How to Erase Credit Card Debt

Member

By chasingthebull
eHow Community Member

Article Rating:

(8 Ratings)

It is not difficult to learn how to erase credit card debt. All it takes is a little time and a lot of determination. Creating a plan, and then subsequently working it to perfection, can be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. Try it completely for one year before even thinking about declaring bankruptcy. You will be glad that you did!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tons of determination
A small amount of effort

Step 1

Only make purchases with cash - This is a simple but extremely effective method to erase credit card debt. If you do not add to your existing balance, it will be easier to reduce the debt that you already have. Make it a rule! No cash = No Purchase!
Step 2

Create a budget for each paycheck - The main complaint I here about creating a budget comes from people who have irregular income (i.e. sales people). Every time you get paid, create a budget that spends your paycheck on paper BEFORE you really spend it. Aim for a zero-balance budget to ensure that you have control over all of your dollars.
Step 3

Buy only assets that increase in value - I call this the "No New Car Rule". New cars, and assets that go down in value, can be considered a complete waste of money. Purchase a used car and let someone else pay the depreciation for you.
Step 4

Pay off your smaller balances first - When developing your budget, attack the smallest debt first with any additional money available. Paying the minimums on the remaining credit cards, while attacking one debt at a time, will help you erase credit card debt faster.