Get Out Of Debt

Are you in so much debt that you are having a difficult time paying all of your monthly obligations?

Many people find themselves in this situation and then they have no idea how they can get out of it. It truly is unfortunate to have arrears because you end up paying double, triple, or even more for the items you purchased simply because the interest rates are so high.

The following suggestions will help you reduce what you owe and give you a map to get out of the arrears accumulated and stay that way.

Tip #1 More Than The Minimum Payment

You have been probably paying minimum payment on all of your arrears and have found that you are not actually getting out of it by doing so, but rather staying current on your credit cards.

If you truly want to pay off what you owe then you will need to start making some sacrifices in other areas of your life and pay larger monthly payments. You want to pay at least double the monthly payment if not triple in order to get yourself back in the black.

Keep in mind, this does takes lot of effort and commitment but you can do it if you simply focus on what needs to be done. The easiest way to pay more than you are currently paying is to cut back on food costs.

Many people spend a great deal of money eating out and on convenience foods when you can easily eat a sandwich for each meal and cereal for breakfast for as little as $20 a week. Compare that to the $200 some people spend per week on food and restaurants and you will see that you really can make some big payments by eating at home.

Tip #2 Stop Spending

In order to really get out of debt you have to change your spending habits.

This means that you don't use your credit cards unless you really have to. This constitutes an emergency only like a flat tire or a medical emergency when you cannot go without it. And, the card should only be used if you don't have cash to cover the expense.

When you are shelling out money because you feel like you can't live without a certain pair of shoes or you found a great outfit on sale you will wind up having arrears. But, when you approach spending by only spending what you have in cash or on something you really need you will learn how to give up those "deals" and stay out of debt and less stressed.

Tip #3 Remove Your Name From Pre-Screened Credit Offers

Often times people apply for credit simply because an offer arrived in the mail. In order for you to not be tempted by these types of offers you can have your name removed from pre-screened offers.

This will allow you to continue your plan of not spending and paying more than the monthly payment each month without any hiccups of additional credit. And, when you don't apply for additional loan you will notice it is even easier to get yourself out of
debt.

If you feel you are living in a debt then don't hesitate to call us. We offer debt management services, iva and debt consolidation loan just for you.

IVA UK Advice: Good Solutions to Get Out of Debt in the UK

Struggling with debt is now a common occurrence in the UK. You are not alone with the feelings of stress and despair it can cause.

When debts become overwhelming, it is common for thoughts of bankruptcy to be seen as the only solution. However, there is an alternative which is far less restrictive but can be just as beneficial for the debtor, the Individual Voluntary Arrangement.

An IVA, which was established by the Insolvency Act 1986, is a legal contract between you and your creditors. It is a legally binding arrangement supervised by a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner, the purpose of which is to enable you to reach a compromise with your creditors and avoid the consequences of bankruptcy. Insolvency Practitioners are accountants and they will present your IVA case to the Creditors.

The IVA enables you to cut your debts to an affordable level and clear them over a fixed period. The compromise should offer a larger repayment towards your debt than could otherwise be expected were you to be made bankrupt.

You can even take out a fresh mortgage while in an IVA. What's more, it is a totally private arrangement nobody needs to know about it apart from you, your advisors and your creditors (people you owe money to). An IVA ensures that your home is protected and your job is not at risk.

You make one single manageable monthly payment, based on your budget, for 3-5 years. After that the remaining debt is wiped clean, leaving you completely debt-free. This means that an IVA can write off up to 75% of your debts.

However, under the terms of the agreement you undertake to contribute as much as possible within your budget. So in reality, an IVA presents an opportunity for you to pay whatever as you can in a manageable way in a way you can afford.

The advantages and disadvantages of an IVA compared with other debt solutions are particular to a debtor's individual circumstances and professional advice should be sought to decide on the best option.

Advantages

You only pay back a percentage of your debts. If you follow the agreed terms, you will be debt free in 5 years time. Up to 75% of your debt may be written off.

This is a legally binding solution so no further interest or charges can be added to the debt. Enforced by law creditors can't change their mind once they've agreed. You also get protection against possible court action.

Agreed monthly payment plans will remain fixed unless your income level dramatically increases.

It is a private agreement and only you, your advisor and your creditors need know about it. There is no publicity in the local papers, as is the case for bankruptcy.

You can continue to practice as a professional person (i.e. accountant, solicitor, doctor etc) or as a director of a company and can hold public office, as an IVA does not affect your professional status.

You can open a regular bank account, without an overdraft facility and have no/fewer credit restrictions than if you go bankrupt.

You can safeguard your property, as the proposals can be made flexible to suit personal circumstances.

Disadvantages

If you have equity in your house, an endowment policy linked to your mortgage, or valuable assets you may be required to release them in to pay your creditors. (This is usually done near the end of the arrangement). However this is preferable to repossession and enables you to safeguard and retain your home.

Normally, an IVA cannot be used if your total debts are under 15,000.

You must be able to afford to make an offer of repayment to your creditors. Generally you need to be able to afford monthly payments of 200 or more.

If you fail to keep up the payments set out in the agreement, your creditors WILL be able to take other action against you, which could result in bankruptcy, and your home could still be at risk if not specifically excluded from your IVA proposals

In their bargain to allow you to avoid bankruptcy, IVAs are expected to be for a longer period than bankruptcy (ie 5 years). People who go bankrupt can be discharged from bankruptcy within between 1 and 3 years. So it takes longer to be debt-free.

More information about how to get out of debt with a UK IVA solution is available online.