I have about 15,000 worth of debt what is the best way of clearing this up?
Personally speaking debt consolidation would be the best way .One fixed monthly payment on a strict schedule can allow you to budget accordingly and actually see an end to the monthly payments.
Debt consolidation comes in many forms: - Debt Consolidation Loan - Debt Settlement Program - Debt Management Plan - Debt Relief, Reduction and Elimination Program - Credit Counseling Service - Loan Consolidation
In a debt consolidation program your debt counselor after comparing your income and expenses would give you an various affordable debt management plan on the basis of amount of your debt and situation. Thereafter you have to decide upon which plan is the best for you.
make out a personal budget and be realisitc with how much money/paychek that you will need for food clothing gas transportatin etc try and cut some things out...stop going out to eat...dont buy those new shoes when you just want them just start paying a chunk slowly any money that you may run into (lottery, inheritence,bonus's etc) put that immediatley towards your debt (since youre used to going with out that extra money it wont bother you to not have it)
remember-even though minimum payments look wonderful...theyre not and the more you can pay over that the better!
I agree that debt consolidation is a great idea.
But you can do some things on your own too. Do you own a house with some equity? You can often get a line of credit that you pay back at a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments, if your debts are sitting on credit cards that are charging you 18 to 30% interest.
A smaller thing... always try to pay a bit more than the minimum payment, and that reduces the principal for you, so you're not just paying interest.
you should contact a qualified and dedicated debt consultant. they work with your creditor to reach mutually acceptable settlements that will save your money and time, and enable you to discharge your debt.
they helped my friend with her credit card debt and saved her from bankruptcy.
you should call Credit Card Relief toll free on 877-867-3090
My best advice would be to get a debt counselor and work on debt consolidation. They can help to get your bills grouped into making one monthly payment that you can afford. Living above your means with credit is no way to live. Credit was meant to be there for emergency purposes only. Not to get things you can't afford.
thanks for all the advice :)