Let us create a 3D eBook for you!
Let us create a 3d Digital eBook for you! DigyCat.com

 

Defeating Credit Card Debt With Self Control


Credit card debt is a major social problem in some Western countries. To rid yourself of credit card debt, it is best to recognize the problem as both a social and individual problem.

If you are overburdened with credit card debt, or are in danger of becoming so, it is very easy to see it purely as an individual problem, one from which you may be suffering both physically and mentally. Worry and stress can be silent marauders into your physical and mental well being. Debt can undoubtedly cause both worry and stress, not just to the debtor, but their immediate families too.

Why Should You Care About The Social Causes of Credit Card Debt?

If you wish to overcome your credit card debt problem, you will benefit from removing some of the social influences. They are a major influence on the way you react, think and behave. Remove the social influences, and you take a big stride in your journey to eliminate your debt.

I do not, of course, mean remove the root causes of credit card debt. You cannot do that. What I am referring to is to prevent the social influences from penetrating you and taking over your life. As an individual, you have the right to resist social influences where they are harmful. The liberal, unfettered use of credit cards is an influence you will benefit from resisting.

Just by being fully aware of the social influences, you have made an important step. You will more likely be on your guard, and by asserting your individuality, you are more likely to overcome or prevent the credit card debt problem.

What Are The Social Causes Of Credit Card Debt?

You could spend years analyzing the credit card debt problem. Here are just a few of the influences at work in the society around you:

1. Credit card interest rates are high, therefore the profits can be high. Banks and other credit card issuers are after their slice of that big money, including from you. They can therefore justify big marketing budgets to get your money. I deliberately do not say "get your business". You will resist better if you think "they are after my money."

2. It is very easy to get credit cards, multiple credit cards in fact. Issuers of credit cards make it easy for you, if you have had no debt problems in the past. If they seem to take it lightly, it is understandable that their customers do too. But remember, they take the risk factors into account when setting interest rates. That's why they are so high.

3. Your friends, neighbours and work colleagues will probably all have multiple credit cards, talk about them and flash them around from time to time. That can all influence your own attitude to credit card debt.4. Depending on what country you are in, yours may be a "have now, pay later" society. Immediate gratification can take precedence over common sense. If everyone else is doing it, it surely must be right? Wrong. Especially if the interest rates are too high.

5. You see other people buy new furniture, go on exotic vacations, or go out to expensive restaurants all the time. Even if you never know if they are doing so on credit card, you may want the same. But you do not have the immediate cash, so what do you do? Jump on the credit card train? That is what your society may be pushing you towards.

How To Resist the Social Pressures To Succumb To Credit Card Debt

Due to the overwhelming pressures of the credit card society, it can be quite a difficult task, initially, to change your own attitudes. But by asserting your individuality, you can steadily eliminate the social conditioning. It is really a matter of how you think in certain situations. You are in charge of the way you think, so all you need to do is what is natural. Not what everyone else seems to be doing around you, but what is natural to you as an individual. Think to protect yourself, assert yourself, and to look after your financial well being.

Here are a few ideas to help you:

1. Whatever type of loan you may apply for, you are after just one product, money. Different types of loans are marketed as separate products, in different packages, but to you, they should all be one: money. The money, once you have it, is all the same quality. A dollar is a dollar, a pound is a pound, a euro is a euro. Having engrained that upon yourself, knowing you are just after this single product, you need only look at price. Credit card debt is very, very expensive. The interest takes money from you, and reduces your assets. If you need a loan, you want the lowest possible interest rate, one that does not unnecessarily leech your assets.

2. A credit card should only be used as a convenience to pay if you have no cash on you, knowing that you can pay off the balance before interest charges kick in. Many cards have an interest free period. Never use credit cards as a loan beyond that free period. Others do, but you have no need to. You can eliminate that idea altogether. You are creating a new habit that will enhance your financial situation, and resisting an old common habit that would ultimately damage your finances.

3. Plan all your borrowing. Sit down and write down what you absolutely must buy over the next year, and add what you would like to buy. Total the cost. Write down a budget for each month, making sure you have listed all your regular expenses that are fixed and unavoidable, and those over which there is some flexibility. Compare that total with your income. If you have a surplus, then you can think about those extra purchases you had in mind. If not, don't think any more about them. You cannot afford them, and cannot afford to borrow.

If you have a planned surplus, then maybe you can get those things you wanted. If you can afford all of them, and there are quite a few items on your list, then forget about getting a loan. Be patient, resist the have now pay later syndrome. You can save interest and buy a bonus item with that later if you really must. You are in a great position to pay cash. Prioritize the things you want to buy, and note their cost, and then work out a plan by which you buy one item at a time spread throughout the year. Why pay the banks credit, when you can pay cash? You will save not just the interest but maybe get cash discounts. Cash gives you control. With credit you are subservient.

If, on the other hand, there are just one or two more expensive items you want to buy, it is time to compare options and test your resolve. If you save your surplus each month, consider how long it will take to have enough for item 1 and maybe item 2. Are they really urgent? Probably not. Maybe you can save for one after 4 months and 2 after 9 months. That way you are getting into the habit of saving, and living off cash. Cash is king. Your finances will start to look good over time, and you'll start to feel proud of yourself. You will feel in control.

Remember too that by saving, if an emergency comes up, you may have the cash at hand instead of reaching for that expensive credit card.

You really cannot wait and save? That is a pity, but now check out all the loan sources suitable for your intended purchases. Get the best plan, the best interest rates, and apply, with the intention of using that loan just for what it is intended, and to pay it off within the time scale of the spending plan. In the example one year. Stick to that discipline, and your credit is still under your control. And, you have avoided reliance on expensive credit cards.

4. Remind yourself every day that you are only going to use your credit card when you have no cash on you, as a convenience, and you will repay it before interest starts to accrue.

5. Also remind yourself every day that sometimes it is good, or even necessary, to be that bit different, and to resist social pressures. Imagine all the credit card lemmings heading towards the precipice, while you relax in your counting house, counting out your money. Real money; your assets. Anyway, it's great sometimes to be different, it really does make you feel good about yourself.

6. Never, ever feel you have to buy something just because a neighbour or friend has been boasting about theirs. Envy and jealousy are viruses that minimize your individuality, and can, in this case, damage your finances.

Resisting the pressures of the credit card society will be a lot easier once you have set your mind to it, and started to feel the benefits. Enjoy the process, and you will be a cash convert for the rest of your affluent life.

Roy Thomsitt is the owner and part author of http://www.eliminate-credit-card-debt-now.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Credit - Google News

Amaker gets the credit for Harvard's success | The Republic - The Republic


Amaker gets the credit for Harvard's success | The Republic
The Republic
By Dick Jerardi Philadelphia Daily News PHILADELPHIA — If you are a top team in one of the best leagues, you can lose games along the way and deal with it. If you are a top team in the Ivy League, any loss can be devastating.

and more »

Credit Suisse Swings to Loss in Fourth Quarter - New York Times


New York Times

Credit Suisse Swings to Loss in Fourth Quarter
New York Times
By JULIA WERDIGIER Arnd Wiegmann/ReutersBrady W. Dougan, chief of Credit Suisse, called the bank's performance “disappointing.” Credit Suisse reported its first quarterly loss in three years on Thursday as its core businesses experienced a slowdown.
Credit Suisse Swings to Surprise LossWall Street Journal
Credit Suisse Posts First Loss in Three Years on Investment BankBloomberg
Credit Suisse Bonus-Bond Deferral Spares Investment-Bank ProfitBusinessWeek
Reuters -TODAYonline
all 285 news articles »

1 Hot Credit Card Stock & The Future of Mobile Payment - DailyFinance


1 Hot Credit Card Stock & The Future of Mobile Payment
DailyFinance
If you're interested in credit card stocks, why aren't you checking out the banking industry like Warren Buffett is? The Motley Fool has a new free report, "The Stocks Only the Smartest Investors Are Buying"" that explains why Buffett and others are ...

and more »

US Credit Swaps Rise as EU Chiefs Defer Ratifying Greek Plan - BusinessWeek


US Credit Swaps Rise as EU Chiefs Defer Ratifying Greek Plan
BusinessWeek
9 (Bloomberg) -- A benchmark gauge of US company credit risk rose as European finance chiefs are set to defer ratifying a rescue package for Greece, pressing the government in Athens to put a newly struck austerity plan into action.

and more »

The best of credit ratings, the worst of credit ratings - Lakeland Times


The best of credit ratings, the worst of credit ratings
Lakeland Times
It went unnoticed by much of the mainstream media, but Moody's Investors Services, one of the three giant credit ratings agencies, downgraded the state of Illinois last month because of its failure to address its massive budget deficit and debt, ...

and more »

CREDIT MARKETS: Action Muted As Participants Weigh Greece Deal, Jobs Data - Wall Street Journal


CREDIT MARKETS: Action Muted As Participants Weigh Greece Deal, Jobs Data
Wall Street Journal
By DOW JONES NEWSWIRES Action in credit markets was subdued Thursday as participants weighed Greece's economic reform deal as well as signs of continued improvement in the US labor market. A few companies opted to sell debt in the corporate bond market ...
Fed Twists Yields for McDonald's Record Low Rate: Credit MarketsSan Francisco Chronicle
4 Ways Bonds Can Fit Into Your PortfolioForbes

all 9 news articles »

7 Things You Didn't Know Affect Your Credit Score - San Francisco Chronicle


WISC Madison

7 Things You Didn't Know Affect Your Credit Score
San Francisco Chronicle
We all know to pay our bills on time and carry as little debt as possible, and most of the time, that is all that matters in your credit score. Yet, there are other, smaller factors that many people aren't aware of that can cause your score to suffer.
First Premier's $400-a-year credit cardCNN
6 Benefits Of Increasing Your Credit LimitForbes

all 52 news articles »

An Earned Income Tax Credit Q&A - Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)


Washington and Lee University News Office

An Earned Income Tax Credit Q&A
Seattle Post Intelligencer (blog)
How many Washington residents miss out on getting a refund from the IRS because they don't file for the Earned Income Tax Credit? We estimate that on a national average, one in five taxpayers who are eligible for EITC do not claim it or file a tax ...
Guidance issued on work opportunity credit for veteransJournal of Accountancy
IRS Offers Tool on Repayment of Home Buyer Tax CreditNew York Times (blog)
Big Tax Credits for Hiring VeteransExaminer.com
Wall Street Journal (blog) -Accounting Today -CBS News
all 80 news articles »

TEXT-ECB approves credit claim collateral rule changes - Reuters


Financial Times

TEXT-ECB approves credit claim collateral rule changes
Reuters
ECB's Governing Council approves eligibility criteria for additional credit claims The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) has approved, for the seven national central banks (NCBs) that have put forward relevant proposals, ...
Europe Bank Risk Premium Vanishing on ECB Cash: Credit MarketsSan Francisco Chronicle
ECB Meeting: Looking Intensively at Credit Tightening RiskAction Forex
Draghi Says LTRO Helped Avoid Major Credit CrunchMNI News
BusinessWeek -Monsters and Critics.com
all 1,389 news articles »

Republicans Target Tax Credits for Undocumented Immigrants - Fox News


Kansas City Star

Republicans Target Tax Credits for Undocumented Immigrants
Fox News
Republicans are looking to deny illegal immigrants the child tax credit, and refund checks as one way to help pay for extending the Social Security tax cut another 10 months. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) Print Email Share Comments Recommend Tweet Some ...
Republicans: No tax break for illegal immigrantsThe Associated Press
Republicans want to deny child tax credit to illegal immigrants to pay for ...Washington Post

all 241 news articles »

Click here for Best Buy In-Store Pickup

StreetSideAuto.com

Looking For Royalty Free Photos for your Website, Business or Advertising?

My Life Through The Lens

YourFree.biz Domain Is For Sale - $5,000 For Enquiries eMail Us

© www.YourFree.biz 2011

home | site map | links

eXTReMe Tracker