finance.yahoo.com
Gulp. Talk about a flashing red light.
More than 2 in 5
Americans expect to pile on debt between now and the end of the year,
according to a new survey by Lending Tree that polled over 1,000 U.S.
consumers. The bulk of that will be racked up on credit cards (22%) and
auto loans (10%), according to the survey.
More
than half of Millennials (56%) and Gen Zers (55%) anticipate adding
more debt this year. Less than half (41%) of Gen Xers expect to
accumulate debt, and only 21% of baby boomers do.
Most debt is
worrisome. I look at it as a dream killer. And I’ve been there. I ran up
credit card debt in my 20s and still feel the knot in my stomach when I
remember the relentless calls from creditors. I buckled down, paid
those bills and vowed never to carry any debt beyond a mortgage. I
haven’t.
But the survey’s findings are particularly alarming right
now because rates on credit cards are typically variable and go hand in
glove with the Federal Reserve rate hikes. The rate increase by the
Federal Reserve will filter down to interest rates charged for all
variable rate loans, of course, from auto loans to mortgages and home
equity loans and lines of credit, but, importantly, to the Annual
Percentage Rate (APR) or yearly interest rate consumers who carry a
credit card month-to-month balance will pay in the coming months.
The average credit card interest rate is
now 17.25%, and likely “headed to a new all-time record soon,” Ted
Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate.com, told Yahoo Money. “The
current high mark is 17.87% from April 24, 2019, and my best guess is
that the average credit card rate will end the year between 18% and
18.5%.”
More than 3 in 5 (61%) Americans are already grappling
with debt, with credit cards being the biggest culprit (70%), according
to the survey. The most common reason for those already carrying a debt
load: Necessities (30%), emergencies (26%) and health or medical issues
(25%).
True. Not all debt is created equal. A mortgage, for
instance, can ultimately create wealth and the ability to write interest
off on your tax bill makes it attractive.
But if history is a
guide. I’m deeply concerned about those anticipating adding more debt.
More than 4 in 10 Americans have borrowed their way toward attempts at
happiness, according to a LendingTree survey of more than 2,100 consumers nationwide released earlier this year.
Nearly 9 in 10 Americans (88%) have spent money on something to make
them happier — and 43% have gone into debt to do so. Travel and food are
the top items consumers purchase to find happiness (both 45%), followed
by shopping sprees for clothes, shoes or accessories (42%).
But
how happy are they now trying to pay it off? So I toss out a lifeline
right now for those planning to soak up more red-ink spending this year.
If you must spend, look for a low-rate credit card to tap. If
you’re already swamped with a high-interest payment, apply for a
balance-transfer card that typically comes with a one-time 3% to 5% fee
on the balance you are moving.
“These offers typically last up to
21 months,” Rossman said. “The ability to avoid interest for nearly two
years is a powerful tailwind that can help you get out of debt, saving
hundreds or maybe even thousands of dollars in interest charges.”
Contact
your creditors about getting a reduced interest rate or deferring or
extending loan payments. Some creditors might remove fees if you’ll
agree to make your monthly payments going forward or if you’ve always
made timely payments in the past.
If you’re trying to pay down
debt, an alternative might include a low-rate personal loan. “This is a
form of debt consolidation that could charge as little as about 6% over
five years if you have good credit,” Rossman said.
Nonprofit credit counselors
may also be able to help you with a debt management plan. You’ll
typically pay a fee, but they negotiate for lower rates from your credit
card companies. A roster of approved credit counseling agencies can be
found on the Justice Department’s website.
Taking control of your spending
But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The best way to stay out of debt right now is to pencil out a budget.
Don’t
glaze over. You can do this. Mapping out your budget is a great way to
help you quickly uncover whether you’re on the rocky road to spending
more than you make — as I was for a while after college.
To begin
budgeting, first add up the essentials, such as your mortgage or rent
payment, health insurance premiums, utilities, and so forth. That’ll let
you know how much is left over for other spending and saving.
Then
keep a notepad handy and write down every single item or service you
shell out money for over a two week period. This gives you a snapshot of
how you spend your money and even your time.
Be conscientious about socking money away regularly, even a small
amount, so you’ll be able to get what you can’t have today — whether
that’s a car, a vacation, a house, whatever. I set photographs around my
work desk of where I’d like to travel or to live one day, for example.
That motivates me to save and invest.
Automate monthly bill
payment and savings. Schedule an automatic transfer from your checking
into savings account each month, or to your credit card issuer. Even
$100 a month creates a habit, builds an emergency fund, and for
recurring bills, even if it is just the minimum due, you’ll avoid late
fees.