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Debt Management Strategies 📉

Don Kaluarachchi
DataDrivenInvestor
Published in
5 min readSep 28, 2023

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Image by Don Kaluarachchi (author)

Debt can feel like a heavy burden, but with the right strategies and a clear plan, you can regain control of your finances.

Regardless of whether you are dealing with credit card debt, student loans, or a mortgage, there are effective ways to manage and reduce your debt.

In this article, we will look at various debt management strategies, prioritise debt repayment, and discuss negotiating with creditors.

Understanding Your Debt

Before we dive into strategies, it is crucial to understand the types of debt you’re dealing with. The following are some common forms of debt:

  1. Credit card debt:
    Credit card debt is often the most pressing and costly form of debt for many.
    High-interest rates can make it challenging to pay off, but we will discuss methods to tackle it.
  2. Student loans:
    Education is an investment, but student loans can linger for years. Knowing your options and repayment plans is essential.
  3. Mortgages:
    A home is a significant investment, and mortgages are usually long-term debts.
    We will discuss how to manage this substantial financial commitment.

Now that we have identified the types of debt, let’s explore strategies to manage and reduce them effectively.

Managing Credit Card Debt

Managing credit card debt by Don Kaluarachchi (author)
  1. Create a budget:
    Begin by creating a monthly budget that outlines your income and expenses.
    This will help you see where your money is going and identify areas where you can cut back to allocate more funds toward debt repayment.
  2. Pay more than the minimum:
    Paying only the minimum amount due on your credit card statement will keep you in debt for a long time.
    Aim to pay as much as you can afford each month, ideally more than the minimum payment.
  3. Consider a balance transfer:
    If you have a high-interest credit card, look into transferring your balance to a card with a lower interest rate.
    Just be sure to read the terms and conditions…

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Written by Don Kaluarachchi

Content Writer 📰 | Software Developer ⌨️ | Consultant 🧑🏾‍💻 | ML Engineer 🤖

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