Use These Suggestions to Tackle Your Credit Card Bills Immediately After the Holidays (Updated 2022)
Post-Christmas credit card debt may be affecting you now. Your credit card statement is growing as bills arrive. Not alone. NerdWallet found that Americans average $1,053 in post-Christmas debt.
Fear not. restore financial stability. We’ve put together a list to help you pay off Christmas bills. Follow these tips to get back on track quickly.
Look Closely at Your Credit Card Bills
The first step is to examine your Dealing with post-Christmas credit card debt. What is your total debt? What is the current interest rate on each of your credit cards? What is the minimum payment for each?
If you’re not sure where to start, sit down and make a list of all your credit cards, the amounts you owe on them, the interest rates, and the minimum payments. This will give you a general idea of how much debt you have and help you figure out where you should focus your efforts.
Make a Plan for Payments
You should make a repayment plan and a budget now that you know how much you owe. Here is where you’ll need to be honest with yourself about your skills and resources.
Set up a payment plan with your credit card company if you are unable to pay the full balance in one lump sum. You can stay on top of your debt and avoid late fees and penalties by doing this.
Credit card debt consolidation loans are another viable alternative. As a result, you may be able to lower your monthly payment and pay off your debt sooner. Always shop around for the best interest rate and terms by comparing lenders.
Balance transfers are an option to consider.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by post-Christmas credit card debt. You can fix your finances with a few simple steps.
Consider a balance transfer. This involves transferring credit card debt to a lower-interest card. This can reduce interest costs and speed up debt repayment.
Read the terms and conditions carefully before you make a balance transfer. There may be fees, and the interest rate may go up after a certain amount of time.
Ask your credit card company for options. Organization and planning can help you manage post-Christmas debt before it spirals out of control.
Get Government Debt Relief
Government debt relief programs may help with credit card debt. These programs can help you get on a payment plan or reduce your debt if you qualify.
First, tell your credit card company about your finances. Cooperative hardship programs are available. Lower interest rates, fees, and monthly payments are possible.
If your credit card company won’t cooperate, contact a government debt relief program. These debt-relief programs may help you.
Government debt relief programs have some considerations. First, not all states offer these programs. Second, income requirements may apply to qualify. Finally, these programs may not help with all debt.
If you’re having trouble paying your credit cards, government debt relief programs may help.
Bottom Line
If you received your credit card statement recently, you may feel like you’ve reached your wit’s end. There are others in your position. Finder.com reports that in January, the average household in the United States had $8,547 in credit card debt.
No need to worry, though; we’ve got your back. To help you get a handle on your finances and make a good start to the new year, we’ve compiled some advice. Read on and keep your chin up about your credit card balances.