Consolidate your credit card debt could be one of the smartest decisions you will ever make.
Get on top of credit card debt
Credit card consolidation is a good way to get on top of your debts and ensure a better credit situation for the future. Consolidation is becoming increasingly popular since the Australian Government introduced Part IX Debt Agreements to assist those that are currently in financial difficulty.
Use credit cards wisely
Credit cards, if used properly, can be great to have. However, if you are an emotional spender, not financially disciplined or not careful with your spending it is very easy to rack up debt before you realise you have a problem. It can sometimes take you months and possibly even years to get out of debt.
Understanding the true extent of your debt
If you feel that it is time to get your debts under control and do something about them, there are professionals who will assist you with the task of consolidating your credit card debt. The first thing to do is to look at your debt, and see exactly how much you owe. If you know what you owe and who all you owe it to, it will be much easier to get help.
Don’t leap into a Part IX Debt Agreement without exploring all other options
Before you consider entering into a debt agreement it is often useful to look at the credit card market and see if you can consolidate your current credit card debt onto a credit card with a low or even 0% interest rate.
Beware of additional fees
It is important to be aware of additional fees you may incur when taking out a new credit card. However, if you are in a situation where you can not manage your debt, another credit card may not be the best solution. In this case, you could consider a debt agreement. This is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors where you arrange to pay off as much as you can afford each month.
If you are in a position where you are trying to pay off a few credit cards, consolidation will put everything into one bill, therefore, making it easier for you to pay. Paying just one bill can help you save a lot of time, as well as preventing stress.
Only consolidate debts if you can reduce the overall amount of debt
Consolidating your credit card payments into one bill can make your finances more manageable; however, you should never do it for that reason alone. If doing this will result in you paying back more, then it is not a good idea. You need to consolidate your debts in such a way that you will reduce your overall monthly repayments.
If you would like professional assistance consolidating your debts feel free to contact the Australian Lending Centre on 1300 138 188.
