If you find yourself buried in credit-card debt, it’s important to carefully review your most recent statements for a clear idea of exactly where things stand.
When doing so, pay close attention to the minimum monthly payments. These are the amounts you’re required to pay in order to avoid late fees and red marks on your credit report.
If you’re in a tight financial spot, such as after a job loss, it’s nice to know that you only have to pay the minimum amounts. However, if you get into the habit of doing this, you’ll come to find that your credit-card debt is lingering and you’re continuing to pay finance charges.
Even if it means shuffling around your budget, you should always do your best to pay more than the minimum. If you do this, you accelerate the amount of time it takes to eliminate your debt, all the while reducing how much you pay in interest.
In the event that you have multiple credit cards with minimum payments, consider using a balance transfer offer to your advantage. This allows you to house all your credit-card debts under one roof, which will help you remain organized while saving you money on interest.
If you find that you don’t have the money to make your minimum credit-card payment, you can contact your credit card company to discuss your options.
You should also learn more about eliminating credit-card debt through bankruptcy, as this may be the best way to get your finances back in order.