About 68% of Americans wonder whether they will ever become debt-free, and while debt from credit cards, mortgages, medical bills and even student loans continues to pile up, a few simple strategies can help consumers make it out of debt alive.
The Different Types of Debt
Only about 13% of those polled said they would feel comfortable taking out new debt in 2018. American debt comes in all shapes and sizes, and some of the most common types of debt that today’s consumers face include:
Mortgage Debt
In some states such as Illinois, programs like the Hardest Hit Fund program may be available to help provide relief for homeowners who face foreclosures or are having a difficult time keeping up with mortgage payments. Most lenders also offer loss mitigation to avoid foreclosure.
Student Loans
Government programs may provide cancellation options and other solutions to help those who can’t pay off student loan debt.
Medical Debt
Medical debt is another common type of debt that many have trouble paying off, but some medical providers may provide ways to help relieve this debt.
Careful Budgeting to Get Out of Debt
For individuals who still have income left over after paying required monthly expenses, it may be possible to recover from debt by carefully budgeting. By evaluating all income and necessary costs for the month, cutting out unnecessary expenses, and increasing income if possible, debtors may be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel- even if the tunnel is longer than they would prefer.
Giving Notice to Creditors
One of the worst things to do is simply ignore creditors and try to conceal debt. Instead, it’s best to disclose the situation to creditors, even if the person in debt doesn’t currently have any source of income. Some creditors may be willing to help, agreeing to payment plans or permitting the deferment of a certain number of payments.
Filing for Bankruptcy
While filing for bankruptcy isn’t a solution that works for everyone, working with a bankruptcy lawyer could be a means of getting back on track by preventing foreclosure and avoiding harassment from creditors.