Eliminating Your Debt - Debt Might Not Be The Problem
While becoming debt-free is a noble goal, not considering other factors when paying
off your debt can hinder your long term prosperity and financial stability. Not all debt is created equal and if you don't understand the difference between good debt and bad debt, you could neglect other important fiscal goals in a blind attempt to eliminate your debt. A debt management plan incorporating a clear assessment of your current finances, coupled with your long-term goals will point you in the direction that is right for you.
However, debt in and of itself is not bad. It is an essential tool for building wealth, reaching your financial and educational goals, and living a comfortable life. Most of us could not afford a home or finance a college education without taking on debt. Used sensibly, debt can help you survive a job loss, buy a car, or even start a business. Debt can also give you the flexibility to seize opportunities you might otherwise have to pass up.
Undoubtedly, debt has a place in this world. To strategically manage your debt however, you must first be able to distinguish between good debt and bad debt. Generally, financing an education, a home, or starting a business is considered strategic, therefore good debt. That's because such choice serve to ensure long-term financial success. The alternative is financing discretionary, or short-term needs on credit which undermines your long-term financial goals.
Some consumers however took the concept of good debt too far in pursuit of more home, education, or other investments than they could actually afford. They mistakenly believed that lenders would never loan them more than they could repay and they were living on the edge. However, many assumptions about income and jobs turned out to be false. The reality is that the current economic climate has turned previous financial models on their ears. It's time for us to take a hard look at our own risk adversity and financial limitations.
Ultimately, being debt free is a good thing. However, managing debt intelligently can give you the cash flow you need to grow your long-term wealth. Living debt free is not practical for most people today. But, you can manage your debt so it actually improves your financial future. To accomplish this, individuals need to pay off the bad debts first and cut the costs of the debt you keep. From now on, vow to keep your debt from getting out of hand and get smarter about all debt you acquire.
So stop being slave to your spending habits. Take small steps toward paying off your credit card balances - never pay just the minimum required. Use cash only for all new purchases. Maintain a short-term emergency fund. Methodically pay off your "bad" debt, then focus on the "strategic" debt. Who knows, maybe someday you can be one of the few who actually do become free from debt.
Eliminating Your Debt - Debt Might Not Be The Problem
By: Mark Andrade
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