What is the difference between simple interest and revolving interest charged on a credit card?
What is the difference between simple interest and revolving interest charged on a credit card?
Credit card debt is referred to as "revolving" credit because - unlike a mortgage, for example - it allows the borrower to carry a balance from month to month with no fixed number of payments set to pay off the balance. Additionally, a borrower can continuously add to the debt, up to a set credit limit. All the credit card company typically requires in return is a minimum monthly payment, most of which is just a payment on the interest owed, with as little as 5% or less going towards reducing the principle.
Revolving credit card debt is the source of many individuals' financial difficulties (and profits for credit card companies). Someone who routinely pays only the minimum monthly payment will be making little or no headway towards reducing the balance of their debt and can eventually find themselves with major financial problems.
A good way to avoid this trap is to pay off your credit card balance in full every month. At the very least, pay it down as quickly as possible to keep the accruing interest to minimum.
Creating, and sticking to, a budget can also help to keep you out of trouble. If are looking for a free tool to help you budget, Bills.com offers a free personal financial guide online at www.bills.com/guide/.
Best of luck and I hope this information helps you Find. Learn. Save.
Best,
Bill
www.bills.com/
Dealing with debt
Debt is used to buy a home, pay for bills, buy a car, or pay for a college education. According to the NY Federal Reserve total household debt as of Q4 2023 was $17.503 trillion. Auto loan debt was $1.607 trillion and credit card was $1.129 trillion.
According to data gathered by Urban.org from a sample of credit reports, about 26% of people in the US have some kind of debt in collections. The median debt in collections is $1,739. Student loans and auto loans are common types of debt. Of people holding student debt, approximately 8% had student loans in collections. The national Auto/Retail debt delinquency rate was 4%.
The amount of debt and debt in collections vary by state. For example, in Utah, 19% have any kind of debt in collections and the median debt in collections is $1943. Medical debt is common and 12% have that in collections. The median medical debt in collections is $980.
Avoiding collections isn’t always possible. A sudden loss of employment, death in the family, or sickness can lead to financial hardship. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with debt including an aggressive payment plan, debt consolidation loan, or a negotiated settlement.