Get a Financial Life

Slash your debts

Instructions

Use savings to pay off high-interest debts.
If you have savings earning low interest, consider using them to pay off debts with high-interest rates, like credit cards. For instance, if you're paying 15% interest on your credit card debt and your savings account earns only 1%, you'll save more by eliminating the debt.
Consider refinancing your debts to reduce interest rates.
Transferring your debt from a high-interest rate to a lower one can reduce your monthly payments and total interest paid. This is especially useful for credit card balances. Look for balance transfer credit cards with lower rates, and check if they offer introductory periods without transfer fees.
Opt for low-interest credit cards.
When choosing a credit card, consider how you plan to use it. If you tend to carry a balance, prioritize cards with low-interest rates over those offering rewards. If you pay off your balance each month, cards with no annual fee and generous rewards might be better.
Explore secured credit card options if necessary.
If obtaining a regular credit card is difficult due to your credit history, consider a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit that serves as your credit line. This can help build or repair your credit score if used responsibly.
Always pay your bills on time.
Timely payments can help maintain a healthy credit score, which affects your ability to secure loans with favorable rates. Set up reminders or automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date.
Negotiate for lower interest rates or fee waivers.
Contact your credit card issuer to request a reduction in your interest rate or the waiving of annual fees, especially if you have a history of timely payments. Comparing offers from other companies can provide leverage in negotiations.
Regularly review your credit report and score.
Monitoring your credit report helps you understand your financial standing and catch any inaccuracies or fraudulent activities early. You can do this by access free reports annually from major credit bureaus.