The Do’s & Don’ts Of Dealing With Debt

by Magical Penny on March 9, 2017

life insuranceLet’s face it; the global economic situation is still far from perfect. Unsurprisingly, then, more and more people are finding themselves in debt each year. But you cannot afford to worry about anyone else. Your full focus needs to be getting yourself out of debt and back into the black.

There is no quick fix solution. However, abiding these simple rules will help you avoid spiralling into further problems. And once you stop the descent, you can start to focus on climbing back towards financial safety.

Do: Consider Your Next Steps Carefully

Falling into debt can’t always be avoiding. Medical emergencies are just one example of unforeseen circumstances that could change everything. Regardless of how you reached this situation, it’s imperative that your next moves are the right ones.

Consolidating your debts with further agreements is an option. However, you cannot afford to make a bad choice. Researching the top banks for personal loans are a great starting point and could help you find the best long-term situation. Whatever you do next, though, studying your situation before rushing in is key.

Don’t: Ignore Debt Repayments

Facing debt can be quite scary, especially when you have companies chasing you for money. The worst thing you could do, though, is ignore their calls. If you do that, it’s likely that you will encounter additional fees and late payment fines. Quite frankly, that’s the last thing you need.

Companies are often far more understanding than you’d imagine. Don’t be afraid to explain the situation in an attempt to find a new agreement. Creditors are often willing to listen to customers that are showing genuine signs of making the repayments. Even if it simply buys you a little more time, making those communications is key.

Do: Seek Help

The direct creditors aren’t the only people that you should try contacting, though. Help is often available, but it isn’t going to arrive at your door. Finding that support is your responsibility, which is why you should take the time to educate yourself on the subject and pursue all avenues.

Whether it’s direct debt support or gaining additional financial aid in other aspects of your life doesn’t matter. Meanwhile, it could mean claiming back mis-sold PPI or services. Whatever your situation may be, speaking to the local legal aid experts is a great first step. Alternatively, try speaking to people that have overcome similar situations. Their experience could be key.

Don’t: Think Solely About Short-Term Situations

When facing an immediate problem, you may be tempted to focus your full attention on this matter. While it should be a priority, you can’t fall into the cycle of fixing one issue only to find that you’ve opened another. As well as solving your current problem, try to fix your credit score and keep general finances in a better place. This will pay dividends in the long run.

Likewise, it may require a short-term sacrifice to bring long-term gains. Selling some of your luxury assets may generate the funds needed to clear those debts. Once you’re back to square one, you can think about building a better future. Besides, you’ll only lose those items to the bailiffs anyway.

View more articles on Debt by clicking here

Previous post:

Next post: