I have a LOT of credit card debt. It has just grown over time and I can’t find my way out. I’m considering debt consolidation, specifically a company called National Debt Relief which seems legit but I’m just so hesitant because I’m scared to make my situation worse. Or a personal loan to pay off all the CC debt and then have a smaller all in one payment. I’m intelligent and I work in finance, it’s so embarrassing. HELP.

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I’m in the same boat. Wondering if I can use multiple strategies to get out of debt or should I just surrender to a recommended debt management company. Is there a financial expert out there who could advise us about the best way to pay off credit card debt? Thank you so much for your post. We’re being responsible enough to own our mistakes and to start turning it around ASAP. No shame.

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I would say the first thing to do is look through the last several calendar months, categorize expenses and see where the offenders are. A lot of times, people aren’t fiscally responsible everywhere, but they compensate. Example, my car costs more per month than what I should pay but I know it works out due to my dining out habits and low amount of gas needed.

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Create a budget. If you can’t pay off your credit card statement each month, then you can’t afford what you bought.

If it’s accruing interest, then stop swiping it. Just pay cash/debit for stuff and attack the cc debt that’s piling up for you.

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Have you heard of Dave Ramsey? He does a great job on giving some tips to get out of debt. Trust me, you’re not alone, and you’re more than capable of it

I would be hesitant with any of the debt relief orgs, as typically they will destroy your credit through a structured bankruptcy.

As other have alluded to, what you need is a debt tackling plan, a budget, and the discipline to stick to them.

Typically I recommend using the Money Guy’s financial order of operations, but you might want to start with Dave Ramsay’s baby steps approach to get your debt under control. Then would recommend YNAB for budgeting (check out videos by Nick True for setup and how to).

You’ve got this!

uplifting

I found YNAB quite complicated to set up and use properly. It seems there is definitely a learning curve but I have heard so many great things. I’ll check out those videos and see if it helps me figure it out!

If you’re accruing interest on CC debt then you need to take immediate action. How is your credit?

Look into a credit card with 0% interest for 6-18 months. Transfer as much of your balance to this card. Rinse and repeat as much as you can. If you’re able to get any period of 0% interest take that as a time to put all of your resources to paying down the balance.

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That’s a good plan OP. What ballpark what average APR is your debt at?

You have to make sure you read the terms of the card. Look to see that there is no fee for balance transfers. Then cut the card in half (to keep you from swiping it and adding to the balance). choose one CC to keep and cut the remainder in half. Only use the remaining CC as it’ll be easier to track your spending.

Some card recommendations - Citi Diamond, Bank of America has one (it’s white I can’t remember what it’s called, Amex Everyday Spending Card)

Also, money management is about changing your spending/savings habits/mindset too. No point in getting out of debt if you don’t have the rest under control

smart

I’m a balance of cheap and bougie! Lol. But was hella cheap for about 2 years.

It may feel like a struggle at first but once you get into it it will become better. Just don’t give up, it will be worth it!!!

Remember that everything is negotiable. Call your insurance to see if you can get better rates, shop around. Call your credit card company to see if they can lower your interest rates

Best of luck for to you and cheers to being debt free!

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What’s a lot? Over 20k? 50kk

Over 20k

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