Two people looking puzzled at a piece of paper. Tackling credit card debt is one of the best steps you can take this year.

Tackling Credit Card Debt in the New Year

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It’s no secret that credit card debt is on the rise here in the United States. Between the toll caused by the pandemic and the rising costs of living, U.S. credit card debt is estimated at $357 billion at the moment, with an average of $6,000 per household. 

If you’re feeling stressed out about your debt, you are in good company. At Trajan Wealth, we are here to talk you through a few basics to help you pay down debt. Taking action – even a first step – will help you get ahead financially this year.

How to Get Rid of Credit Card Debt

Following these recommendations will help you start down the road towards a clean financial slate. Remember, it’s all about tackling debt one step at a time. 

Tackle Higher Interest Debt More Aggressively

Not all debt has equal ramifications. Sit down and look through all of your credit card debt side-by-side. Which category has the highest interest rate? While paying attention to all of your debt each month is essential, allocate any leftover money towards the debt that’s accruing the most interest. Once that’s paid off, move on to the second-highest interest rate and so on.

Create Your Budget

Budgets don’t have to feel limiting; in fact, they can provide you with a sense of freedom. Once you know how much money you have coming in and going out each month, you can make a strategic plan. 

Whether you choose to track your income and expenses in a spreadsheet or a good old-fashioned notebook, you’ll feel better once you know exactly how much you’re working with.

Spend Less, Make More 

Within your budget, track your necessary expenses as well as non-essential items. Are there places you can cut? Perhaps for the next six months, you decide to eat out less or cancel that streaming service you barely use. These minor changes can make a big difference to your financial stability. You can always readjust these priorities once you’re debt-free.

Simultaneously, look closely at your income. Can you advocate for a raise at your job? Is there a secondary job you can do to bring in extra income? Think about how to balance your influx of cash to pay down debt faster. 

Schedule an Appointment with a Financial Advisor

Getting started can feel overwhelming, especially if you have quite a bit of debt to pay off. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. A trusted financial advisor helps you create a blueprint tailored to your circumstances and goals.

The most important thing is to stick with whatever plan you create. You don’t want to get behind on paying this debt down because it’ll start to grow again. Prioritize your financial well-being and commit to those monthly payments. 

Want to schedule an appointment with the experts at Trajan Wealth? Contact us, and we’ll help you get started! 

Let’s Pay Down Debt Together 

This year, take control of your finances, including your credit card debt. And buff up on your financial knowledge by following our blog for advice, recommendations, and updates from Trajan Wealth. Your future self – and your bank accounts – will thank you. 

© 2024 Trajan® Wealth LLC. Nothing in this blog is intended as investment advice, nor is it an offer to buy or sell any security. Please consult your financial advisor for questions about your personal financial situation. All investments involve risk, including the potential for loss. Trajan Wealth clients and employees may have a position in any of the securities mentioned. Portfolio holdings and other data are subject to change at any time and without notice. Additionally, the above links provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Trajan Wealth, L.L.C., of any of the products, services or opinions of the corporation or organization or individual. Trajan Wealth, L.L.C., bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. These materials are for informational and educational purposes and are not designed, nor intended, to apply to any person’s individual circumstances. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition, or particular needs of any specific person. Please consult with your legal and/or tax advisor before making any tax-related decisions.

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