Is there a way to manage money and eliminate debt step by step? Perhaps if there were a sure fire way we would all be doing it every day, week and month of the year. However, I have discovered several steps that will be of assistance and if you try and follow each as closely as possible you will be even closer to eliminating your personal debt. You can begin right now and it could change your life.
Step Number 1: Assess your current financial situation.
Are you currently in the red or black? Do you turn to the credit card to manage your money and every day purchases? This may be a definite indication that you may be in some financial trouble. Here is a free aid at the below link that may help quantify your current financial status.
moneycentral.msn .com/personal-finance/calculators/evaluate_your_debt_calculator/home.aspx
The Second Step: Analyze your spending habits.
Review your weekly and monthly purchases. Do you think that many of your purchases are unnecessary? When it comes to spending, there really is no 'grey' area. There are things we all need to buy and there are things that we don't. You may need to re-learn how to manage money if you find that the majority of the money you spend is on eating out, entertainment, expensive clothes, alcohol etc. Here's something you may want to try.
The Third Step: Budget.
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this once or twice on my blog but creating a budget is probably the most important step to take. A simple way to start to budget is to sift through your credit card bill and make list that separates what you NEEDED and the things you DID NOT NEED. This should only take a a bit of time but it will show you how to manage money in a very easy way. If you want, try to go back through those bills a couple of months. The 1st thing you might probably see is that you can cut your bills by 50%! From here on in, when you are buying things down the road you now know exactly what deserves the 'green' light for the MUST HAVE spending and what gets 'red' flagged. Suddenly you have the start of a budget.
Step Number 4: Eliminate those 'Red Flagged' purchases.
Step 4 will take the most determination, dedication and will power on your part. The key of how to manage money is to know where your cash is going and why. You really do not need the finest fashions, or that costly bottle of wine, football tickets or that new pair of shoes if you are already having difficulty with your finances. What you really need are comfortable home and food on the table. Try to live a very modest lifestyle for a month and you will surely be shocked with how much cash you will save.
Step Number 5: Â Find a low or no cost credit card.
Look at different companies but this is a very important step to take. The best way to decide where to go is if you carry a balance or if you regularly pay it off each month. If you carry a an amount that carries over  you need to find a credit card that has a low interest rate. It is extremely difficult to chip away at a balance if they charge you 18% interest or more. That money will add up fast. If you are lucky enough to be able to make the payments, use a credit card with low or no fees. The best solution is to get rid of your credit card altogether and only use it for emergencies.
Step Number 6: Consolidate your debts.
Plan this step carefully. The positive side is that debt consolidation offers the opportunity to lower your monthly payments, save on interest and may even help you eliminate debt faster. But there are downsides that must be considered like not finding out the root of your debt problem and preventing those tendencies that started the debt to begin with. You could end up paying more in the long run with debt consolidation if you aren't careful.
Here is another free calculator that will show you how to manage money by debt consolidation.
moneycentral.msn .com/personal-finance/calculators/Consolidate_Your_Debt_Payment_calculator/home.aspx
Step Number 7: Seek financial advice.
This is straight to the point. You aren't going to be able to know everything you need to when it comes to debt and the ways to eliminate it. These steps will be helpful but it is still wise to seek face to face advice from a professional.
The Eighth Step: Fix your credit.
Having bad credit is, well, bad. There are plenty of major purchases you will still make in the future and you must have a quality credit score to do so. Be sure to check your credit at your bank or even find out on the internet with a company like Equifax. The more quickly you repair your credit the better.
Can you manage money and eliminate debt step by step? I truly think that if you follow these 8 steps you will have the right tools to eliminate your debt. Good luck and let me know about the success stories that you have had!
You can pay off your debts and save money at the same time! Say goodbye to your boss forever! A blog that will show you the secrets of the wealthy: http://www.howtomanagemoneytips.com
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Orignal From: How To Manage Money: Eliminate Debt Step By Step
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