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How to get out of debt

Smart thinking will help you get ahead of debt.

Smart thinking will help you get ahead of debt. Photo: Getty

If you’re feel like you’re always drowning in debt, it’s important to take swift action. There’s no magic cure, but debt consolidation can make it easier to get out of debt and stay debt-free.

Take a look at our four-step process to pay off your debts sooner.

Add up your debts

Start by listing all your debts, noting who the money is owed to, the rate you’re paying on each debt and the amount you owe. The results may not be pretty but it’s the first crucial step to getting out of debt.

Now you have a clear idea about what you owe and how much you owe, things can start to move forward.

Choose a consolidation option

Debt consolidation works by folding a number of debts into a single loan. It means just one monthly repayment to manage, one set of statements to juggle, and if you choose carefully, you can lower your overall interest rate, which can mean savings on monthly repayments.

If you’re a home owner, your home loan can offer an ideal option for debt consolidation. That’s because a home loan comes with the lowest rate of all types of credit.

Or, think about using a personal loan to consolidate debt. Shop around for a low-rate loan with zero accounting keeping fees, and opt for the shortest loan term your finances can handle. This minimises the cost of the loan. Oh, and look for a loan that doesn’t charge early payment fee. You shouldn’t be penalised for getting out of debt sooner.

Knuckle down

By this stage, you have one low rate loan that incorporates all your old debts. Brilliant – your finances are in better shape than before. But it’s not all hunky dory just yet.

You’ve still got a big debt to pay that needs to be eliminated as quickly as possible. The next step is to knuckle down and pay as much off the loan each month as your finances can handle. And, yes, that means additional payments – every bit extra helps you get ahead.

Stay out of debt

Understand what made you get into debt into the first place. No matter whether it comes down to overspending, an unexpected bill, or a drop in your income, you need to take steps to be sure you don’t wind up on the debt merry-go-round again.

Living within a budget, building a pool of rainy day savings and sensible money management are the keys to living debt-free. To discover what’s involved, take a look at ed – ME Bank’s online school of money. It’s fast, it’s free and it will help you get more from your money.

This content was brought to you by ME Bank. For more information, click the logo below:

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