Borrowing money can save you a lot. You can benefit a lot from loans. When I talk about borrowing funds, I like using my own example. There are times when all my invoices are pending payment. In this condition, my business operations are significantly affected. I cannot compromise my business simply because my invoices are not paid. It is always a matter of time, and all of them get paid in the end. So how do I go about this situation? I always take a personal loan and use the funds for business needs. Think of your case and site just one instance when you feel borrowing money is justified. The point is, we all fall short of funds at times, and taking loans saves a lot. But as much as borrowing helps, you can destroy your financial situation if you are not careful.
Many have fallen into what we often refer to as the vicious cycle of debt. I am aware of a good friend of mine who took a payday loan from a reliable money lender in Singapore to finance a medical emergency. And as required, she paid the loan within her next paycheck. Nevertheless, upon paying the first loan, she fell short of funds and took another one. This cycle continued, and she could no longer live without debt until she was rescued. This is a condition that people often find themselves in. If you must borrow, remember different lenders charge different rates.
When you are overwhelmed with debt, it may seem like a hard dream to be debt-free. However, you can successfully get out of debt and live a comfortable life irrespective of how much little you earn. There is always one snare; getting back into debts. Trying to get out of debt but at the same time you are borrowing can be likened to robbing Paul to pay Peter. In this blog, we are going to discuss how you can avoid the challenge of getting back into debt. Read to the end and save yourself from the chains of debt.
Start by Eliminating the Things That Led You to Debt
If you really want to avoid the temptation of getting back into debt, you must work at eliminating the things that made borrow too much. I am assuring you even getting a lottery will never be helpful if you do not change your spending habits. A lottery win cannot help you solve any of the problems you’ve had if you do not change your way of spending. There are different reasons why individuals get into debt. It could be a job loss, unexpected medical bills, school, or even stupidity like it happened to me in the past. However, why you got yourself into debt is not very important now. The most important thing right now is to ensure that it doesn’t happen to you again.
You can ask yourself some helpful questions that can help you make the right decisions. For instance, did you borrow too much when you lost your job? If yes, then you must resolve not to do that again once you manage to get out of debt. I spent many years living beyond my means, and that is why I said stupidity could lead you to debt. Has it happened to you? If yes, then determine the lifestyle that is affordable to you and resolve to live within your means once you are out of debt.
Living within your means is not an easy thing, but it is crucial. In fact, I have not come across a personal finance blog that does remind people to live within their means. This is due to a stupid way of reasoning that we deserve a certain lifestyle. Economists say consumers are rational and will not fall back to a lower living standard even when there is a decrease in income. But why struggle to maintain a lifestyle you cannot afford?
Make a Budget
It is so important to budget if you have to take charge of your finances and avoid falling back into debt. Budgeting will help you track your spending. You must always look at it whenever you want to spend. It is only through budgeting that you can identify whatever consumes your hard-earned money and the adjustments that you need to make. Make sure you always consult your budget. Unfortunately, many individuals do not acknowledge the importance of budgeting in dealing with their finances. It is the foundation upon which all your financial plans are built, including how to get out of debt successfully. By regulating your spending habits and making saving goals, your limited finances can help you achieve more. Ensure you are spending less than the amount you earn.
Save For Emergencies
As we mentioned at the outset, no one is immune to unforeseen events such as unexpected medical conditions. It is imperative to have an emergency fund to turn to. In case you do not have emergency funds, you Will definitely turn to loans, and this will drag you back to debts. You need to have emergency funds that equal at least 6 months of your overall expenses and earnings. You will be safer in case of an unexpected event, such as job loss or medical expenses.
Seek Professional Help
Even though you can manage everything on your own, it is vital to acknowledge the fact that things may not work as we expect. Seek credit counseling or talk to a debt management professional, and you will receive the best kind of help. Nonetheless, you have to be careful not to deal with agencies that can worsen your situation. We recommend you deal with government agencies.
Look for Ways of Earning More
You may need to supplement your income to avoid falling back into debt. Look for ways of supplementing your monthly income. For instance, you can work overtime if there is a consideration for that in your company. Alternatively, you can consider using other skills that you have and use them on a part-time basis. Others have successfully sought promotions while others look for new jobs. The extra income you receive can help pay off your existing debt and cushion you against borrowing in times of emergencies.
The Bottom Line
Getting out of debt is the desire of nearly everyone. However, we often get back into debt for some reason. This is something that you can avoid if you remain vigilant about your lifestyle and be determined to live within your means. Follow the suggestions we have discussed in this blog, and your efforts will come to fruition.
