Managing & Improving Your Credit & Finances—Learn Why You Should Attack Your Debt Now

It is Imperative that You Manage & Improve Your Credit & Finances at this Time

With the dawning of 2012 many consumers have begun to address their finances with the goal of improving their financial position.

By organizing their credit and finances and planning ahead before a financial problem arises consumers are making a good decision by starting now.

In my 20 plus years in the personal finance and real estate industry—the last few years have been refreshing in many respects—as many more consumers are finally starting to address their credit and finances in a serious manner.

Unfortunately, it took a major financial downturn before many saw the need to effectively plan their credit and financial future.

You must realize that if you don’t organize and plan for your financial future now—you may end up in your retirement years with an underfunded retirement account—and that could cause you to live at levels that you are not accustomed to living at.

With the global financial economy in disarray in many parts of the world—it is imperative that you address your and your family’s credit and finance condition as soon as practical—and that is especially true in the current economic environment.

Even though we have seen an increase in enthusiasm and in the number of consumers planning their credit and finances—consumers still charged over $60 billion worth of credit card debt this past (2011) holiday season, according to many market watchers.

Many consumers are not sure what the future economy of the U.S. will look like—and they are now considering the need for a financial makeover that they plan on doing themselves—or includes the assistance of a financial planner.

Budgeting or cash flow analysis should be your first step if you want to start on a path of improving your credit and finances to a high level.

It is important that you figure out your bottom line, including how much you owe, how much you earn, and how much you’re paying-off in high interest rate loans.

Depending on your current credit position you may be able to find lower-rate credit cards or refinance to lower-rate loans.

You must know your monthly discretionary income (money left over after you have paid all of your expenses) if you truly want to achieve success at a high level.

If you have “positive income at the right amount” after you do your budget or cash flow analysis that you can use at your “discretion”—you could use it to pay down or possibly pay off your credit card debt.

Your goal should be to reduce your expenses and/or increase your income in as efficient a manner as possible.

You must know how much you earn, how much you owe and how much you are paying out on a monthly basis.

Be sure to attack your credit card and other high interest debt in as timely a manner as you can—based on your income and current financial position.

If your credit is good or excellent—try to find a “zero rate” or a “ lower interest rate” card—or try to get your current creditors to lower the rates on your cards—if it makes good financial sense to do so.

Be sure to look at other cost cutting measures such as lowering your insurance costs—and other money saving strategies.

Once you get your credit card debt under control—consider increasing your savings and establishing an emergency fund—if you do not have one at this time.

Once your credit card debt is paid off and you establish an emergency fund you will be in position to analyze other areas of your finances such as insurance, investments, tax planning, education planning, estate planning/wills and retirement planning in a more appropriate and comprehensive manner.

Here are some more helpful tips:

• The sooner you get started the sooner you will see positive results—do not procrastinate!

• You will undoubtedly face adversity along the way; however, you cannot let that deter your payoff plans!

• Interest rates on auto loans and mortgages are at near record lows and many banks and credit unions are offering refinancing deals which could cut your monthly payments.

• Use your mental focus to hone in on the goals you really want to achieve—and really make the goals you seek a reality for you and your family!

• Try to remember your worst money-management mistakes of the past and do your best not to repeat them now—or in the future!

• Pay off your credit card balance in the most efficient manner possible based on your income!

While you may not have managed your credit and finances in the past in an effective way—you can do so starting today!

Be sure you are highly motivated and determined to pay off your debt and you use a written plan.

Why Having a High Level of Motivation and Utilizing a Written Plan is so Important?

By being highly motivated and using a written plan you will give your mind more focus and increase the likelihood of attaining your and your family's goals.

You will know when your payoff and other goals will be accomplished and that will help to keep your motivational level high.

Having a high level of motivation and the proper self-discipline that is needed to pay off your debt cannot be underestimated as it is a critical component of you reaching your and your family’s goals.

By attacking your debt now in the appropriate manner—you will set up yourself and your family for a more prosperous future!


If your credit is not at the level that you desire—CLICK HERE—to see how you can manage and improve your credit in a more efficient and effective manner.

All the best to your debt elimination success...

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