- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Suggestions/Tips for Getting Out of Debt?
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:34 am
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:34 am
I’m looking for any advice on creating a plan for getting out of debt. I do realize solutions can be very situational and far from one size fits all.
Roughly $20k in unsecured debt and obviously growing through interest (not through more spending) difficult but doable to make min monthly payments, which ik will never help in getting out of debt. Single/ late 20’s, just 3 yrs ago had zero debt and credit score of 770. Through circumstances outside of my control mixed with some very much in my control that changed and it’s time to right the ship. Just looking to gain more perspective ane ideas from those who may have experienced the same or work in a related field dealing with this. I mention the score being very low now to state that getting a large consolidation loan could be very difficult, but would tremendously boost my score opening up that avail credit.
Love my job/company and already have side hustle. So not changing jobs but feel free to mention any other side earning solutions.
Bankruptcy?
Consolidation loan (if able to qualify)?
Stop paying in favor of settling on lower amounts, but miss payments in process?
Credit counseling service?
Maybe local hard money lenders who would structure a note?
Look forward to hearing some constructive responses!
Roughly $20k in unsecured debt and obviously growing through interest (not through more spending) difficult but doable to make min monthly payments, which ik will never help in getting out of debt. Single/ late 20’s, just 3 yrs ago had zero debt and credit score of 770. Through circumstances outside of my control mixed with some very much in my control that changed and it’s time to right the ship. Just looking to gain more perspective ane ideas from those who may have experienced the same or work in a related field dealing with this. I mention the score being very low now to state that getting a large consolidation loan could be very difficult, but would tremendously boost my score opening up that avail credit.
Love my job/company and already have side hustle. So not changing jobs but feel free to mention any other side earning solutions.
Bankruptcy?
Consolidation loan (if able to qualify)?
Stop paying in favor of settling on lower amounts, but miss payments in process?
Credit counseling service?
Maybe local hard money lenders who would structure a note?
Look forward to hearing some constructive responses!
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:37 am to jp90
$20k isn’t that bad unless you have a small income. Speaking of, what’s your income? Could you provide a breakdown of your expenses?
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:51 am to jp90
Spend less on other things, earn more money, put the extra money toward debt, getting a lower interest rate will mathematically save some money, but will probably have the least effect on your success. This is really the only way out, everything else is just dancing around the issue.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:57 am to jp90
Can you borrow against your house or 401(k) if the interest rate is high enough and you can't get financing.
Do you have a nice car thats paid off? You could sell it and drive a POS.
Need to know the interest rate, im guessing high as shite. You're first priority is to get it to a more manageable interest rate.
Do you have a nice car thats paid off? You could sell it and drive a POS.
Need to know the interest rate, im guessing high as shite. You're first priority is to get it to a more manageable interest rate.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:58 am to jp90
Stop worrying about your credit score. That score if only useful if you want to borrow more money, which you shouldn't be doing.
Consolidate if you are able to get a lower rate. You need to pay extra, which means you need to spend less elsewhere or make more money (preferably both).
This is actually pretty easy if you are dead-set on keeping your current job. Two step plan:
1) Make a monthly budget and cut out everything that isn't essential.
2) Find an additional job doing anything at all. Deliver pizzas, walk dogs, anything.
Those are actually the two main steps to anyone's plan to get out of debt. People end up failing because they don't want to cut unnecessary spending, or they don't want to spend their free time working another job. Just suck it up and do those things for a short period and you will work your way out.
Don't stop paying, don't consider bankruptcy, don't go to credit counseling (unless you really can't stop buying on credit), and definitely don't go another lender.
edit: Dave Ramsey exists for cases like this.
Consolidate if you are able to get a lower rate. You need to pay extra, which means you need to spend less elsewhere or make more money (preferably both).
This is actually pretty easy if you are dead-set on keeping your current job. Two step plan:
1) Make a monthly budget and cut out everything that isn't essential.
2) Find an additional job doing anything at all. Deliver pizzas, walk dogs, anything.
Those are actually the two main steps to anyone's plan to get out of debt. People end up failing because they don't want to cut unnecessary spending, or they don't want to spend their free time working another job. Just suck it up and do those things for a short period and you will work your way out.
Don't stop paying, don't consider bankruptcy, don't go to credit counseling (unless you really can't stop buying on credit), and definitely don't go another lender.
edit: Dave Ramsey exists for cases like this.
This post was edited on 5/31/18 at 11:00 am
Posted on 5/31/18 at 11:06 am to EA6B
quote:
Spend less on other things, earn more money, put the extra money toward debt, getting a lower interest rate will mathematically save some money, but will probably have the least effect on your success. This is really the only way out, everything else is just dancing around the issue
Yep. Reduce your expenses where you can. Get a roommate, live at home, improve your vehicle situation are all steps to consider. $20k isn't very much and can be achieved quickly with the right attitude. At least you're inquiring about it, but focus on your monthly cashflow.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 11:17 am to jp90
quote:
Bankruptcy?
No, you're not bankrupt.
quote:
Consolidation loan (if able to qualify)?
Won't matter, if you don't change your behavior. All you are doing here is "shifting" debt. Fix the ROOT of the problem, not the symptom.
quote:
Stop paying in favor of settling on lower amounts, but miss payments in process?
No, honor your debt obligations.
quote:
Credit counseling service?
frick no.
quote:
Maybe local hard money lenders who would structure a note?
Get a second job. Get a third job. Reduce your spending. Better yet, have develop a plan. On paper. And with a purpose.
Sell things. Do what it takes to get the debt out of your name.
You are the problem. But here's the good news. You are also the solution as well.
Do you have a defined budget? One that is done on a monthly basis? My guess is no.
You need to get control of your money instead of your money, or lack thereof, controlling you.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 11:19 am to barry
quote:
Can you borrow against your house or 401(k) if the interest rate is high enough and you can't get financing.
Terrible idea, especially in today's market with his 401(k). He could lose his job tomorrow and that money then becomes due.
Sell things. Reduce expenses. No going out with friends. Pick up extra income. Jobs are plentiful. It may not be what he wants to do, but if he's really serious about getting out of debt, he'll do what is necessary instead of what "feels" good.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 11:38 am to jp90
What kind of vehicle do you drive?
Do you have unnecessary expenses? Cable can be cut ($50-$100 a month so $600-$1,200 a year that can be applied directly to debt). Going out can be stopped.
Where do you live? Can you move to smaller/cheaper location? If you can save a couple hundred bucks a month on rent, that can be applied directly to the debt.
Do you have unnecessary expenses? Cable can be cut ($50-$100 a month so $600-$1,200 a year that can be applied directly to debt). Going out can be stopped.
Where do you live? Can you move to smaller/cheaper location? If you can save a couple hundred bucks a month on rent, that can be applied directly to the debt.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 2:27 pm to yellowhammer2098
Definitely look at the vehicle issues: if you're driving a gas guzzling truck and have a long commute, you're pissing away your hard earned money. Sell it, buy a used Camry or Civic or Yaris and stop spending so much on gas, insurance, etc. Way too many people stay tied to a vehicle they can't afford instead of realizing they've made a mistake, selling/trading, and getting into a more suitable, affordable vehicle.
Get rid of as many recurring, monthly expenses as you can. That means cable, high speed internet (use the public library's internet, or offer a neighbor with a wireless network some cash to use their signal), reduce your cell phone plan, cancel Netflix, TiVo, Apple Music, gym membership or any other thing that you're paying every month.
Learn to enjoy free things. Parks, walking/running trails, public libraries: already funded by your tax dollars. Go use the stuff you've already paid for. Library's electronic collections offer music, TV, movies, graphic novels, etc. Local publications list tons of free things going on in larger communities...rural areas offer their own free delights (fishing, hiking, gardening).
Stop eating out. Pack your own lunch. $10 in groceries should cover lunch for 5 days, easily. If you can't figure out how to make your grocery dollars stretch, or you don't know how to cook, download this free awesome cookbook by Leann Brown: Good and Cheap: How to Eat Well on $4/Day. LINK
Figure out why you're overspending...is it tied to overdrinking or other substances? Address that, too, or you're just pretending that this is a money problem.
Get rid of as many recurring, monthly expenses as you can. That means cable, high speed internet (use the public library's internet, or offer a neighbor with a wireless network some cash to use their signal), reduce your cell phone plan, cancel Netflix, TiVo, Apple Music, gym membership or any other thing that you're paying every month.
Learn to enjoy free things. Parks, walking/running trails, public libraries: already funded by your tax dollars. Go use the stuff you've already paid for. Library's electronic collections offer music, TV, movies, graphic novels, etc. Local publications list tons of free things going on in larger communities...rural areas offer their own free delights (fishing, hiking, gardening).
Stop eating out. Pack your own lunch. $10 in groceries should cover lunch for 5 days, easily. If you can't figure out how to make your grocery dollars stretch, or you don't know how to cook, download this free awesome cookbook by Leann Brown: Good and Cheap: How to Eat Well on $4/Day. LINK
Figure out why you're overspending...is it tied to overdrinking or other substances? Address that, too, or you're just pretending that this is a money problem.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 3:50 pm to jp90
if you aren't changing jobs, have a good job, make good money and can pay for things with cash moving forward, just default on them.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 4:09 pm to jp90
You sound way too cocky to be honestly humbled by your debt to do what it takes to get out of it.
You aren't bankrupt. You may be able to get a line of credit at a lower rate if you have some 10%+ Credit Cards.
What's your income? How much is your car worth? How much is your side hustle?
There's no reason you can't make $500/ month on a side job delivering pizza's or something. I'm guessing you have at least $10k in equity in your vehicle. Maybe more.
Cut out cable and limit your food bill. Learn to eat cheap. Then sell everything you can. Finally get a decent side gig, uber or whatever.
At this point if you aren't down to a couple $1000 then you didn't try hard enough honestly.
You aren't bankrupt. You may be able to get a line of credit at a lower rate if you have some 10%+ Credit Cards.
What's your income? How much is your car worth? How much is your side hustle?
There's no reason you can't make $500/ month on a side job delivering pizza's or something. I'm guessing you have at least $10k in equity in your vehicle. Maybe more.
Cut out cable and limit your food bill. Learn to eat cheap. Then sell everything you can. Finally get a decent side gig, uber or whatever.
At this point if you aren't down to a couple $1000 then you didn't try hard enough honestly.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 4:36 pm to jp90
quote:
I’m looking for any advice on creating a plan for getting out of debt. I do realize solutions can be very situational and far from one size fits all.
Roughly $20k in unsecured debt and obviously growing through interest (not through more spending) difficult but doable to make min monthly payments, which ik will never help in getting out of debt. Single/ late 20’s, just 3 yrs ago had zero debt and credit score of 770. Through circumstances outside of my control mixed with some very much in my control that changed and it’s time to right the ship. Just looking to gain more perspective ane ideas from those who may have experienced the same or work in a related field dealing with this. I mention the score being very low now to state that getting a large consolidation loan could be very difficult, but would tremendously boost my score opening up that avail credit.
Love my job/company and already have side hustle. So not changing jobs but feel free to mention any other side earning solutions.
Bankruptcy?
Consolidation loan (if able to qualify)?
Stop paying in favor of settling on lower amounts, but miss payments in process?
Credit counseling service?
Maybe local hard money lenders who would structure a note?
Look forward to hearing some constructive responses!
There are two things you said that are concerning, IMO.
1.) difficult but doable to make min monthly payments
If you are having trouble making the minimum payments already, then it sounds like your income is pretty low. Please give some sort of breakdown of how much you have remaining after you pay for essentials. Then list the essentials and how much you are paying. Either you don't make enough money, or more likely, your definition of essentials is not what it needs to be.
2.) I mention the score being very low now to state that getting a large consolidation loan could be very difficult, but would tremendously boost my score opening up that avail credit.
You seem to see more debt as a potential solution. Consolidating your debt to lower your interest rate makes sense. Other than that, your credit score is meaningless. Maybe I misinterpreted your point.
Most of the time, it's simply a matter of making tough decisions and living below the level you are living now. A lot of people have problems with that concept. It's not too dissimilar with a drug addict. It's hard to see the solution until you've adopted that new lifestyle.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 6:26 pm to jp90
Dave Ramsey was made for you. Debt snowball, beans and rice, et al.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 6:48 pm to ATLdawg25
quote:
Stop worrying about your credit score. That score if only useful if you want to borrow more money, which you shouldn't be doing.
Consolidate if you are able to get a lower rate. You need to pay extra, which means you need to spend less elsewhere or make more money (preferably both).
This is actually pretty easy if you are dead-set on keeping your current job. Two step plan:
1) Make a monthly budget and cut out everything that isn't essential.
2) Find an additional job doing anything at all. Deliver pizzas, walk dogs, anything.
Those are actually the two main steps to anyone's plan to get out of debt. People end up failing because they don't want to cut unnecessary spending, or they don't want to spend their free time working another job. Just suck it up and do those things for a short period and you will work your way out.
All good advice IMO
I had a friend that had to get out of a similar situation and he got a second job as a door guy at a bar on weekends. He opened up a new checking account to deposit all the funds from that job in and didn't merge the income with the existing account. After a few months he was on top of things to where he ditched the second lower paying job.
The only way to get out fast is to find every way possible to cut expenses and increase income. Attack it aggressively up front to get things to where they are more manageable.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 9:54 pm to jp90
There are a lot of good ideas before my post.
The first & most important step is to MAKE A BUDGET, imo. It does not have to be an electronic one; a piece of paper works fine.
Someone mentioned Dave Ramsey. Find out if his radio program is broadcast in your area and start listening. He will tell you how to do it.
The first & most important step is to MAKE A BUDGET, imo. It does not have to be an electronic one; a piece of paper works fine.
Someone mentioned Dave Ramsey. Find out if his radio program is broadcast in your area and start listening. He will tell you how to do it.
Posted on 5/31/18 at 10:03 pm to nctiger71
Dave Ramsey, get his book asap...
Posted on 6/1/18 at 8:24 am to bodsworth
STOP buying so much junk that you don't need and learn to live within your own means
Put yourself on a budget and get yourself on a second job
Once you get out of debt learn how to stay out of debt
Put yourself on a budget and get yourself on a second job
Once you get out of debt learn how to stay out of debt
Posted on 6/1/18 at 2:03 pm to jp90
Wait so we don’t get rich off of credit card rewards?
Posted on 6/1/18 at 2:48 pm to StringedInstruments
What would you say is small income?
I'm in a similar boat with 15k total debt and finally got a new job making $46,000. Trying to find a way to knock this down but it will likely just involve me finding a weekend job making minimum wage.
I'm in a similar boat with 15k total debt and finally got a new job making $46,000. Trying to find a way to knock this down but it will likely just involve me finding a weekend job making minimum wage.
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News