Debt Relief Information

Solutions to Single Mothers in Debt


As a single mother, lets admit it, times get tough. You are fortunate enough to have your children that mean the world to you, but it doesn't come cheap. Of course you'd do anything to keep them safe, even if that means struggling financially to support their well being. Debt can get out of hand fast and with only one income it's hard to pay monthly rent, mortgages, utilities, and food expenses on top of credit card bills. This leads to unwanted stress but can be prevented if you get help.

If your monthly debt payments, not including mortgage or rent, surpass 20% of your income, your debts are a serious problem and they need to be addressed as soon as possible.

Solutions for a Single Mother in Getting Out of Debt:

Do it Yourself Approach

If you feel you have little debt but are starting to get concerned about being able to pay it off, consider setting up on a budget if you don't have one already or reevaluate your current one. A budget is a way to view your personal cash flow, which is your money that comes in each month, and your money that goes out each month. You'll need to keep track of all your spending for one month to establish an accurate budget. Keep a record of your monthly income and all your monthly bills and other receipts even if you are paying with cash.

Once you see what you are spending, you should be able to cut back on certain items especially on impulse buys like candy bars or everyday items you don't think add up to a lot but do in the long run, like morning coffee at your favorite coffee shop. Make goals for your self to set aside a certain amount of money each month to put into a savings account or to put towards paying off other debt.

After you create a budget you can choose to eliminate your debt on your own by ripping up your credit cards, dealing with your creditors, and still making all your payments on time. However if you tend to be late on monthly payments it's recommended that you consider the next option for debt relief.

Credit Counseling and Debt Management Programs

If your debt is severe it's recommended that you get help and fast. This is where most people's embarrassments sets in and are afraid to get help. However credit counseling is a great option to help you eliminate your debt. You can find companies that do it for free, and all your information is kept confidential. A credit counselor will evaluate your current situation and then recommend the best solution for you.

A credit counselor may suggest a debt management program in which the counselor would work directly with your creditors as well as provide you with additional education, guidance, and motivation to make sure you get through the plan and pay off your debt. This simply includes sending a single payment each month to the agency, which is then dispersed to the creditors that you owe money to.

Debt Consolidation

Another debt relief solution is debt consolidation, where existing debts and mortgage payment are compiled into one. You would take out a loan, often times using your home as collateral. Most mortgage-backed consolidations pay the creditor direct to ensure pay off. However if you fall behind you put losing your house at a serious risk.

Bankruptcy

An absolute last resort and not recommended for everyone is filing for bankruptcy. With the new bankruptcy legislation you may want to review it's recent changes and restrictions before considering declaring bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is a court action that can absolve part of an individual's debt.

However, it comes with a high price. Bankruptcy can destroy credit worthiness up to 10 years after the discharge rate and it can even restrict you from certain types of employment.

Kelly K specializes in advising young mums on grant and scholarships for single mothers and has long authored educational and support pieces for women and single mothers. Kelly is a contributing author and editor to a variety of international and domestic web sites, and free newsletters.


MORE RESOURCES:

Total Debt Freedom Earns a Place in the HOT 50 List of Canada's ...
PR.com (press release), NY - 12 hours ago
Cooper says: “With all the available options out there, competition remains fierce in the debt relief arena; it’s our people and our investment in ...


OIC members urged to build debt relief solidarity
African Press Agency, Senegal - Oct 9, 2008
"I am calling for the development of a tangible action plan to establishing a system of debt relief or cancellation by rich Islamic states for economically ...


Bankruptcy: A bankrupt system?
Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - 15 hours ago
... deliver on promises, including lower interest rates and borrowing costs, while raising barriers to last-resort relief for many debt-strapped Americans. ...


How FG spent N308.3bn debt relief funds
The Punch, Nigeria - Oct 1, 2008
By John Ameh, Abuja Nigeria realised and saved an estimated N308.3 bn from its debt relief efforts after the Paris Club wiped off its $19.3bn debt in June ...
FG Spends N2.4 bn Debt Relief Fund on Education –W’Bank THISDAY
all 6 news articles


Banks get relief on farm lending, debt waiver
Business Standard, India - Oct 3, 2008
The government today decided to ease the burden on banks on account of the farm debt relief package and subsidised short-term agricultural loans. ...
Farm lending comes to a halt Hindu
all 2 news articles


Bibo: Debt clock sounding an alarm
Peoria Journal Star, IL - 16 hours ago
So it was a relief to hear that Ross Perot was headed for Peoria, even if his representative said there wasn't time to talk about federal debt while ...


Congressional hopefuls discuss the economy
Montgomery Advertiser, AL - 10 hours ago
And I think it was the opportunity for Congress to step in and provide some short-term relief, but also understand that it is short-term relief. ...


Ja can gain Nigerian-like benefits from debt relief programme ...
Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - Sep 23, 2008
"Nigeria has huge debt of many billion dollars and two or three years ago, there was a concerted effort by all concerned to give debt relief. ...


Ministers can throw our cash at crisis, but can't stop crisis
Sunday Herald, UK - 23 hours ago
The recapitalisation of the leading banks, backed by colossal sums in liquidity and debt-relief, almost certainly halted the run on the banks. ...


Escaping the US credit nightmare
MiamiHerald.com, FL - 12 hours ago
I agree with economist Nouriel Roubini that the US needs to create a federal homeowner's mortgage program to provide massive debt relief to the household ...

debt relief - Google News

home | site map
© 2006
web www.worldbizinfo.com