Many people have one sort of debt or another, whether that’s a mortgage or loan, student loan, credit card or overdraft. And many are able to manage their debts perfectly well, if they have an adequate income for repayments.
However, when your income isn’t enough to keep up with repayments, it’s time to address how to deal with the situation. We’ll look at three debt scenarios and three possible debt solutions here – or for more help and advice with debts, you could follow the link.
Scenario one:
You have more than one debt to repay, you can comfortably afford to make the repayments and you have a secure income, but you’re finding managing multiple debts a hassle.
Possible debt solution:
A debt consolidation loan could be the solution you need. By replacing all your debts with one loan, you could reduce your monthly payments and find managing your finances simpler. There is the potential to lower your monthly payments if you spread the loan over a longer term, but this could cost you more in interest overall, so bear that in mind.
Scenario two:
You have multiple unsecured debts and you’re finding it difficult to keep up with the repayments, as well as keeping a roof over your head and putting food on the table. If you could just freeze the interest and charges on your debts and pay a little less every month, you’re confident you could manage your repayments.
Possible debt solution:
Debt management could be the answer you’re looking for here. Debt management involves making a new repayment arrangement with your creditors – asking them to freeze your interest and charges, and/or accept lower repayments over a longer period.
Some important things to consider are that debt management would be noted on your credit file for six years – and your creditors wouldn’t have to agree to reduce your payments. Even so, a debt management company could assist you and it could be a solution to your debt problems.
Scenario three:
Your debts seem insurmountable and you have no idea how you could ever repay them.
Possible debt solution:
Insolvency may be required in these circumstances, as it can actually write off debt you can’t afford to repay. Your options might include an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement), bankruptcy, or a Debt Relief Order (DRO).
Insolvency would have a serious impact on your life and could involve surrendering equity in your home or valuable possessions. It would have a serious effect on your chances of obtaining credit in the future.