The current average credit card interest rate is closest to the highest of record, leaving many consumers in a pinch trying to pay down their balance. This may get easier if the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates next week.
The current average interest rate on consumer credit cards is 20.78%. This has led to more delinquent payments as making the minimum monthly payment becomes more expensive — which doesn't necessarily lower the primary balance.
Financial analysts indicate a strong correlation between federal and credit card interest rates, so cardholders can expect their rates to lower in correlation to what the Federal Reserve announces.
Learn about the best money moves to make to maximize a federal interest rate cut and get out of debt. Here are nine top strategies for how to crush your debt .
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1. Make your budget smarter
One of the first and most important steps when it comes to dealing with debt is taking stock of just how much debt you actually have. For that, do an audit of your finances and a fresh budget.
Then, set up a timetable noting when money comes in, when the bills are due, what your fixed expenses are, and how much money you can devote to debt repayment. Where can you cut back to pay off more debt?
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Consolidate your debt
While putting together your budget, you might notice that you owe money to a variety of entities at various interest rates. One way to handle that is to try debt consolidation. At first, it's a slightly complicated method, but it can lead to a streamlined process.
If, for instance, you're paying off credit card debt and a car loan, take out a new loan equal to the total amount owed and pay off those existing debts. Now you just have a single loan equal to the same amount — and with only one interest rate — left to deal with. However, if you can’t pay down that loan, you’ll wind up in the same debt hole as before.
3. Consider the debt snowball method
If consolidating your debt isn't for you, this approach might be more manageable. To start your debt snowball, focus on paying off the smallest debts first. Once you pay off a small debt, use the money that would have gone to that payment to pay off the next smallest debt, and so on. This allows you to knock out debt one account at a time with clear benchmarks of success.
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4. Consider the debt avalanche method
The snowball method is best if interest rates on each debt are relatively the same. If, however, one debt has a significantly higher interest rate, you might want to try the debt avalanche method.
Here, you make minimum payments on all debts, then put more money toward the debt with the highest interest rate. It may take longer to retire that debt, but it will save you interest in the long run. And once the big debt is paid, it will free up money to pay off the lower-interest debts.
5. Get a lower interest rate
Although some debts can be managed over time, it's the accumulated interest that can make it harder to pay off these accounts. Contact your bank and see if you can get a lower interest rate.
There's no guarantee the lender will agree, but if you have been steady on payments and have no glaring red flags on your account, there is a chance the bank will lower your rate. You may be paying less in interest, which will clear that debt faster.
6. Try a credit card balance transfer
Transferring high-interest credit card debt to another card with a lower interest rate is a common way to pay off debt.
You will have one debt payment instead of multiple payments, and your low interest rate typically lasts for a set period of time. This can make it easier to avoid the added costs of interest while you pay it down and give you a schedule to stick to.
Nothing is free, though: You will typically pay a percentage of the amount you’re transferring as a balance transfer fee. Also note that the 0% interest rate may only apply to the amount you’re transferring, not to new purchases.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt 7. Make it harder to spend
If credit card debt is the problem, make it harder both psychologically and in action to use your cards. That could be simply not carrying the card with you when you're out or deleting it from any online profile you have with retailers such as Amazon.
It's obvious, but the less you spend, the less debt you accumulate while also trying to pay it down. Make this a habit alongside your budgeting for a speedier approach to debt relief. You will still have the card for situations where it's justified to use, but this strategy removes the ability to mindlessly spend on one-click purchases and the like.
If nothing else, it is a strategy that will force you to really think about whether you need that next purchase or not.
8. Earn more money
If you owe more, try making more. It is easier said than done in many cases but consider approaching your boss for a raise or taking on more shifts for extra hours.
You can also sell items online, from clothes you're not wearing to appliances you don't need. If you're financially OK each month beyond trying to pay off your debt, the extra money can go directly to those payments.
Pro-tip: If increasing your pay at your day job or finding a higher-paying one is proving difficult, consider starting a side hustle to make extra cash .
9. Pay more than the minimum
There is no maximum amount one can pay when it comes to getting out of debt. If you're making it a priority, take the time to see what amount you're paying toward each account each month.
On credit cards, the minimum due payment each month is usually 2% of the total balance. If you're financially able, consider increasing the payment by a scalable, sustainable amount. The AARP recommends paying 15% of the total each time.
If it doesn't hurt your circumstances, paying more each month is a straightforward way to get out of debt faster. Remember, the more you pay on the balance, the less interest your debt accumulates.
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Bottom line
Debt is an unfortunate part of life and one that can easily pile up for anyone, regardless of income.
Be organized and try to have a clear-cut plan for eliminating your debt and getting ahead financially , whether it's consolidation or paying off one account at a time.
Take the time to carefully budget, both what you can afford to spend and how much each month you're using to pay off your debt.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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