Monday, August 18, 2008

After All, The Credit Card Company Needs To Make Up For The Loss Somehow

Category: Finance, Credit.

If you are seriously looking to eliminate debt, then you need to consider applying for a balance transfer credit card. The Cold, Hard Facts.



With the help of balance transfer cards, you can get yourself back on track and back in control of your finances. Astoundingly, the average household in America has a revolving debt, which is basically credit card debt, of over$ 9, 00If you are among them, you can take comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Debt means bills and, more often than not, the payment of finance charges. At the same time, you shouldn t get too comfortable. Basically, being in debt costs you money. Don t Spend Above Your Means. Fortunately, balance transfer credit cards and a few other easy to follow steps can help you get out of debt and stop paying high interest fees.


The first step in getting out of debt is to stop spending above your means. In addition, if you are already in debt, you need to cut back your spending to the bare minimum. Obviously, if you are spending more than you are capable of paying back, you will only dig your hole of debt deeper. After all, your goal is to reduce your debt, not to keep adding to it. For many, it is difficult to restrict spending because we have become so used to the easy access provided by credit cards. To help you keep your spending within your means, it is wise to set up a budget. When you sit down and form a budget, you will probably, however be amazed when you realize how much wasteful spending you engage in without even thinking about it.


Of course, you will still need to put money aside for regular expenses such as rent or mortgage, and food, insurance. In fact, you can probably eliminate some expenses without really noticing. You can also set aside a little" play money, " but be sure to never spend more than what you have set aside. After you use your balance transfer credit card to consolidate your debts, set the card aside. Set the Plastic Aside. First of all, balance transfer credit cards often have a high APR on purchases made outside of the transfer. Secondly, carrying your credit card with you only makes it more difficult to resist temptation and impulse buying.


After all, the credit card company needs to make up for the loss somehow. Instead, use cash whenever possible. Counting out your money and watching it leave your hands and go into the cashier s hands, really makes you, however notice. Many people don t truly attach the cash value of what they are spending when the use a credit card. In fact, research has shown that people spend an average of 112% more when making purchases with a credit card as opposed to making purchases with cash. Watch Your Interest Rate. With this kind of data, it is no surprise that most merchants accept credit cards or even encourage the use of credit cards.


If you absolutely must use a credit card and carry a balance on it, make sure it has a low interest rate. The amount of money you can save by using a credit card with a lower interest rate is outstanding and can translate to hundreds of dollars in savings every year. If your balance transfer credit card has a high interest rate on purchases, set it aside and use a different card for every day use. Then, make sure to apply the money you save back to toward paying off your debt. When you find yourself debt- free, the small sacrifices you made to get there will be well worth it.

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