How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt Fast and Without Bankruptcy

Lisa Mason
Bankruptcy isn't the only option if you feel like you are swimming in credit card debt. While you may feel like you are in over your head, there is something you can do about it and it pays to know where to start. When you have a solid plan to get out of credit card debt, all you need to do is follow this plan step by step and find the help that you need.

One of the first things that you need to understand is that you won't get out of debt doing it the way of your creditors. You also won't get out of debt by ignoring the creditors. You can't run away from your financial responsibilities but you also don't have to allow them to bully you into thinking you have no choices.

The longer it takes you to pay off your debt, the more money the creditors and collection agencies will make. This is why they are so eager to offer you a "deal" or monthly installments. You can't get out of debt by just paying minimum payments, especially if you have excessive debts. You also won't get out of debt by paying late fees, over-limit fees and high interest rates.

Instead, you need to work on paying off those credit cards and getting the numbers down across the board. So how can you pay off these debts when money is tight? Money being tight is quite likely one of the reasons you got into this situation in the first place.

One way that you can get out of credit card debt without bankruptcy is to talk to your creditors about debt negotiation or debt settlement. In this process, you will work to pay off your credit card bills at a reduced amount, allowing them to be paid off more quickly. The goal is to start from the lowest to the highest and pay them off one by one so you have fewer cards to deal with.

If possible, you should transfer the balances of cards onto one card or just one or two cards that have the lowest interest rates. This allows you to pay fewer bills each month with fewer fees and can also save you money on the interest rates.

Another option is debt consolidation. In this option, you usually work with a third party company that will "buy out" your debts from the credit card companies and then you will make one monthly payment to this debt consolidation company until your debts are paid off. This is often a good option when you want to keep the payments in one location with a fixed interest rate but you will typically have to give up the cards. Most people believe this helps them avoid more debt or running into the same problem again anyway.

With these tips, you can learn how to get out of credit card debt fast and without bankruptcy. You have the power in your hands to correct your mistakes and tackle that mountain of debt once and for all.

Published by Lisa Mason - Featured Contributor in Technology

Lisa Mason is a freelance writer and social media marketer with more than 10 years of experience. As VP of Special Media for Social Media Sun, she makes sure that readers have access to the most relevant and...  View profile

3 Comments

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  • Dina Quirion6/6/2010

    Very good info here, many will find hepl reading this, thanks... :o)

  • Shamontiel6/5/2010

    I would strongly advise against debt settlement companies. I talked to one just to find out how they work and the Feds are always going after them. Too many are linked to fraud, let people pay the monthly installments, don't contact your credit card companies and tell you to ignore their calls, and THEN run off with your money. While researching them, I found entirely too many examples of this. If you're interested in what I found, feel free to look on my page. Have you tried one before?

  • Oscar Crawford6/5/2010

    You are one writing woman. It is good advice.

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