Oct 28

What is Debt Snowball?

Paying off debt is a concern for many consumers, and there are different opinions on the best way to go about doing it. Mathematically, it makes more sense to first pay off the debts that have the highest interest rate, and thus, are costing you more money in the long run. But, handling finances and debts is more than mathematics; human emotion is responsible for many of the financial decisions we make.

Feeling discouraged from making little progress, or lacking confidence in our abilities to eliminate debt can sabotage even the best intentions. The debt snowball, a technique first popularized by Dave Ramsey, acknowledges the emotional needs of consumers who want to get ahead of their debt and takes a different approach than conventional methods.

First of all, being in debt can be very frustrating. And it may be difficult to stay motivated in paying off debt, especially for someone who has lots of it. A debt-ridden consumer may be overwhelmed by the number of creditors they owe money to, but quickly reducing that number proves the progress they’re making. With this positive encouragement, a consumer whose determined in paying off their debt may be more likely to stick with their debt-reduction plan until they are debt-free.

Credit to Mary Lan Tomkins

Oct 27

This is a tips how to reduce debt. I found it eHow.com.

So, what do you think about this method?? Its really can help you to reduce your debt and leave your poor life? For me, you need to work hard for that and control it for yourself. Remember about your life and your new future. Its hard if you cannot solve this problem.

Step1
Identify something you want to work towards once you reduce your debt considerably. It could be that big holiday you’ve been promising yourself or the family. Have an exciting goal in mind will make the journey out of debt so much easier.

Step2
Work out how you can save even just $10 or $20 per week from the “toys” and other items list. Remember $10 is just two lunches or four coffees. Do you really NEED cable TV? And you really should be drinking more water anyway… Get the family involved in this search for small change and it will amaze you the savings each can come up with!

Step3
Look at the list of accounts and see which one is costing you the most, or is causing you the most stress. It’s probably a credit card. Stop using it if you possibly can!

Step4
Use the extra money you “found” and put it into that account and pay it off as quickly as you can. This will be the first step to reduce your debt. You will probably surprise yourself by finding new ways to save small change each day. One way that we have found is not to spend the small change you have in your pocket, wallet or purse. At the end of each day it goes into a jar for savings. Add this to the amount you are paying on the account. You will find that you’ll think twice about breaking into notes because you know you’re not allowed to spend the small change! MORE SAVINGS - wow!

Step5
Once the first account is paid off, do steps 1 to 3 again with the next account, then the next one. Add in the money you are now saving by not having to pay the first account. Can you see how your increase in wealth now multiplies? Begin to think of ways you can actively invest the money you are beginning to save as well. Put it to work for you before you begin to spend it on even bigger “toys”!

Ps: I think this is nice tips. Just wonder if some people can follow all 5 steps here easily. Ehm..

Oct 25

I guess not many people know about time barred debt. If you ask any girls at supermarket, how they response about this question? Either they will laugh to you or they will ask you again about that question. Funny huh??

“Time-barred” debts are debts so old they are beyond the point at which a creditor or debt collector may sue you to collect. State law varies as to when a creditor or debt collector may no longer sue to collect: in most states, the statute of limitations period on debts is between 3 and 10 years; in some states, the period is longer.

Federal law imposes limitations on how debt collectors can collect debts, including time-barred debts. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a “debt collector” generally is any person or organization that regularly collects debts owed to others. The term includes lawyers who collect debts for others on a regular basis, but it does not include creditors collecting their own debts. Most courts that have addressed the issue have ruled that the FDCPA does not prohibit debt collectors from trying to collect time-barred debts, as long as they do not sue or threaten to sue you for the debt. If a debt collector sues you to collect a time-barred debt, you can have the suit dismissed by letting the court or judge know the debt is, indeed, time-barred. Old debts are usually purchased by scavenger debt collectors.

You can stop debt collectors from contacting you about any debt, regardless of whether you owe it, by writing a letter telling them to stop contacting you. Once the collector gets your letter, it may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact or to let you know that the collector or creditor intends to take some specific action.

You read and learn more about time barred debt in this site. I found it and its really provide many interesting issue about debt and finance. Just go and learn it.

Oct 19
What do you know about Sleep Debt?
Posted by admin in debt, finance, health, money on 10 19th, 2008| | No Comments »

This is not about debt. But i love to discuss with you about this issue. What do you know about sleep debt?

Sleep debt is the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep. A large sleep debt may lead to mental and/or physical fatigue. There is debate in the scientific community over the specifics of sleep debt.
Wikipedia.com

Sleep debt has been a subject in health and work psychology courses where it is mentioned that in order for one to “pay back” this debt it is necessary to sleep for half the amount of time owed. For example, if of a daily recommended 8 hours sleep one sleeps only 4 hours, one will owe 4 hours; therefore 2 hours of sleep can make up for the 4. This rule is oversimplified, as timing and other factors will play a role.

Ehm, i don’t know if its really good or not to our body and health. But i like to know more. I will try to learn and discover more info about sleep debt. So, what do you think about sleep debt? It have relationship with debt and finance? No, its about our sleep and health.

Ps: You also can learn more about sleep debt here : Sleep Debt info

Oct 17

This is another 2 type of loans. I guess not many people know about type of loan. Since i already have experience using student loan. So, i know about that. So, how about the rest?? Just notice this 2 kind of loans and learn it.

Federal Student Loan
This type of loan is not based on your credit score. The good thing about a federal student loan is its need-based structure. Students with bad credit can get the necessary funds as long as they meet the requirements. Applicants with bad credit may not be able to get approval for federally subsidized private loans, since credit is a factor in the approval process for these loans.

Private Funding
Getting private funding for your student loans can be even more difficult because credit verifications are necessary. Usually, there are also credit limits to students who have a bad credit history.

There are exceptions to this rule. For the most part, an average person doesn’t get to access this type of loan. As long as there is a demand for a certain product as service, private funding will always find ways to meet this demand. This enabled bad credit student loan products to be introduced.

You also can know more type of loans at this site : Type of Loans

Oct 2

Debt is something that will probably affect us all at least once in our lives. But if you can, you want to try and avoid it at all costs.

There isn’t a fool proof way to avoid getting into debt, trying not to overspend on things will help but cannot always be avoided. There will be times in emergencies where you will have to overspend on things, but to make sure you avoid getting deeper in debt, start paying back the amount you owe as fast as possible.

One of the most common forms of debt today is caused by people overspending on credit cards. The way to avoid this is - if you know you can’t trust yourself with a credit card - don’t get one. If you know you can trust yourself with a credit card, it will help to find one with a low interest rate. This will help when it comes to paying back the amount you owe.

If at some point you do find yourself in debt, the common thought amongst people is to try and save some money in case the worst were to happen. However, this is probably the worst thing you can do. Use any spare money that you may have to pay back your debts and get rid of them as fast as you possibly can. The last thing you want is for the amount of debt you owe to rise rather than fall. The thing to remember is that your debt will not disappear on its own; you need to tackle it as soon as possible and reduce the amount that you owe.

There are a lot of places and people that can help you if you find yourself in debt; the main thing to remember is not to let it take over your life. There is always a way out.

Debt is a major problem in today’s world. Many people find themselves with different debt problems, searching online can help you find many debt solutions to suit your situation.

Credit to Dan RObert Collins

Sep 27

This is 5 ways to help you save money from Food and Groceries. Interesting right? All father and mother, you need to know about this because you can cut your debt if you control your expense every month.

  1. Stop eating out - This one is a no-brainer and doesn’t really need an explanation. Dinners you prepare at home are significantly less expensive than meals you pay someone else to prepare.
  2. Don’t buy frozen meals - If you empty the contents of a frozen dinner onto a plate you will quickly realize that you are getting very little food for what you are paying. Do you realize you are paying $300 a pound for that tiny bit of veggies on the side? If you lead a busy lifestyle, set aside a weekend afternoon to make your own frozen dinners and meals prepared from scratch.
  3. Don’t buy pre-cut meats - You are paying a premium for the supermarket to cut up your meat and chicken for you. Doing the cutting yourself will save you about $1 per pound or $223 per year for the average family of four.
  4. Pick your own fruits and vegetables — Pick your own fruits and vegetables, which can be purchased at a fraction of what you pay at the supermarket.
  5. Don’t eat meat every night - Fixing vegetarian casseroles and such several times a week can save the typical family of four about $3.00 per meal or $15.00 per week or about $800 a year. Vegetarian-based casseroles, stews, soups, bean / rice dishes, and omelets are good substitutes for meat-based meals.

Did you agree with that? So, you can learn more at this article. You can see more ways to help you save money by choosing a right thing by controling your food.

Ps: Oh no, i guess i also need to control my habit of eating. I eat too much! Maybe i can diet and control my money in same time. :)

Sep 19

Did you know any Alternative Solutions to Debt Reduction? If you only waiting for someone to tell you about that solution. I guess you not have any interest to reduce your debt. So, alert with this.

These days there are number of people who are in debt. For many, debt is the root cause for all evils. If you’re struggling to cover your bills and are being hassled by collectors, you may curse the day you applied for your first credit card. If you’re straining to make minimum payments that feel like maximums, you may swear you’ll never borrow gain. If you’ve just graduated with massive student loans, you may question why you ever thought going into debt for education was a good idea.

There are few alternative solutions available for Debt Reduction. This includes debt settlement, and credit counseling programs. Let us look at the differences of both these programs:

Debt Settlement Program:

* A debt settlement program reduces the total outstanding debt by 50-70% of the original balance
* One can be debt free in as little as 3-36 months
* Usually provides a custom designed payment arrangement that fits your situation and can finally get you out of debt
* Not only reduces the total amount of debt, but also can get you out of debt and satisfy your creditors all at the same time
* Helps rebuild your credit and avoid bankruptcy
* It’s a win – win situation!!!! You are out of debt and you pay off creditors!!!!
* Debt reduction programs such as one offered by www.debtfreeafterall.com provides an easy and convenient payment method. They are professionals experienced in debt settlement, debt reduction, and debt negotiation.

Credit Counseling Programs:

* Credit counseling programs get some interest reduced without any reduction of the actual balance
* Scientific studies have shown that credit counseling does not work 95% of the time, because people get frustrated at the slow pace and lack of progress and drop out, only to find themselves back where they begin
* There are no credit counseling programs that will eliminate credit card debt faster while saving you a substantial amount of money
* Many clients who join credit counseling programs file bankruptcy like chapter 7 or chapter 13

Regardless of the program one should always find ways to eliminate debt and keep the finances under control. Given the above two options, debt settlement offers the best advantage for debt relief as it completely eliminates debt rather than prolonging it over an extended period as most credit counseling programs do.

Article Written by Naz

Ps: Take it easy and reduce your debt slowly.

Sep 17

Although the word debt has a negative connotation, to be American is to have debt. Most of us have mortgages, car loans and credit cards to pay off. The negativity comes into play when we have too much debt and we are unable to pay it off. If you are in this situation, there are ways to get out of it. The first thing you must recognize, however, is that you must be committed to fixing it.

Here are some ways to get started.

1) Kill the addiction- Getting out of debt is just like getting rid of any other type of addiction. If you are in a large amount of debt, there is probably a reason for it. The first step is to realize that you have a spending problem. If you don’t realize this and continue spending the way you are now, nothing is going to change.

2) Don’t procrastinate- After you realize that you have too much debt and a spending problem, you need to make a plan to change it. Often, people sit around stressing, complaining and worrying about their problems rather than doing something about them. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will be back in control of your finances.

3) Pay attention when you shop- One reason that people get into too much debt is that they don’t realize how much they are spending unnecessarily. Start tracking each and every one of your purchases and mentally note whether or not it was needed. If it wasn’t needed, make it a point to not spend money on that type of thing again. Using cash can also help you control your spending. Having an obvious limit to how much you can spend will make controlling yourself easier than having a credit card in your wallet.

4) Talk to your lenders- Many people ignore calls from their bank when they are having financial problems, but it is often better to pick up the phone and talk to them. You can try to negotiate a lower interest charge, or smaller monthly payments until you get back on your feet. It is likely that they will appreciate your honesty, and the fact that you aren’t just ignoring them. Also, negotiating is often better for lenders than you filing bankruptcy. Don’t be too pushy though, it is isn’t their responsibility to get you out of debt, it’s yours.

The best news of all is once you take care of your debt, or at least head into the right direction you will be surprised that you will feel less stressed. You will even find that you sleep better. Peace mind never hurt anybody.

Credit to Sherry L Harris

Ps: Even its only 4 tips, i believe some of you can learn somethin from this tips right? :D

Sep 14

5 Benefit of Debt Settlement that might be you never know..

  1. Debt consolidation program primarily eliminates the portion of the total debt built up by accrued interest and other financial charges. Therefore, the total debt amount continues to grow over a period of time. When an individual default’s payment on any account the interest and financial charges are stacked over the debt. For example, if someone has principal balance of $2500 and interest and other finance charges added up to $3500 for a total debt of $6000, the consolidation programs can first eliminate the $3500 to bring down your debt back to $2500.
  2. The consolidation company collects one single payment every month and will disburse funds to all the bills such as medical, credit cards, utility, etc. One need not remember the payment dates for the all their accounts and usually the payments are made in time so the late fees are minimized.
  3. Although consolidation program cannot eliminate interest, it can lower the interest rates substantially. At the same time it can also minimize the monthly payments than what it was originally. For example, if the interest rate was 19% it can be reduced to 12% thus minimizing the debt accumulation.
  4. Consolidation program prepares an aggressive repayment plan for the debtors willing to consolidate their debts. This helps the consumers to have extra cash on their hands, while they stay with the program without missing a payment.
  5. People always like to pay minimum on their credit cards, which takes up to 12-15 years to clear the debts. As a result, one ends up paying a huge sum of money to the credit card companies over a period of time. A debt consolidation program can make one debt free within 2 to 4 years and provides financial freedom by saving money.
  6. Read again and do this all 5 benefit.

Done. If you manage to grab all benefit of debt settlement or management. You will manage to not have debt anymore. Try it and do your best always!

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