With the economy shaky, unemployment on the rise and high costs of living, it is no surprise that many individuals and families find themselves drowning in debt. Outstanding credit card bills, missed mortgage payments and overdue utility bills can affect your life and that of your family. The only way to regain your peace of mind is to get out from under debt and get into the positive. The first step to getting out of debt is to get effective debt management advice.
Why Get Debt Management Advice?
A lot of people in debt are often embarrassed to admit to being in trouble and are hesitant to get help. Sometimes ego can get in the way of getting help as well. But, the fact is that there is a lot of advice out there that can point you in the right direction and ensure that you are on your way to being clear out of debt. There are several registered and qualified advisors who can offer debt reduction advice tailored to your unique situation and lifestyle. Here’s why you should take that first step and get some debt management advice:
What You Don’t Know Can Help You:
Getting debt reduction advice from debt reduction specialists can show you alternatives to debt reduction- show you avenues that you did not even know existed.
Stitch in Time:
With every day that you spend in debt, your debt builds- high interest rates and minimum payments that only cover the interest add exponentially to already existing debt. So, the sooner you get help with repaying your debt, the less you have to pay back.
It Can’t All Be Legal:
Sometimes, it gets very tempting to borrow from John to pay Larry and really the vicious cycle never ends. But, debt reduction specialists can ensure that all the advice they give you is completely legal and actually pays down your debt instead of recycling it.
Under Control:
Debt reduction specialists can help you consolidate your debt so that you have only one manageable monthly payment to make instead of keeping track of several creditors and bills.
Future Credit:
Many people who are in debt believe that they will be ineligible for future credit if they approach debt management agencies. This is, in fact, a myth- you will be eligible for future credit and debt management advice can direct you to minimize damage to your credit and show you how to secure future loans.
Who to Approach?
There are several resources that you can approach to get the best debt management advice for your situation. Consider all the available options and pick the resource that fits you the best.
Financial Consultants:
There are several professional and qualified financial consultants who have the tools to offer you sound advice and build a plan for you to get out of debt. A financial consultant can advise you keeping the law and your financial situation in mind. Their advice is a little expensive, but they stick with you till you are out of debt and it is completely confidential.
Banks/Financial Institutions:
Your bank probably has a more comprehensive view of your financial picture and can give you more thorough, fact-based advice to manage your debt effectively. In addition, talking to banks and financial institutions are also in a position to offer you solutions like loans to address debt management. What may be different about banks is that they can offer you advice and offer you products to get out of debt, with no fees attached. This does not mean that you are getting free advice though- if you subscribe to the bank’s new product, they earn from your interest and by improving your credit they gain a stable customer.
Debt Counselling:
Debt counsellors are qualified to provide you with solid debt management advice – not only about debt consolidation but also advice on how to prevent future debt. Debt counselling is beneficial as it not only offers financial advice, but also behavioral advice on future financial actions. Debt counselling is low in fees and are sometimes even non-profit, providing you with the best advice in the most cost-effective way possible.
Online Forums:
With cyber-age at its peak now, literally anything can be found online- including financial advice. There are several credible financial analysts and organizations offering some great advice out there in cyberspace. What’s more- it’s free! But, be wary of the advice you adopt and make sure that it comes from credible sources. Also, this is by far, the most self-driven form of debt management advice available. Unlike debt counselling or financial advisors, you will have no active support in your debt consolidation journey. While the advice is available online, it is up to you to make it work for you- implement plans, remain disciplined and be motivated to get out of debt.
With debt consolidation becoming a priority in many economies, there are several avenues out there to get out of debt. Be sure to get the advice right for you, your personality and lifestyle.