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Consolidate Bills: 7 Tips To Survive The Stress Of Debt And Get A Brighter Financial Future |
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Submitted by Cheryl Adams
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Being in debt can be very stressful and unless you know a few tricks to reduce debt, such as how to consolidate bills, it can severely affect the quality of your life. When dealing with debt related stress, it can be helpful to remind ourselves that "this, too, shall pass" if we take steps to make sure that it does.
Here are seven tips to help you survive the stress of debt and begin to move towards a brighter financial future:
1. FACE FACTS. All too often, when we are overwhelmed by the enormity of debt and lack of finances, we can procrastinate on taking action. The very things we need to do remain undone. Why? Because depression can hit hard in these circumstances. We can feel like we are drowning in debt related stress and instead of taking action, we are paralyzed. Most of us have known at least one person who hates collecting the mail, fearing more bills or letters of demand. When the mail is brought in, it is often left unopened because they just don't want to see one more bill. While this is understandable, it is also disastrous. Ignoring the problem only makes it worse and increases the stress.
2. DECIDE TO TAKE ACTION. All change begins with a decision. To climb out of debt and survive the stress that accompanies it, you must DECIDE to take action. Research the options available to you. One major way you can alleviate the stress of debt is to consolidate bills. Look into the various ways you can do this. Seek professional advice.
3. TAKE ACTION. If you need to negotiate with creditors to work out a payment plan, do so. If you need to change suppliers to get a better deal, do that, too. If you are juggling multiple credit card payments and other loans, decide to consolidate bills using the lowest interest, lowest cost loan you can find.
4. CONSOLIDATE BILLS. The first, most important action you need to take is to consolidate bills in order to reduce interest costs and increase your monthly cash flow. If you have gone through the process of researching your options, you will know which refinancing option is best for you.
5. DON'T WASTE YOUR GAINS. When you consolidate bills, your monthly disposable income will increase. Don't waste this extra money. If at all possible, use some of it to pay off the debt as quickly as possible and put some of it in savings so you have something to fall back on and are not tempted to increase debt again.
6. LIVE WITHIN A REASONABLE BUDGET. If we live above our means, we will get stressed. It is really unavoidable. So one important way to control financial stress is to keep within a budget. A budget doesn't have to be draconian, but it does have to balance. You can find good budget guides on the internet and can print out a form that would apply to most people. Initially, it is a good idea to keep track of spending. You might be surprised where your money is going. Where money is concerned, ignorance is not bliss. It's good old fashioned stress!
7. ENJOY YOUR LIFE. Debt related stress can suck the joy right out of your life. So you have to factor ways of enjoying your life into your plan. Make sure that you budget for some entertainment and that you can buy some special items you enjoy. Unhappiness can create stress, too, so look for ways to be happy and find pleasure in life while on a budget. It can be done. Think about what you love doing. Now think of ways to do these things inexpensively. Be creative. The quality of your life will improve and you will be glad you took the time.
If you consolidate bills and take the other steps mentioned here, you will be well on your way to surviving the stress of debt and gaining a brighter financial future.
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