If you’re repaying unsecured debts, managing your payments every month is an important concern.
When it comes to debt management, people can be in very different situations. Some people are managing their debts comfortably, and could even look at ways to pay off their debts more quickly. Others may be seriously struggling to afford their repayments every month – in which case it’s important to find a solution to help you start making your payments again as soon as possible.
Let’s look at the different ways you could manage your debts depending on your situation.
Are you managing your debts well?
Are you repaying several unsecured debts every month? Are you generally managing your payments well? If this is the case, it may be worth thinking about ways you could clear your debts at a faster pace.
Remember, carrying a debt is potentially risky, and the sooner you can pay your debts off in full, the more control you’ll have over your money – which could help reduce the risk of falling into financial trouble in the future.
How could you do this?
‘Overpaying’ your debts
If you’re only making the minimum repayments every month, repaying your unsecured debts over a longer period of time could cost you a fair bit more overall in interest. If you can afford it, making larger payments every month could see you paying off your debts in full more quickly – and saving on interest too.
Are you struggling to afford your debts?
If you can no longer afford your repayments, it’s important you find a way of getting back on top of your debts as soon as possible: the sooner you start, the more likely it could be that you avoid severe consequences.
One possible way of doing this is with a debt management plan.
What is a debt management plan?
A debt management plan is an informal agreement between you and your unsecured lenders, in which you ask them to accept reduced monthly payments you know you can afford.
If your lenders agree to your new repayment plan, you could make one affordable payment every month to a debt management company, who’ll then distribute money amongst your lenders as agreed.
Your lenders may also agree to freeze or reduce interest on your debts, which will stop your debts growing as you’re repaying them. However, if they don’t agree to freeze interest, making lower payments over a longer period could end up costing you more overall in interest.
Finally, a debt management plan will stay on your credit record for six years, and can affect your ability to get credit during this time.
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