Category: Debts

Student Loans, Saving, And You

loan burden for studentsUniversity is the obvious choice if you want to go into further education. It’s a chilled out place where you can learn the skills needed to succeed in later life. Plus, it also teaches you how to be an adult, when you’re not drinking and partying of course. Unfortunately, college isn’t always one big picnic. Getting there in the first place can be tricky because the costs are so high. And, if you want to be accepted, you will need to stump up the cash. It might seem retro, but saving can be the difference between a college education and an early foray into adult life.

Here are tips that can help you save enough to go to university.

Start Early

Being a kid is great because you have no responsibility. You can do whatever you like and let the adults deal with the pressures of life. Although it’s enjoyable way to go through your teenage years, it also has its flaws. The reason for this is that it pushes you to rely on other people. Of course, your parents want to help you go to college. But, the circumstances might dictate a different course of action. If you’re ready to take some responsibility, you can start saving as early as possible to prepare financially for university. So, put aside any money that comes your way for a rainy day.

Ask Your Parents

Even if you start saving early on, you’re still a kid. And, your parents have an obligation to help you achieve your dreams. That’s why there is nothing wrong with asking them to contribute to your savings. It might not be enough to stop you from securing a loan, but every little helps. The less you have to pay back once you graduate, the more money you can keep for yourself. Don’t badger them into putting money away every week because there is no need. Just tell them that you want to go to college and it would be nice if they could contribute. They’ll get the message.

Get The Right Loan

No matter how much you save, you might need a loan to help with your tuition. Obviously, you’d rather not have one, but needs must. Before you pick any old loan, make sure you think about the different variables. Some loans, for instance, have a grace period which makes them more attractive to lower income earners. Others are liable for a department of education loan forgiveness scheme that writes off some of the debt. These are features which a student like you can use to your advantage. But, it’s only possible if you think about it beforehand.

Get A Job

Without any revenue, you won’t be able to save in the first place. Sorry to say it, but you’re going to need a job. It won’t be nice, and it won’t be pretty, but it will serve a purpose. A weekend job is enough to make a dent in the savings department, especially if it’s over a few years. Plus, you need to concentrate on your studies to get into university.

You can’t do that if you’re always at work!

Financial Downsides and Potential Issues of Owning a Pet

financially downGetting a dog, or any other animal, to become a loved member of the household is a big step that many families decide to take at some point in their lives. Dogs and cats and other little domestic animals can offer a lot of love and warmth to a home, which is why so many welcome pets into their loving arms. With anything, there are both pros and cons to pet owning, and one of the biggest things that concern a family when it comes to the decision of welcoming a pet is the financial impact it will have.

Dogs are one of the most common pets that are seen in modern households. They’ve been man’s best friend through the ages. A dog can offer additional security and protection, as well a fierce friend that will last a lifetime… in dog years.

However, they also can get expensive. Some dogs, like purebreds, can be hundreds of dollars, and that is just the initial price of your pet that doesn’t include all of the supplies and equipment you’ll need to care for them for the years to come.

Regular and emergency vet visits. Dogs should be seen by a vet often and stay up to date on their immunizations and treatments to avoid getting medical problems. Sometimes these things can still happen, so you’ll have to also plan for the possibility of extra medical bills for your pet.

Special care equipment and furniture. Large dogs and older ones will need special beds that can get expensive. Walking gear can vary depending on the size and strength of your pet, and if they have existing medical conditions, they may need certain food that can get expensive. Planning for these things can help you decide a budget.

Potential injuries and prevention. Your dog may get hurt or may end up hurting others. This is rare, and some legal funding companies will offer a dog bite loan to help you stay on top of things financially while you’re working through the repercussions financially for a dog bite.

Many people have allergies to pet fur. Making sure that everyone has medicine and makes an appointment for allergy testing can get expensive depending on how many people are in your home.

Destroyed or damaged furniture and items. Dogs, especially puppies, are playful and energetic. They’ll get bored and lonely when you aren’t home. In the early months before your dog is fully trained, you may have to deal with damages to the things in your home. This can also go for cats.

Moving can get a little pricey if you have to bring the pets. Paying for transportation for a pet can get expensive depending on the size and weight and type of your pet. Some can get in the car with you, but you’ll have to make more frequent stops.

Clearing Debt Fast

clearing your debtsIf you’re in over your head with debt, you may be desperately seeking ways to get rid of it. Debt can hang over you like a black cloud about to strike you with lightning, but there are ways out. The first rule when it comes to clearing any sort of debt is to tackle it head on instead of avoiding it. Avoiding things like debt will just make the situation worse. So, how do you clear debt fast?

Plan It

Before you put any plan into action, you need to sit down and figure out where to start. What debt do you have? What are the interest rates on your Credit 24 loans and credit cards? Lay it all out in front of you, even if facing it makes you feel anxious. Common sense would tell you to pay a little towards each one every month, but it’s best to tackle the debt with the highest interest rate first. That’s not to say you should completely ignore the others, but if you can put more money towards the one with the highest interest rate, your payment per month should significantly decrease over time.

Transfer Your Balance

When you got your loans or credit cards, you may have been in a position where you had no choice but to go for higher interest rates because they were the only ones that would accept you. By transferring your balance to a loan or card with a lower interest rate or a 0% interest rate for a certain amount of time card, you’ll have the chance to catch up on payments.

Prioritize Payments

You shouldn’t take money that supposed to go towards your mortgage to pay a credit card. There are ways you can save money but you must prioritise your payments. Sort out the needs from the wants. For example, paying your electricity bill is a top priority, but paying for games on your Xbox is something you can cut back on. Here’s a list of other cut backs you can make to save money. The money you save can go towards paying your debt so don’t be tempted to use it on things you want.

Stop Using Credit Cards

There’s no point in working hard to pay off your debt if you’re still spending at the same time. It can be a habitat and an addiction when it comes to spending. So, if you don’t trust yourself with your card, ask a family member or friend that you trust to keep it for you. If you know you’re likely to spend again and end up in the same situation, maybe it’s time to give the card the chop.

The main thing to do when it comes to clearing debt is to not bury your head in the sand. If you need help, ask for it. There are many places you can get advice and it helps you to feel like you’re not alone. Just by reading this, you’re already on the right track. Good luck!

Why you Should Never Delay the Payment of your Credit Card Bills

outstanding credit card billWhen used smartly, with prudence and financial discipline, credit cards can be quite a convenient financial tool that can help you manage your rolling money better. However, anyone who has ever missed a credit card payment knows that missing timely payments of your credit card bill is one of the cardinal financial sins. Missing the due date of your credit card bills can have significant financial implications that could affect your overall credit worthiness.

Many falsely believe that paying the minimum amount due on your credit card bill is sufficient to avoid interest on the outstanding bill amount. However, your entire outstanding credit card bill will attract interest charges, irrespective of the amount that you have paid. Missing a credit card bill payment means a late fee will be levied when you fail to pay the minimum amount due by the bill due date. The longer the delay, the charges and late fees keep piling on and a heavy interest is levied on outstanding bill amount.

Depending on your card issuer, the annualized interest rate on this outstanding amount can go up to as high as 45% p.a.While there is a short window of interest free grace period that the RBI directs card issuers to allow and you can avail this window to pay any pending bills that you may have. However, missing a payment means that your credit score is likely to be adversely affected and the card issuer may reduce your credit limit too.

If, for whatever reasons you are unable to pay your outstanding credit card bill, contact your credit card issuer to convert your purchases into equated monthly installments. However, it may cause problems should you decide to apply for a consumer loan in the future.

The Basics of Debt Management Plans

debt stress reliefDebt management plans are usually offered as a part of a debt consolidation solution to your various debt problems. According to doylesalewski.ca it is a great way for you to seize control of your own finances and eliminate any unsecured debts you may have at the same time. Remember that unsecured debts are those that aren’t covered by a collateral asset such as a house or car. Typical unsecured debts include credit cards and student loan payments.

How it Works for You

When you sign up for a debt management plan, you are required to make a deposit every month to the company you signed up with. This deposit is used by the advisors at the company to pay off each of your multiple debts in a schedule that has been negotiated and agreed upon with the people you owe money to.

This monthly deposit you make is one that is determined by how much you can afford to pay each month while living frugally. You are informed of the amount you will pay before actually signing any agreements. You can have the monthly payment amount suggested to you by letting the debt management company analyze your income and expenses.

The Benefits of Using Debt Management Plans

These plans are made for a single reason – to keep your organized. This is the main advantage of such a program. It doesn’t reduce how much you owe, of course, but makes it far easier to pay off the debts because you make them on time. You can also finally make a budget for yourself that has a set goal and is realistic, without overdoing your spending on debt payments. These regular payments you make to pay off your debts also serve to improve the look of your credit score as time goes by, meaning that your creditors will no longer need to call you every two days to remind you about your outstanding payments.

Choose the Right Counseling Company

There are many credit counseling companies out there that are willing to help you manage your debt with a debt management plan. Most of these claim to be non-profit, while others will charge you for their services. You should always try to find a company that has trained, qualified and certified counselors working for them. Agencies like the Consumer Protection Agency, the Better Business Bureau, and the local DA office can help you identify companies that have a good reputation without any complaints or a history of bad service.

Points to Consider When Signing Up

It can take over three years to pay off all your debt using a management plan. While paying off your debt, you will have to live more modestly than you are used to. You also won’t be able to take out loans or apply for new credit cards while you are enrolled in the plan. If your payments on the plan are late, your costs may rise over time, and you will be at risk of having to stay in it for longer. With all these in mind make the right decision for yourself and your bank account!