Debt reduction counseling is becoming quite popular these days as people are running out of money way before the end of the month arrives.  Robbing from Peter to pay Paul is no longer working either since credit card companies are lowering people’s credit limits and increasing the monthly minimum payments on a regular basis.

What is a person or family to do when they have reached the maximum limits on all of their credit cards, personal loans, HELOCs, mortgages, car loans, etc.?  There are several options you have, which include credit card consolidation, loan modification, restructuring, bankruptcy (last resort), and various other programs.

When you decide to go through debt reduction counseling, your counselor will analyze your income to debt ratio, analyze all of your bills and expenses and obligations, and help you decide what is the best financial route to take.

Getting an experienced debt counselor should not be taken lightly.  Make sure they are qualified and have a proven track record.  Don’t be afraid to ask for references and call those references.

There are many debt reduction counseling companies available today within your area or online.  I personally would never pay a large fee for this service.  I would work out an agreement with the company that they get paid based on the amount of money they negotiate off of the amount of money you owe your creditors.  This way if they don’t reduce your debt, you owe nothing.  If they end of saving you $5000.00, then their fee, if it is a reasonable percentage, is totally worth every nickel you pay them.

The best thing you could do for yourself and your family, if you are in a financial crisis, is to stop using all of your credit cards immediately.  Put them away or cut them up.  Make sure that all of your monthly expenses can be paid for with your current monthly income.  If not, think about getting a second job for a short time until you can get ahead.  There are many part time jobs still available today.

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Credit cards getting out of control? It’s all too easy to happen but can seem like an endless battle to get out of. Find the top 10 ways to slash your credit card debts fast.

It’s no secret that credit card debt has become a major problem facing our economy today. If you’re one of the millions of consumers suffering from major credit card debt, then you’re probably desperate to get your massive bills under control.

But the options seem limited; you probably think that it’s almost impossible to make your paycheck stretch enough to get a handle on all of your debt. It can be easy to let debt from your credit cards take over your life – don’t let it! Whether you had an accident and had to live off of your credit cards for a few months, or just weren’t smart with your debt, there are ways that you can control your debt and pay it down – without asking your boss for a 50% pay raise! Here are the best tips for credit card debt consolidation:

* Put down the credit card: It may seem like common sense, but if you’re still charging purchases, you will never escape your credit card debt. Hide your credit cards and use your debit card to make your everyday purchases – you’ll soon spend well within your budget!

* Cut down on luxuries: Do you eat out for lunch everyday? Do you absolutely have to have that four dollar latte every morning? Luxuries like these are exactly that – luxuries. When you’re trying to get rid of credit card debt, you have to give up a few unnecessary luxuries. Try bringing your own coffee to work, or make lunch at home. The peace of mind you’ll have once your debt is gone will definitely be worth it.

* Look into a balance transfer: If you’ve been carrying a hefty balance on your credit cards, you may as well be flushing fistfuls of cash down the toilet. When you carry over a balance on your card month after month, your interest rate skyrockets, which puts even more pressure on your wallet. Consider a balance transfer to a low interest rate credit card, which will help save you hundreds of dollars in interest; not to mention make it much easier to pay down your credit card debt. A balance transfer is a viable option for many individuals, but a warning about low interest rate cards: make sure that you’re not buying into an introductory offer. The worst thing that can happen is watching your credit card bill skyrocket once the incentive period is over!

* Try consolidation loans: Many banks will offer you private debt consolidation loans to help you pay off that credit card debt. But make sure you’re not charging anything to your cards while paying off the consolidation loans, as you’ll just be digging a deeper financial hole.

* Make extra payments: Many people pay only the minimum payments on their credit cards, but this prolongs the life of your debt – not to mention the hundreds of dollars that you’re throwing away on interest alone. Pay more than the minimum payment, or if you can, make small extra payments throughout the month. You’ll see your debt shrink in no time. Here’s another tip for making extra payments: use the money you previously spent on unnecessary luxuries towards your credit card debt. For example, if you spent four dollars a day on your large coffee for a month, that’s $120…for some people, that’s like another credit card payment! If you budget your monthly expenses based on what you need – not what you want – you’ll find the money to make those extra payments.

* Dip into your savings account: This suggestion may seem a little shocking, but if you’re drowning in credit card debt, it’s worth dipping into your savings to alleviate the debt. However, if you can, try to avoid cashing out your 401(k) or any other retirement savings you may have.

* Borrow against your life insurance policy: If your life insurance has cash value, borrow against the policy. Again, this suggestion may seem a bit shocking, but you need to get rid of that credit card debt! However, make sure you pay back the loan, as any leftover debt will paid off by using part of your policy. This may seem insignificant now, but your grieving family will thank you for it.

* Get a home equity loan: If you’re a homeowner, and have accumulated equity over the years, consider a home equity loan (HEL) in the amount needed to pay off your credit card debt. Home equity loans often have lower interest rates than those of credit cards, so you’ll be trading off your debt at 18% interest rate for one at 6%. This method alone will help you find some extra cash to pay off debt. But before you take out a home equity loan, make sure you’ve learned your lesson regarding credit card debt. Don’t take out a loan, and then continue to use your credit card to make purchases – you’ll only further bury yourself with debt.

* Talk to the credit card companies: After all, they’re human too! If it seems like you’ve tried everything to get your debt under control, with no success, try taking your case to the credit card companies. Let your creditors know your situation. Maybe you still haven’t recovered from that accident, or you had a huge unexpected purchase to make; regardless, make sure to mention the word bankruptcy during your conversation. The last thing credit card companies want to lose is their money, so they’ll often renegotiate your interest rates and debt balance in order to protect their assets.

* Go to credit counseling: Credit counselors are often a great resource for consumers looking to reduce their credit card debt, as they can help cut down your debt balance by more than half. This is often the last step taken by individuals before declaring bankruptcy, and one of the most successful.

Although you may feel like you’re drowning in debt, don’t worry – there are ways out that don’t involve getting a better-paying job or declaring bankruptcy. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be debt-free in no time; but beware! Make sure you’ve learned your lesson, or else you’ll repeat the debt cycle again and again.

By Richard Greenwood Published: 8/7/2008

Watch this video about credit card debt consolidation:

Debt Consolidation for Debt Relief

This website has complete information you might need to make sure tis is the right solution for your debt problems.

All about loans: Debt Relief Services

Due to the debt consolidation loan to pay your debt.

Important Advice on Debt Consolidation

Advice for debt consolidation is great, in that the advice given by qualified sources can help you find a solution to relieve your debt and build your credit.

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