Paying off debt is key to being financially secure and stable. Whether it’s credit cards, student, home, or personal loans, managing debt is about using smart methods to avoid feeling buried. This means deciding which debts to tackle first, checking out ways to pay them, and making good plans.

In the following article, we look at steps to help you put debt payment first so that the process becomes less stressful for you.

Understanding Consumer Proposal: An Alternative to Bankruptcy

Consumer proposals in Canada offer a way for people to settle their debts through legal deals that allow for manageable monthly payments. These plans are managed by Licensed Insolvency Trustees and submitted to creditors for approval, enabling you to pay part of your debt over a set period. A consumer proposal is often better than bankruptcy since it lets people retain their assets while paying off what they owe in a manner that suits their personal financial situation and life needs.

Consumer proposals offer one major benefit: they stop interest accruing while you make payments, helping retake control over your financial health and make meaningful progress toward clearing debts. If you’re looking to file a consumer proposal in Regina, consult a local LIT so as to achieve optimal results.

Assess Your Debts and Create a List

Prioritizing debts requires having an accurate picture of all of your financial obligations. Begin by compiling a list of all debts you owe; outstanding balance, interest rate, minimum monthly payment amount, and any fees attached will help provide insight into which are costing the most money or will have the biggest effect on your financial well-being.

Organize your list by types of debt, such as secured (e.g., mortgages or car loans) and unsecured (e.g., credit cards, personal loans). Make note of those debts with high interest rates that need immediate attention. For instance, the average consumer debt in Canada is $21,013, which may not seem that much, but given the high interest on credit cards, it can be quite burdensome. 

Additionally, it’s beneficial to take note of any debts with terms that could cause issues if missed payments occur, such as student loans that could lead to wage garnishments. Once you understand all your debt, making informed decisions will become much simpler.

Choose a Debt Repayment Strategy: Avalanche vs. Snowball Method

After you’ve looked over your debts, think about which payback strategy suits you best. There are two main ones—the avalanche and the snowball methods—each with different perks depending on what you aim for and how you think about money. 

The avalanche method means you pay off debts with the highest interest first. This can save you cash by cutting down the interest you pay in the long run. You focus on high-interest debts by making minimum payments on others and use extra funds for the highest one until it’s cleared. This strategy might be best if you want to lower expenses fast and improve your financial state. 

On the other hand, the snowball method is about tackling debts with the smallest amounts first, letting you quickly pay off debts and build momentum. When the smallest debt is clear, you go to the next smallest, and this builds a sense of progress. This method is great if you need quick wins to stay motivated and want the debt-paying process to seem less daunting. Both methods work well, and choosing one depends on whether you prefer to cut down interest or enjoy the relief of settling debts quickly.

Set Up an Emergency Fund to Avoid Future Debt

Handling debt well means stopping it from growing more later. Saving some extra cash is like having a safety net for when you need to fix your car, pay doctor bills, or if you lose your job. This stops you from using credit cards or loans for surprise costs. You don’t need a lot for your emergency fund—just enough to cover three to six months of living costs. This gives you a safe cushion to face sudden financial problems without adding more to your debt.

Remember, establishing an emergency fund takes time, so don’t stress. Save a little from every paycheck and grow your fund slowly. Put your emergency money in a high-interest savings account where it can earn some interest while remaining accessible when you need it. By being ready for unexpected costs, you’re less likely to mess up your debt payment plan, helping you stay focused on your financial targets.

Track Your Progress

Paying off debt is a marathon rather than a sprint, and you need to check your map along the way to keep going and see where you might need to turn. Looking at your plan now and then can help keep you on track and adjust as your money situation changes. Use budget tools or lists to watch your payments, keep an eye on how much you owe, and see how much you’ve cleared. Watching your steps forward can boost your drive and remind you of your gains.

If your income changes or you face surprise expenses or money obstacles, don’t hesitate to change your plan. Being able to adjust is key to handling money, and what works for paying off debt can shift based on where you are right now. If needed, talk to a money expert to devise new plans or get debt repayment help.

Bottom Line

Focusing on paying off debt is a strong move to reach financial freedom and safety. By being aware of solutions like consumer plans, checking your debts, picking the right payback plan, merging debts, starting a rainy day fund, and watching how you’re doing, you can make a solid plan that fits your financial goals. Though the path to being debt-free can seem scary, with a smart plan, you can manage your money better, feel less worried, and create a better future.

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