transfer carefully, as there may be fees involved and the interest rate may go up after a certain period of time.
Talk to your credit card company about your options and see what solutions they offer. With a bit of organization and planning, you can get your post-Christmas debt under control before it starts to spiral out of control.
Take Advantage of Government Debt Relief Programs
If you’re struggling to keep up with your credit card debt, you might be able to take advantage of government debt relief programs. If you’re eligible, these programs can help you get on a payment plan or even reduce the amount of debt you owe.
Explain your financial situation to your credit card company first. Hardship programs may be available if they’re cooperative. Lower interest rates, fees, or monthly payments are possible.
If your credit card company isn’t willing to work with you, you can try contacting a government debt relief program. These programs are designed to help people who are struggling with debt, and they may be able to offer you assistance.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering government debt relief programs. First, these programs may not be available in all states. Second, there may be income requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify. And finally, these programs may not be able to help with all of your debt.
But if you’re struggling to keep up with your credit card payments, government debt relief programs could be worth exploring.
Conclusion
Right now, you might feel like you’re at your wit’s end when it comes to your recent credit card statement. You’re not alone. According to a study by Finder.com, the average credit card debt per household in the U.S. reached $8,547 in January.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together a few helpful tips to get your debt under control and start your year off on the right foot. So read on and don’t let your credit card debt get you down.