Have you dreamed about reducing credit card debt? Here is a strategy that can get you closer to paying off those credit cards. Also included are the key points to consider when determining your own strategy for paying off other debts. The value of using credit cards for certain items is not replaceable; on the other hand, the overuse of the cards is not recommended. The strategy here is intended to get you on track for creating value for yourself for the long-term.
The first key point is to look at the big picture and have a dream of getting rid of the card debt. For example, you may consider writing down your dream as such; “I’m improving my financial situation by eliminating my credit card debt.” This written sentence is the guide to keep you from getting distracted. Other important questions to consider when developing your dream are: What do I want? And why do I want it?
The second key point; once you’ve determined your big picture then develop the strategy that’ll lead you to your dream. Your strategy should become a consistent practice that gets you closer to your dream; it’s about matching your written dream statement as suggested in the first key point above. For example, you may consider writing your strategy as such; “Limit or eliminate the use of my credit cards by using cash.” Always keeping in mind that this is a long-term outlook for your financial future. Also, you may choose to have more than one strategy.
The third key point is to list your objectives, these should be specific components of what the strategy should achieve. Objectives are goals, which are important to achieving your strategy. Here are three objectives that are in line with the strategy listed in the second key point:
- Stop using credit cards for purchases
- Pay off entire balance of all my cards
- Pay off the lowest balance card in 6 months
Paying off the lowest balance first will help you reach a milestone faster than paying off the highest balance first, and you’ll have cause for celebration.
The fourth key point is to take action; these should be things that are done on a daily and weekly basis. The action steps are specific mini objectives that keep you on track and relate directly to achieving your dream. Here are specific action steps for the objectives listed above:
- List all my credit cards and balances and identify the lowest balance
- List in order, the cards to be paid off completely
- Determine the amount of extra money you can afford to pay into the selected card for payoff
- When possible use any additional money to payoff the targeted card
- Cut up all but one card Note: one card should be kept for appropriate usage
- Upon paying off each card, call the credit card company and close out the account
Action items are flexible and can be adjusted or changed based on specific circumstance to your situation. In summary, there is hope in paying off credit card debt. The best way is to have a strategy that you can use that is appropriate to your circumstances. Enjoy having more money as you have less of your income going toward reducing credit card debt.