"Buh-bye, double-digit interest rates. So long, fat-cat fees." If that's your New Year's resolution rallying call, then here's some help.
First off, here are some mind-boggling but strangely comforting statistics for those feeling the pinch of plastic. Americans owe $722 billion on their credit cards, as of December 2002. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. reported the nation's banks charged off $3.9 billion in credit card loans during the third quarter, a 34.5% increase compared to third quarter 2001. A record level of U.S. mortgage holders lost their homes to foreclosure in third quarter 2002.
Bummer, eh? Still, those stats show that if you're struggling with debt, you're not alone. Meet fellow debtors and folks who have successfully paid off hundreds of thousands of dollars on our Managing Credit/Credit Cards discussion board. It's a virtual support group at your disposal!
Here are some other simple steps to help you destroy the debt demons:
-
Lower your interest rate -- immediately. Call up your lender and ask them to give you a competitive rate. If they won't play ball, then look elsewhere for a better deal. (We offer a card with a 0% balance transfer option. See if you qualify.)
-
We created this Debt Destruction Kit to help organize your attack plan and quash any spending cravings that sneak up at inopportune times. Fools just love the Stop Spending Sleeve. Print it out and attack!
-
Expecting a check from Uncle Sam this tax season? What a great gift to yourself. Now send it along to Mr. Visa. We promise you won't miss it.
-
For extra incentive, we offer (for free!) our Get Out of Debt Guide, with a handy downloadable workbook to help track your amazing progress.
- Get the wheels in motion toward a perfect credit score. Check out our new FICO 850 Achieving Perfect Credit online guide. You'll be the envy of all.
This is just one of the many resolutions we can help you conquer this year. Find simple ways to spend less, make more, retire in comfort, become a better investor, and more in our Financial Resolutions Center.
