Debt Help Services

Posts Tagged ‘Backup Plan’

Question: What is the eastiest way to deal with credit card debt?

Recently, I was put in a very difficult position due to my husband losing his job. My income was all we were living on and we have 2 kids to care for. While my husband was job hunting I racked up some pretty good charge card debt because I had to pay childcare for two kids as well as our regular bills just from my own paycheck. Leaving nothing left really. So I called the credit card companies directly and had some luck with them working with me. Other places weren’t as nice and could care less where I stand. I am set up with payment plans for some, but as I said, others refuse to really help me.

I’ve spoken to some different people associated with these CC’s and they have mentioned settlement offers. I’m in no position to do this quite yet but it’s definitely an option. Because it’s still a struggle, I pay what I can even if it’s $10. My credit is toast and I’m trying to repair it so am I better off doing small payments or better off saving up for the settlement offers instead?

Answer: Have you thought about speaking to a credit counselor–there are options out there–like a debt managment program. I went with Debt Counseling Corporation–after much research. They helped me with a budget and we found areas that i could reduce and she gave me great tips on saving that i did not think of. You should call them –at least check them out to see what they suggest

http://www.debtcounselingcorp.org

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In your lifetime, you’ll probably experience the hassle of changing jobs at least once. The reason for changing jobs isn’t important. Perhaps you were let go because your company is downsizing. Perhaps you resigned because of better opportunities elsewhere. Whatever the reason, you must have an appropriate career plan.

Changing jobs opens you to new challenges and opportunities. During the transition, you must remember the importance of managing your finances. Here are some of the financial issues that usually happen whenever you change jobs.

Closely Review Your Benefits

Before you take a new job, make sure you completely understand the benefit package you’re going to get. Clarify every detail about your retirement savings plans, health coverage, sales commissions and any additional benefits that you may have. Remember that once you’ve signed the contract, it would be difficult to negotiate anymore.

Make sure you refuse a job that does not offer health insurance. You never know what will happen in the future, and a major medical emergency could drain all your savings in a matter of days. Even if you are in perfect health now, don’t be tempted to get a job that does not have sufficient health coverage.

Find out also when and how you’re going to receive your salary. You may have to open an account with another bank in order to take advantage of the direct deposit method.

Slowly Limit Your Expenses

For the first few months, make sure you limit your expenses first. Remember that most jobs require a few months of probation period to make sure that you are the right fit for the position. Sometimes, the problem with people is that when they find out that they’re going to have an increase, they begin to spend more freely. Make sure you avoid this trap and learn to spend your money wisely.

Another thing that you must remember is that you should budget your expenses according to your net pay and not your gross pay. Although this sounds obvious, you’ll be surprised at how many people spend according to their gross pay without considering the many deductions that would decrease the amount. There are taxes, health insurance payments, retirement fund contributions and many more that can significantly affect the salary.

Actively Manage Your 401K

Make sure you manage the employer-sponsored retirement plan that you accumulated from the last job you have. It’s always tempting to use the funds but you should avoid doing so. This is because you will still have to pay income tax on the amount, or an early withdrawal penalty if you aren’t retired yet.

Talk to your new employer about the retirement plans in the new company. Discuss the 401K and 403B retirement plans that they are offering. You may also consider putting the funds you got from your old employer into the new retirement plan.

Make sure you have a very clear financial goal while doing all of these. Remember, the time between changing jobs is perfect for evaluating your personal financial management skills. Decide how you want to live five years from now and do whatever you need to do today to make it happen. GP

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