A Brief Guide to Managing Credit Card Debt

 Posted on January 16, 2015 in Bankruptcy

Although most Americans have some form of debt, many could have avoided financial hardship by responsibly managing credit cards. Having funds instantly available is a great convenience, but overspending can put a person in a world of trouble.

Minimizing expenses is the first step for getting debt under control. Then, develop a budget that incorporates personal income, assets, and expenses. This can be a difficult task, which is why you should consider consulting a financial advisor or an attorney. If the debt amount is too great to pay off in a reasonable time period, consider discussing the situation with a bankruptcy lawyer.

Reasons and Alternatives to Canceling Credit Cards

According to one source, the most common reason for a person to close a credit card account is to achieve greater financial control. However, closing an account can actually harm your credit score.

There are a number of effective alternatives to closing a credit card account; one of the most common is to contact the creditor to renegotiate a new interest rate. If possible, it is best to keep an account open as its age will factor heavily into one's credit score.

How to Cancel a Credit Card the Right Way

If canceling a credit card seems to be the only viable solution, be sure to do it in a way that minimizes the impact on your credit score. The most important fact to keep in mind is that canceling a credit card does not make the debt go away; the amount will simply transfer to a collections agency.

In order to avoid collections, cancel the card after paying the balance in full. Also, consider opening a low-interest credit card soon after the cancellation. This may prevent your credit score from lowering.

If you are dealing with crushing amounts of debt from credit cards, loans, or medical bills, bankruptcy could be the answer. To speak with an experienced San Antonio bankruptcy attorney, contact the Law Offices of Chance M. McGhee at 210-342-3400 to schedule a free consultation.