When your finances seem to be headed down a wrong path and your debt is getting out of control, be wise and take stock of the direction you are going in. There are steps you can take to prevent you from getting into further debt and to help you eliminate some of what you are currently dealing with. Use these tips to help you begin moving in the right direction financially.
Put Your Credit Card in a Drawer at Home
If you have a difficult time saying no to purchases, take your credit card out of your wallet and “Cut It Up or Shred It”. Make a decision that you will add any more debt. This alone will help force you to be more cautious in your spending.
Pay Back Your Debt as Quickly as Possible
If you have a balance on any credit card, be sure to pay at least the minimum monthly amount each month. Do your best to pay back your debt, and as quickly as you can manage. By paying off your debt, you will eliminate some of the interest that continues to build as time passes.
Consider a Second Job
If you can work even an extra day per week, it can help you pay back your debt sooner. At the very least, it may give you that extra wiggle room so that you do not get yourself further into debt. It will take up some of your free time but will be worth the sacrifice in the long run. Check out Uber or Lyft.
Creatively Find as Many Ways to Save as Possible
Look for every way possible to save money. Whether that is by clipping coupons or shopping only during sales, make it work. Find other ways to save in other areas, such as your electricity bill. Be vigilant about turning lights off when you leave the room, and about unplugging appliances that are not in use, since they continue to drain energy when plugged in.
Take a bagged lunch to work instead of buying fast food. Make a coffee at home before you leave for work instead of stopping at the drive-thru on the way there. Stop spending on unnecessary purchases in order to save on items you don’t really need anyhow.
Learning to be frugal takes a little bit of preparation, but gets easier as time goes on. It might seem like a chore at first, but the benefits are numerous. You will become a more creative person and save your hard-earned money. What better benefits could there possibly be than that?
