What is the best way to pay off around $16,000 in credit card debt?  I don't own a home to get a loan. Help!
112532
I would start by rolling over your accounts to new credit cards that give you 1yr at 0%.  This will greatly reduce your credit balance from going up exponentially.  In that time you stop using your credit and start paying it down.  It will take a while so at the end you should repeat the process and rollover your balance to another credit card.\n\nI know individuals that have been rolling over $50,000 in this manner for over 5yrs.  Borrowing money for free.  Wow it is possible.\n\nGood luck.
501085
Find a different credit councelling company, honestly there are TONS of them out there that screw you over. If they can't lower your payments then what's the point in being on a credit councelling program? Try going to www.trinitycredit.org that is where we have our debt management with, they are GREAT people and they have really helped us out of our jam, we had approx. $12,000 in debt, payments were about $400 for three credit cards ($400 a PIECE) they were able to reduce our payments to ONE payment of $300 a month. We've been on the program now for 2 years, and are SO happy we did it! The usual program takes 6 years to pay off, BUT because we were able to get back on our feet again we were able to pay MORE into our debts and get rid of them faster, we should be done with the program by this August. They will also give you ideas and suggestions on how to pay off your debts faster (like are you in the military, did you know you can get your APR on your credit cards reduced because of that?). I hope this helps, believe me I know where you are right now, and there IS a way out. Good Luck!
1043931
Keep paying minimum payments on the CC then use everything else to go toward collections.  \n\nThen the credit card.\n\nYour credit isn't too good now, but this will help it from getting worse.
466779
If you are a home owner, you can get a "Home Equity" line of credit through your financial insitute against the equity you have in your home. Maybe they can incorporate your mtg payment and the other into one! Or You can also apply for a credit card that will let you transfer debt and get cash money. Pay off everything and have your one payment!!
838795
Do you have credit card debt?  Please explain what you mean by debt's into loans (do you mean like payday loans) just to claify, this often means different things to different people? and what are the monthly bills? \n\n First, cut all "luxuries" down to the bone, cable, cellphones, internet, eating out, grande latte's, etc..If you have two cars, can you get by with just one? If so, sell the other. Sell anything that will help to pay off your debt.  Once your out of debt, you can always replace what you sell..but this time paying all in cash.\n\nIf you have credit cards, call the company and explain to them what is going on, emphasize your desire to pay the debt, and see if you can work out a better payment arrangment...most will be willing to...if not, look into a  debt consolidation company.  \n\nI need to know more about your situation before I could give you anymore advice.  Do NOT touch the equity in your home.  Here is  a site that I found helpful...http://www.crown.org/  E-mail me if you want to talk more indepth about your situation..
31258
Step 1:\nCut them up so you don't use them and add more to the balance.\n\nStep 2:\nPay as much as you can each month on your highest intrest card and pay slightly more then the minimum on the others.  Once the highest minimum card is paid off, go to the next. Also, be sure you pay on time to avoid late fees!\n\nStep 3:\nPut any extra money you may get (bonuses, tax refunds, etc) on the balances.\n\nStep 4:\nENJOY BEING DEBT FREE!!!  Believe me, it is a HUGE relief when you send that last payment away!
1095013
From a pure mathematical standpoint, the quickest (and cheapest) way to pay off credit cards is to pay off the cards with the highest interest first.  This is because as your balance with the highest rate diminishes, the amount of interest accrued on the remaining balance diminishes as well.\n\nHowever, many advocate the "debt snowball" which endorses paying the card with the lowest balance first, then moving progressively to the next highest balance as each card is paid off.  This works for some people from a psychological standpoint because they see quicker results as each card is eliminated.  For some, it has been the only method that worked.  There is no doubt, however, that you will pay more money overall through this method, all other things being equal.  This method is most closely identified with Dave Ramsey.\n\nNegotiating with all the credit card companies for a lower interest rate is a good idea.  If they are not interested in lowering the rate, you can bluff them by threatening to transfer your balance to a lower interest card.\n\nBalance transfers are a tricky thing.  In many cases, a credit card company will assess a charge for a balance transfer.  Make sure that you read the fine print before doing this.  Also, some cards have a separate interest rate for balance transfers vs. purchases.  Do not be fooled.  Good luck!
38569
Usually you should try to make a payment schedule.  Tell them you'll pay so much to them every paycheck or once a month.  Tell them the dates you will make payments or call in your payment so they can see that you actually are attempting to pay this off otherwise they think you are just yanking them.  As far as your credit score, I would obtain a credit report from the credit companies.  I think you can get them online.  See if there is anything on your report that is wrong--I've had this happen before where I paid off something and still showed up on my report as owing them--and then attempt to get it cleared off your report.  Either contact the credit company or the company with the misinformation.  If your credit is low because you have alot of credit cards, try getting one card and transferring all balances onto one card instead of having like 5 or 6 cards.  Then close the other accounts.  Having alot of credit cards open even if they aren't being used looks bad.  Try working on paying off your debt, with the littlest one first.  Then reward yourself (don't go overboard) when you do pay one off.  It will take time, comittment, and focus to do this, but once you are out of debt, your credit score will get better.  And the most important thing to do when trying to pay down debt is to quit using credit cards.  Put those dang things in the freezer if you have to.  Or lock them up and give someone the key so you have to ask to use them.  Make it hard to access them.  Credit companies can be a pain in the butt, but try to work out a schedule with them and see if that works.  If they see you are trying, maybe they'll be more willing to work with you.
15292
Stop using your credit cards.\n\n \n\n“People change their lives only when they say, ‘I’ve had it!’” – Les Brown\n\n \n\nThink you can’t exist in the 21st century without credit?  Do you have at least one credit card?  Did you sign up just for the bonus miles or cash back?  Sounds like it’s time for you to perform a plasectomy.  (That’s what Dave calls cutting up your credit card.)  You’ve heard all the lies, now here are a few facts about credit.\n\n \n\nMyth: No on can live without credit cards.\n\nFact: Actually, 24% of American households are getting by just fine without any type of credit according to a Federal Reserve survey of consumer finances.  Try using your debit card or cash instead.  If millions of Americans can live without credit, so can you!\n\n \n\nMyth: Credit cards help me get airline miles, cash back and other discounts.\n\nFact: Yeah, credit cards also help you get into debt.  Consumer Reports say that only 25% of airline miles are ever redeemed – and credit card companies know it.  Earning a few airline miles is not worth thousands of dollars in debt.  \n\n \n\nMyth: I can just pay off the balance at the end of every month.\n\nFact: You’ll be in the minority.  According to CardWeb.com, only 40% of credit card users pay off their balance when they receive the bill.  Plus, overspending is inevitable when you use a credit card.  It’s just easier to swipe a piece of plastic than it is to flash the cash.\n\n \n\nMyth: “Ninety days same as cash” is the smart way to buy.\n\nFact: “Ninety days same as cash” is a scam.  Retailers know that most consumers won’t pay their balance in 90 days, which means you get stuck with outrageous interest rates and back charges to boot.\n\n \n\nMyth: I’m required to have a credit card to buy a house.\n\nFact: Several quality mortgage companies provide underwriting which allows you to purchase a home without a credit card.  If your mortgage lender requires a credit card for your home loan, run – don’t walk – to a lender who will actually help you achieve freedom from credit.
78054
Pay your debts on time.  Obtain a secured credit card (deposit $250 bucks into a Citibank account and get a credit card with a $250 limit that grows as you pay off your bill over time and maintain a good credit rating).  Obtain a cell phone or any other solution that reports to a credit bureau (not too many just five or so).  Always, always, always pay your bills on time.  \n\nIt really comes down to living within your means, not strapping yourself with too much debt again.  Buy a Hyundai not an Escalade if you make $25,000 per year.  Save your money at least 10% of your earnings per month.  If you want to buy a home, plan to buy it, save every penny you can speak to a mortgage broker like me to understand what you may be able to afford once your fico is in check again.  You may be able to afford a home now and not know it.\n\nYou can send me an email if you have questions simply click on my screen name for my address if needed.
71713
PAY IT OFF IN FULL!! if you have the money, pay it.    I can't stress that enough.  Take it from me.  I was young and foolish and thought what some people do.  I racked up my cards and had the plan to pay them off slowly so that I could "build my credit"  This is not what happend... What actually happend is I *** BUILT MY DEBT ***  Don't attack your credit from this angle.  Credit is not a matter of holding a balance.  You will NOT get better marks or a higher credit score for holding a balance in your accounts.  What you WILL get is more interest to way you down.\n\nIf you want to have great credit just remember not to be late on any bill - utiliies and mortgages included.  Don't miss payments.  Keep small balances if you must but try to pay them off 100% if you can.  Don't live on borrowed money.   Good rule of thumb... if you will not have enough money to pay your CC bill in full when the bill comes - you shouldn't be buying what ever it is you are looking at.  Use your credit cards for their intended purpose.  They are ment to be a tool.  Kept in your wallet so that you don't have to carry around cash every where, and so that you can have an organized statement at the end of the month to see where you are spending your money.  Pay it in full and after years of doing this it will gradually bring your credit score up and up.  There is no FAST way to build credit.  the most crucial factor in the equation is PASSING of TIME.  As long as you are paying everthing by the due dates, with no misses You will be golden :)   Time will keep ticking away, and your credit score will keep rising.  (Keep your oldest cards open - even if you don't have huge balances on them - They still count towards TIME )  If you want to keep a steady payment history going from month to month I would use it sparingly and then pay it in full each month.  \n\nCredit cards show on your report -  they will either show that there is no balance or that there is a balance.  So don't worry about them not reporting for several months if you don't have any outstanding debt.  This is NOT a "ding" on your credit record.
388445
As far as the credit cards go, I feel for you, I'm in the same boat.  I called all my cards last week and had one card drop the APR by 2% and another card drop the APR by 8%.  First step is to call all your credit cards and see who will drop those interest rates some.  This will lower your minimum monthly payments a little.\n\nLook for some really part-time jobs that are close to your house, one-two day a week jobs.  This is good for a little extra cash and doesn't take a lot of time.\n\nHold yard sales every weekend in the spring and summer.  If you don't have a lot of your own to sell, hit other yard sales for really good deals or hit the salvation army and goodwill for really cheap items that you might be able to mark up a bit.  \n\nIf you have clothing or some old books, used cellphones or friends with used cellphones that they will give you...list them on ebay for extra cash.\n\nTry babysitting or running errands for people.  See about doing laundry or going grocery shopping for an elderly person.\n\nGet creative and if you need to...check into consumer credit counseling.  They can help you cut your monthly payment and stop interest from building and sometimes get rid of most of the interst you owe.  If you choose this option, you won't have any credit cards to use anymore and it will affect your credit score but it isn't bankruptcy and as soon as you are paid in full you can begin rebuilding your credit again.  IF you are behind or have some late or missed payments on your credit report or collection accounts...look into consumer credit counselling.  If you are still making your payments you may want to wait a while to see if you can get back on track yourself.\n\nGood Luck~
657074
Please, you need to hear this...\n\nSTUPID!!!\n\nYou filed for bankruptcy, and it taught you nothing?  You STILL bought things with money you did not have?  Learn from this, I beg you.  Learn what happens when you decide that you have to have something NOW, instead of waiting until you have the money to pay for it.\n\nHere is what I would recommend:\n1) Talk with a Debt Counselor.  This is usually a free service offered by the state.\n2) You may need to declare bankruptcy again, but only as a last resort.  A better option is to find a credit card that offers a high-amount balance transfer with 0% interest for the life of the transfer.  Transfer your highest interest rate to that card.  Then, pay the minimum on that while you pay the max on the next-highest interest card.  That will save you money over time.\n3) Once you find some way to pay off a credit card, cancel it, cut it up, and burn the pieces!  Make sure you do not fall into this pit again.\n4) A house and a car are the only things you should EVER buy that cost more than you have in the bank.  Do not fall victim to the sweet sounds of "buy now, pay later."\n5) Understand that the amount of ~things~ you have does not equal the amount of success you have in life, importance, or friends.\n\n6) Lastly, LEARN from this!  Do NOT take credit card offers that seem too good to be true.  Have one card.  If you approach the limit, you spent too much on it!  Simple.
366527
I have seen many such web sites, but believe that solid financial decisions are the best way to get out of debt.  Many websites attempt to charge you for their information, so I would be cautious about those.  A debt payoff website should not charge you for their services, as that will just compound the problem of being in debt.\n\nIf you are interested in paying off debt early, I recommend that you embrace the following steps:\n\n1. Stop creating new debt - no loans, no credit cards, nothing\n\n2. Identify the debt with the highest interest rate.  Contact the company and request a lower rate.  Many companies will give customers with good records lower rates to keep them as customers.  If your company will not, consider transferring the balance to a lower interest card/loan.  Be careful to avoid fees for this type of transfer and always read the fine print.  Repeat this step as necessary for all of your debt until you have the lowest rates possible.\n\n3. Take the highest interest rate debt you have at this point and apply savings you have to this debt, along with any additional money you can scrape together.  Never pay just the minimum on this debt.  Your goal for this debt is to get it paid off as quickly as you can manage.  I have found that it is often necessary to give up some luxuries while paying off your debt, but remember it will all be worth it when you get to the end of the tunnel and can enjoy all of your income as you wish.  Continue making the minimum payments on your other debts.\n\n4.  Once you have paid off the highest debt you have, apply all of the money you were using to pay off that debt to the card with the second highest rate.  Continue whittling away your debt by paying off each debt in descending order.  Apply the money from the other debts to the next debt as you pay off each loan you have.\n\n5. Once you have paid off your debts, begin a savings plan moving the debt payoff money into a savings account each month to begin working for you.  Buy items with cash in the future, using the savings that you will accumulate.\n\nBy the way, I've been debt free for 9 months now!!\n\nGood luck!
812997
close all your accounts but one in case of an emergency.  Start paying off the highest intrest rate, and the cont. down the list. if you pay 100 a moth to card a add 50 bucks, when that is paid off take the 150 you were paying to card a, and card B's payment is 100 make it 250 and you will pay off stuff quicker.   \n\nWhat is most important is not adding debt to what you already have.   By paying stuff off will help your rating
876224
I'm doing this right now. It's best if you have or can get a low interest rate loan and pay off balances all in one spot. Debt consolidation companies ARE NOT necessarily the best way to go. Some creditors will not work with these companies. Also, it can reflect negatively on your credit report. \n\nI recently transferred two of my three credit card balances to one loan, then cut up the cards. Now, I'm making two payments instead of four, and it had helped a lot.\n\nI'd say talk to several credit counselors for ideas. Read a lot of websites. There are plenty out there. \n\nGood luck to you!
20158
1> Cut up all the credit cards!\n2> Review all your bills.  Pay mortgage / rent first. Then pay down the stuff with the highest interest rates.\n3> Sell off stuff you don't need or use.  Ebay or Craigslist.com