Thursday, 13 March 2008

The American Average Credit Card Debt Warning Signs

By Adrian Fletcher

Living on credit is a reality for many people these days. Many people get seduced into thinking that they can have something now. It's called instant gratification and is a stark contrast from the idea that you can only have something if you have the money to buy it.

Don't get me wrong, using credit wisely is a good idea and is the basis for achieving wealth. However people rarely used credit cards for this type of purchase. Credit cards are used for throw away items or goods and services that depreciate over time. This is partly because credit cards are marketed as a convenience. and partly because people have no discipline over their finances.

The consequences of this on the American average credit card debt is to increase it at an astonishing rate. This has effects, not only on the individuals that get into this debt but the society as a whole as it impacts on the economy and the costs of banking and credit services. This article will cover how to lower the average credit card debt in the US and many other countries that have had easy access to credit.

The importance of the average American credit card debt figures can't be overstated. It is an indication of our reliance on credit. It may not be relevant to someone with no debt but it does influence the banks and the economy. It is a statistic that helps to set policy in banks, credit card companies and governments.

Thus if the average debt is rising and continues to rise it is an indication that people should start to take a dose of reality. Give up the easy credit and start working on lowering any debts is the message. Get back to the quaint idea of living within your means and only getting something if you can afford it.

Further, it is safe to say that the banks will start to become stricter on their lending policies. They will also plan for more defaulting payments which inevitably means that financial services will become more expensive as they pass these debts onto the customers. This makes it harder for the individual and the general economy.

Put a check on your spending.

You need to get a stable financial health by reducing debts however thsi will never happen unless you spend less than you earn. This is the first problem you have to deal with and it is often very hard to solve when you have large monthly debts to be paid.

If you have existing debts like credit card debts then set some guidelines on using credit. Limit the number of credit cards you have. Start this off by consolidating all debt on one credit card. Select a card that has an interest free introductory bonus period or on balance transfers. This can help you to start reducing your debt without interest adding to the debt.

It might be boring or dull but try to live within your means. Yes, no more eating out all the time. Focus on the essentials of everyday living and cut back on the luxuries or impulse buying. Make your lunch rather than buy the overpriced sandwich. Focus on servicing your monthly debts.

This will not be an overnight fix. It will take time to reduce your debt but it will be well worth it when you are debt free. Freedom from debt gives you far more control over your life and puts you on a sounder financial footing. The more people that do this will see the American average credit card debt get smaller. This is good for the economy and the individual.

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