Choosing the option that works for you!
The summer holding season may leave many of us with a warm glow from indulging our loved ones and perhaps even enjoying a relaxing summer holiday?? What wonderful memories that often creates…
So how is the credit card balance looking?
In Australia, over 70% of adults have at least one credit card. With nearly 17 million credit cards in circulation* chances are this is also the time of year when some of us have to face the reality of our extravagance – in black and white on our credit card statement.
Options for credit card debt
What’s the best way to clear credit card debt? This will depend on your level of debt, the number of cards and your individual circumstances, however your choices might include:
At all costs you should avoid paying ONLY the minimum monthly repayment or your could be in a cycle of debt that is NEVER resolved.
Clearly, having a plan to repay credit card debt as quickly as possible is the best option…
Credit card balance transfers
Many lenders now offer credit card balance transfers with a range of rates and offer periods. You transfer the balance from your existing credit card to a new card a lower (or even zero) interest rate for a set period to provide ‘interest breathing space’ to help you pay off your debt quicker.
To ensure a credit card balance transfer works for YOU it is essential to know the terms and conditions of the card AND to be disciplined with repayments.
What should you know?
MOST importantly, cut up your old card(s) so you are not tempted to rack up even more debt while paying down the original debt!
A balance transfer should NOT be used habitually to manage recurring periods of debt! Poor financial habits and/or multiple credit enquiries may negatively impact your credit score – even if the enquiry didn’t proceed. This could influence your ability to be approved for a home loan in the future!
There IS another way…
Together we may consider consolidating all of your debt (credit card balances, personal loans, car loans etc) into one loan with a much lower average interest rate. If you are a home owner your home loan usually has the lowest interest rate.
Choosing YOUR best option should involve creating a budget, being brutally honest about your self-control when it comes to spending and repayments and then finding the fastest and lowest interest option to clear your debt.
Need help? Give us a call today!
1. finder.com.au
As an example: let’s say you have a $10,000 debt over three credit cards with an average interest rate of 20%. If you paid only the minimum payment of $200 per month across all cards you would accrue over $44,000 in interest and take 66 years to pay off the debt. Yes, you read that correctly!