Do you fear opening the mailbox? Do you cringe when the phone rings and you don’t recognizethe number?
Sounds like you may be experiencing too much credit card debt.
How will you get out?
It’s like that cookie jar that set on the counter when you were a kid. You see it so you want it. Even though you know it will get you in trouble if you dare to touch it.
Credit cards are a luxury and aren’t necessarily needed.
They shouldn’t be a part of your everyday spending plan or future spending plan. Live within your means. Expand your income if you don’t like the sound of this. Find a way to up your finances, if you aren’t comfortable living within your means.
When in serious debt you must do whatever you can to pay off your credit cards and avoid using them at all.
Now, let’s discuss how to avoid cards all together so you won’t accumulate any further debt.
By paying cash you definitely avoid debt. Whip out those dollar bills and karate punch credit in the face. Every business establishment accepts cash. It’s also a more convenient form of payment.
When using cash make sure you get your receipts because, there’s no electronic paper trail to prove you made the purchase.
When cash isn’t convenient for you to use then simply pay with a debit card.
Credit cards often get us in trouble when we try and buy appliances, furniture, electronics and other large expensive items totaling over or close to $1,000.
Any emergency credit and purchase can get you in trouble as well.
Why?
Because, they’re unplanned, unexpected financial expenses. Expenses you don’t have a plan on how to pay off.
To prevent this financial pitfall set cash aside for unexpected emergencies. When you want new furniture or a laptop simply save up some money months in advance. Also, you can look into a layaway plan. Plenty of furniture stores have layaway plans that they don’t advertise.
Stay away from those pay day loan establishments. They can be detrimental to your health. Most people frequent these places because, they fail to plan finally and are in a panic for quick cash.
It sounds like a good idea at the time to apply for a quick loan.
However, in the long run getting a personal loan will coast you even more of a pain then having no money at all. The interest rates cause you to owe way more than you borrowed.
So when you think you’re winning by being approved you are actually at a lost. Loans place you in deeper debt then you would like to be.
If you are trying to stay away from credit card debt you don’t want to replace it with personal loan debt.
When you are overwhelmed and drowning in credit card debt, it’s time to cut up your cards. Getting rid of extra cards will eliminate the headache.
At this point when you are trying to avoid debt and your credit score is already ruined do whatever you need to do to stop the accumulation of more debt.
Once you pay down your overdue balances then you can work on establishing new credit. This post here will help with that.
To avoid debt get a better job. Now you’ll have the extra money to spend instead of using credit.
Under employment is no joke. I know finding another job may not be as simple as it sounds. So, take your time.
I once heard this saying that helped me tackle a problem when it seemed so big and over whelming:
How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Apply this philosophy when job searching. Break down the process and go step by step. Begin by giving yourself a realistic time line for when you would like to have this new job. Work on your resume, prepare your interview suit and brush up on your interviewing skills.
Ask around for references and let everyone know you are looking.
Put the word out because, you never know who can help. Attend networking events.
Plan to apply to a certain number of positions every day. Just follow a plan and take calculated steps.
Before you know it your dream job will find you.
In need of quick money fast and can’t wait for the job hunt to manifest? Try on a part-time job or side hustle.
Today there are more opportunities than ever to make legit extra money without a traditional job. Some examples are, Lyft, Shipt, Door Dash, and EBay. These are unique opportunities you can easily work from home with flexible hours to fit your schedule.
It’s a great way to squeeze out extra cash when you need to avoid getting into debt by borrowing money and using credit cards.
Have a look at my two most popular post about side hustles:
5 Side Hustles That Can Make You $1,000 A Month or More
5 Lucrative Ways To Start A Part-Time Business And Make A Full-Time Income
We all have stuff that’s just sitting around the house collecting dust. Okay maybe not all but, most people have a garage, closet, attic, or basem*nt accumulation of unused items in pretty good condition.
If you’re not using these items someone else could. Think about having a yard sale.
Ladies you know you have an over flowing closet packed with expensive goodies. Find a good consignment shop to make some extra cash. Also look into selling your stuff online through: EBay, Facebook Market, Craigslist or Poshmark.
When you are consistently using credit cards and experiencing out of control debt sometimes it’s time to simply change the way you think.
Stop and take a look at yourself. Do you really need all this stuff? If you make more than enough money and you are still drowning in debt then it’s you. You have to change you.
Learn how to stick to a budget. Get to the core of the problem of way you spend so much money. While you are figuring this out put yourself on a strict no plastic diet.
Cut up your cards.
Learn how to better handle money. Start paying off existing debt and avoid new debt at all cost.
The next time you think of getting another cookie from the cookie jar—don’t. When you see something you just must have, think of the cookie jar and run. It’s not worth the extra calories. Credit card debt is one giant cookie you want to stay clear of.
Think of cash as your new best friend. Use it whenever possible to avoid credit cards.
Hopefully some of these steps help you to avoid creating debt at all cost.
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