Advice on paying off credit cards as opposed to saving
Should I save or try to pay off my credit cards?
Should I save or try to pay off my credit cards? credit card debt 7,000.00. My savings 3,500.00
The answer really depends on the interest rates you are currently charged on your credit cards.
You should evaluate the relative rates on your credit cards vs. what you earn on your savings account. If you earn (after tax) a higher rate on your savings than you pay in interest (& ALL fees on your cards), then keep the interest. That is a very unlikely scenario, though, unless you are in a teaser or 0% interest period on your credit cards.
If your cards' interest rates are really high, then I would recommend that you pay of the high interest credit card debt, but that does not mean that you spend all of your savings.
It is always good to have a rainy day fund for emergencies; otherwise, you will end up using credit cards again during the time of your need. Once you do pay off the credit cards, make sure to cut off the cards that you don't need and keep only one card for emergencies. Get out of the habit of using credit cards and start using either cash or bank debit cards for your spending.
I also think that one should always follow a budget. If you want to learn how to budget your household finances, steer clear of debt, and do not get caught up in the debt epidemic currently affecting the U.S. You need the complete Bills.com Free Personal Household Budget and Finance Educational Guide
I hope the information helps you Find. Learn. Save.
Best,
Bill
www.bills.com
Dealing with debt
If you are struggling with debt, you are not alone. According to the NY Federal Reserve total household debt as of Quarter Q2 2023 was $17.06 trillion. Student loan debt was $1.569 trillion and credit card debt was $1.031 trillion.
A significant percentage of people in the US are struggling with monthly payments and about 26% of households in the United States have debt in collections. According to data gathered by Urban.org from a sample of credit reports, the median debt in collections is $1,739. Credit card debt is prevalent and 3% have delinquent or derogatory card debt. The median debt in collections is $422.
Each state has its rate of delinquency and share of debts in collections. For example, in New Mexico credit card delinquency rate was 3%, and the median credit card debt was $400.
While many households can comfortably pay off their debt, it is clear that many people are struggling with debt. Make sure that you analyze your situation and find the best debt payoff solutions to match your situation.
