Sunday, 22 June 2008

How to Clear Debts

By Mike King

Taking a loan is very easy these days, but to clear debts is not an easy task at all. People often do not consider the huge amount of interest they have to pay back when they opt for loans. Debts have a snowball effect of mounting up till one is neck deep in it. Debt dues can get worse with time if not cleared within due dates. People opt for loans due to financial or medical emergencies, but before taking out one, they should consider the interest rates and the type of interest so that they can be repayed easily.

Here are some easy tips to clear debt -

- Improved management of finances: This is one of the best means of getting rid from debts. It requires you to follow smart and simple money management tactics. Keep a record of all small and big payments and other cash outflows, so that you can control any uncalled for expense. Maintain a file of financial documents like bills, statements and payment slips etc, so that you can keep a track of all the financial transactions. Chart out a monthly expense budget and strictly follow it. If you still cannot manage to clear debt, then you should consider debt consolidation plan to make a single payment of all your credit cards and other unsecured debts.

- Managing Debts: Borrowers who are facing heavy debts may appeal to their financial companies to bring down or to cease the rising rate of interest. They may also request to lower the rate of mounting interest on the non-payment of the debts. However it is completely up to the creditors whether to act according to the appeal of the borrowers. And since these are only request and not a legal accord, the creditors may accept or decline the borrower's suggestion at any time they wish. After every six months the debts must be managed or planned to ensure a better financial position for the borrowers. Consolidating debts using any simple ways to clear debts is always better than any kind of non-payments. There are professionals available who may help to bring the suitable plan for debt management.

- IVA Program: IVA refers to Individual Voluntary Agreement. As opposed to debt management programs, it is a legally binding agreement. Though it initially requires consent from creditors, once agreed they have to abide by it. By way of IVA, you can clear debts in just few years, or for a maximum of 5 years. You can make payment in lower instalments and also maximum part of the debt due, for as much as 75% can be written off. It is considered as a far better alternative to filing bankruptcy. But the charges for this Individual Voluntary Agreement are quite high and this acts as a deterrent.

- Filing Bankruptcy: Filing bankruptcy is the last and least preferred option to clear debt. Here most of your debt is written off and you are declared a bankrupt and creditors can no longer harass you for money due. You are allowed to keep only essential assets for yourself. You can get rid of the bankruptcy title, which can happen only a year later.

These are some easy and useful avenues to clear debts. If one wants to get a debt but at the same time try to avoid any hazardous situation, then one can try one of these ways.

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