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Quick Calculations Could Bail You Out Of Debt
Posted by Mallory Megan | Posted in Finance | Posted on 08-02-2010
With all types of debts, accounts, and interest rates all hitting you at once, your financial situation can very well seem intimidating. But if you follow this program you will find that there is an effective and safe way to manage your money.
The easy calculation requires the interest rates for each debt account only. Assuming that all debt accounts have the same tax liability. If not, you can determine your interest rate after taxes for this calculation.
Your first step is to order your debts; highest interest rate to lowest. You’ll be likely to find credit cards at the top of the list. Retail credit cards offered by stores typically have the highest interest rates, so you may find this type of credit card on the top. Be sure that the rates did not fluctuate from the promotional rates that you originally signed up for. Card issuers can change your interest rates at any time. They are supposed to give warning, but you may not receive this warning.
Your home equity loans and your mortgage might be the next debts on the list. It’s crucial that you include every debt for which you make a monthly payment in your calculations. Student loans might be the last on the list.
Next, pay the minimum to all debts every month. You will pay the minimum monthly payment for all of the debts, except for the one account listed at the top of the list.The next thing you want to do is send all extra available cash to the debt with the highest interest. All unused income after paying expenses should be dedicated towards the debt account with the highest interest rate.
Repeat these steps every month. You will protect your finances by making sure every creditor receives the minimum payment, but you will hone in on your debt that has the highest interest. Once a debt account has been eliminated, remove it from the list and re-order if interest rates have changed.
Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection agency. Also, she does stories on business and finance, consumer spending and debt collection.
