Do you feel like you have too much debt? Maybe you slipped behind a few months ago, and you’re starting to worry that you won’t catch back up. Perhaps a close friend suggested that you consider a debt relief loan, and it got you thinking. And maybe you want to work on your debt to improve your credit score.
Or—worst of all—perhaps you’ve been carrying credit card debt for so long that you’re accustomed to it, and it doesn’t even feel like anything’s wrong.
If your debt has stayed the same for several years or increased, then this article is for you.
Just like there are warning signs about your health, such as surpassing a certain weight or experiencing chest pain, there are certain signs you have too much debt. However, it can be difficult to recognize those warning signs if you don’t know about them.
Here we’ll explore three signs that you may need to seek professional help with your debt. Keep reading to learn what they are.
1. Credit Cards at or Over Your Credit Limit
There are probably a dozen or more warning signs that could mean you have more debt than you can manage. But one of the most obvious signs that you have too much debt is that your credit cards seem to be maxed out all the time.
It’s important to realize that not all debt is bad. A controlled, manageable amount of debt is useful for helping you buy things you need that you wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise. But if you’re constantly putting more money on your credit cards as you try to pay them off, then you’re stuck in a downward cycle.
If your credit card balance is always hovering around your credit limit, then either you’re buying things you don’t need or you aren’t earning enough, and you’re relying on credit to make ends meet. Either way, it’s quite important that you make a change.
There are lots of tactics you can use to overcome credit card debt. Debt consolidation loans are one option you can use. But if you don’t control your spending and live within your means, even the best debt options won’t help for long.
2. Trouble Making All of Your Payments on Time
Do you find that, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to afford all of your payments every month?
Or perhaps you can afford to make your payments, but you always seem to make them a little too late. Maybe you put off paying until the last minute because you don’t have the money you need right when you need it.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, it could be a sign that you have too much debt and need help.
Too much debt isn’t the only reason you might be struggling. If you’re trying to keep your expenses low but you still struggle to get by, it may be that you’re not earning enough. Or you might be buying things you don’t need, such as subscription services that you rarely use.
But much of the time, when someone realizes they aren’t keeping up with their expenses, debt is the underlying reason. It’s all too easy to get multiple credit cards to help you make large purchases, only to then get in the habit of using them all the time. If your debt is making it hard for you to get by, a debt management program of some kind could be your best option.
3. You Feel Guilty About Your Spending or Financial Situation
Lots of people struggle with guilt. As you may know, feeling guilty isn’t necessarily a sign that you’ve done anything wrong—sometimes feelings of guilt are misplaced.
But if you frequently feel guilty or ashamed about the state of your finances, then you should probably pay attention to your feelings.
Maybe you feel angry at yourself when you approach the end of the month and realize that you’re out of money. You may feel embarrassed when you’re out with friends because you know you can’t afford to buy anything or pay for drinks. You might even lie to your friends and family members about your finances.
If any of these situations sound like the one you’re in, it means you need help. Counseling or self-help programs can help you overcome guilt, but only a good financial plan can get you out of debt.
The important thing to remember is that getting help is never something to be ashamed of. The moment you embark on a program to get your debt paid, you’ll be free to let go of your guilt and shame, too.
Get a Debt Relief Loan Today
Can I still gain control over my debt? Can a debt relief loan help me?
If you’ve asked either of these questions, the answer is yes.
You don’t have to wait to get your debt back under control. It won’t do you any good to earn or save more money if it’s all going to pay interest. If you recognize these three signs in your financial life, get help today.
Learn about getting a debt relief loan from Alleviate Financial Solutions right away.
