This article is the last article in our article on your fico credit score series, where we will explain in detail each component of your credit score calculation. In the first four parts of this series, we explained how the payment history, the amount owed, the length of the credit history, and the credit combination affect the calculation of the FICO credit score. In the final article, you'll learn about the effects of applying for a new credit card, as well as the difference between hard credit and soft credit inquiry.
We understand the difficulties you have experienced. That's why we came up with this - the ultimate, no hypocrisy, super simple step by step guide, you can follow the debt. Ready? let us start.
1. Understand your actual disposable income
First, get your salary stub. After deducting all taxes and fees, check your total home income. Also, get your credit card statement. Check carefully, highlight the absolute demand (mortgage payments, phone bills, food, etc.) with a green highlighter, highlight the demand with a yellow highlighter (buy clothes, snacks and drinks), and purchase it with a pink highlighter (new TV). Deduct your needs from your total income and determine your actual disposable income, remember this number.
Based on your disposable income, think about how you want to allocate your budget to pay off your debts, buy “want” items, invest and save. Distribution depends on your actual debt, personal savings goals, and so on.
3. Pay your minimum payment
If you have multiple credit cards with a balance, please pay at least the minimum amount for each of your credit card statements to avoid late fees and may result in a decrease in credit score.
If you have multiple credit cards, student loans, or interest-bearing loans, compile them into a list and sort by interest rate in descending order. You should pay off the highest interest debt first, because in the long run, these debts are the most expensive. If you think you can get a better interest rate, refinance your home or student loan.
5. If you haven't already
If you are heavily in debt, missing payment is the worst thing you can do for yourself. Automate minimum payments by at least banks or issuers. Even better, debit your credit card. Debits automatically complete daily payments to pay for your credit card payments, then automatically pay your bills, so you never miss a payment. Most importantly, it is completely free.
6. Use your savings
If you maintain a healthy savings account while owning certain debts, consider using some of your savings to pay off your debts! honestly. It is good to save money for rainy days. It feels good to have this egg laying. But you can think like this - you pay more on the credit card than you earn on the savings account - if you need funds on an emergency in the road, you can always write back the charge back to your credit card. The interest you will save will help you rebuild your savings faster.
7. Tell your creditors your interest rate
Convene your creditors. Tell them about your financial situation and the difficulty of paying your balance. Your creditors have the ability to lower your interest rate. If you catch them when you are in a good mood, they may greatly reduce your interest. They would rather let you pay less and not pay your payments.
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You see an irresistible credit card offer - tens of thousands of points or miles are easily worth a plane ticket or short-term hotel stay. You seized the opportunity, won the registration score, and enjoyed it.