Debt Repayment Strategy

When you get into any kind of debt, particularly serious debt, it can seem quite overwhelming. You may have trouble knowing where to start dealing with your debt, or even have difficulty thinking about your debt. However, the first step to getting your financial situation under control is to develop strategies for repaying your outstanding debts. By understanding the basic starting points for debt repayment, you can develop workable repayment plans and greatly relieve your stress and anxiety over debt problems.

Assess Your Finances

An important part of developing a personalized debt repayment strategy is understanding your financial situation. The Federal Trade Commission suggests looking at both your income sources and your mandatory expenses to gain an accurate picture of your finances. Mandatory expenses can include rent or mortgage payments, car payments, insurance payments and utility bills.

Cut Spending

There may be areas where you can cut spending. The first step to developing a debt repayment strategy is to figure out how much you can reliably afford to use to pay down your debt on a monthly basis. Getting rid of expensive cable services, making coffee at home and eating at home instead of eating out are all areas where most people can cut expenses, says Bankrate.com.

Negotiating with Creditors

Negotiating with your creditors regarding your debt can sometimes help you get better terms, making repayment easier. Some possibilities could include requesting a lower settlement amount on the debt, forgiveness of fees and penalties on the debt in exchange for full payment, or a reduced interest rate for the duration of an agreed upon repayment plan.

Consolidation Loans

Consolidation loans are available as both secured or unsecured loans. For example, loans based on equity in your home or other collateral are secured loans, while credit cards are unsecured loans. Consolidation loans can be a way to simplify your debt repayment plan by reducing the number of creditors, interest rates and payment dates you need to keep track of. However, Bankrate.com suggests you consider loan terms carefully before choosing the consolidation option. One consideration could include whether consolidating your debts will lower the overall interest rate, making your debt repayment plan cheaper in the long run.

Protecting Yourself

The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be cautious of companies designed to take advantage of individuals with credit problems. Promises to negotiate with your creditors, improve your credit report or even erase your debts can be accompanied by hidden fees and practices that will only deepen your financial woes. Checking with the Better Business Bureau and state attorney general's office to ensure any agency or credit counselor you work with is reputable can help you get the best advice possible in assessing your debt management plan.