Living with debt is like walking around with a cloud of stress wherever you go. You cannot run from it, and ignoring the problem will only make it get worse. This is stressful enough when it’s just you that your debt affects. If you have a family, then the issues can compound and leave you feeling like you have nowhere to go.
Getting on top of your debts can be difficult, but it is by far one of the most rewarding ways to go forward. From debt forgiveness to IVA, there are many different ways that you can tackle your debt and finances to finally go about your day without that pressure.
Start By Tackling Your Debt Head On
There are many different ways that you can tackle your debt head-on, with one of the best ways to start is with IVA. IVA stands for individual voluntary arrangement, and it’s essentially consolidating your debts to pay less per month but with the added protection of having a qualified insolvency practitioner handle your case on your behalf.
Another way to tackle your debt is to see if you qualify for debt forgiveness. If neither option is applicable, then a debt consolidation loan may be the right choice. In this last option, you take out another loan, yes, but that loan pays off all of your debts and then consolidates what you owe into one repayment.
Preventing Future Debt
All of those options require you to avoid taking on more debt in the future. This can be difficult, particularly if a key reason for your debts is overspending or not having enough money to cover your expenses. That’s why, while you’re working on a way to lower your debt repayments, you’ll need to use these key steps:
- Relocate to Where You Can Afford
If your living costs are eating up a large chunk of your budget, then it’s important to move out of the area you’re in and into one that’s more affordable. This can be a huge change, but ultimately, it’s one of the most effective methods of lowering your outgoing expenses. If you own the property but can’t cover things like the taxes, you may even be able to rent it out and then find a more affordable place to rent out for yourself.
However, relocating to a budget-friendly area is a must if you’re renting now. You may need to travel further for work, however, so always compare the rise in transportation costs with the amount you’re saving on rent to find the sweet spot that lets you live more within your means.
- Create and Stick to a Budget
Your bills aren’t the only thing to look at. You also need to be careful with your outgoing expenses. Keep in mind that sometimes the best way to save in the long run is to spend more upfront. This doesn’t mean you always need to jump onto the most expensive option. First, try to find those long-lasting products second-hand.
Overall, however, work out how much money you have available after debt repayments and then expenses, and then create a budget from there. If you have a bit of wiggle room, immediately put that extra in savings first. This way, you’re forced to stick to your actual budget and can start to grow a safety net.
