Why Higher Card Rates Make Credit Card Debt Reduction a Priority
Over the past few months, credit card debt reduction has become a lot more prevalent to today's consumer. Why? Not only has government made this a priority, but with rates increasing steadily month-to-month, borrowers recognize that there are some heightened risks to carrying debt this way. In this brief article, we will look at three of those risks, which should help us better understanding why credit card debt reduction needs to be a top priority.
Higher Rates Cost More
Perhaps the most obvious risk is that it will cost the average borrower more and more to service their debt. This may not seem like a lot from month-to-month, but with unemployment figures high, most of us realize that the more money we waste on interest, the worse off we are making ourselves financially. Hence credit card debt reduction will result in interest cost reduction, allowing us to save more instead of borrow more.
Higher Rates Hurt Credit Scores
Now that credit scores are more important than ever, it becomes increasingly important to make credit card debt reduction a part of our personal finances strategy. By charging higher rates, lenders are making it more difficult for borrowers to reduce their balance owing, resulting in higher "utilization." With utilization accounting for more than 30% of the FICO score, it makes it imperative to keep usage low.
Risk of Delinquency Increases as Rates Increase
As the unemployment rate remains higher and job losses are anticipated to continue, many people already have a tough-enough time making payments on their cards, let alone considering a credit card debt reduction strategy. Increasing card rates can nudge borderline borrowers into delinquency and thereby result in heightened stress at home and the potential for other long-term problems, many of which are not even financial-related.
Evidently, credit card debt reduction has become a priority among individuals and government alike. The risks to the borrower are obvious, starting with reduced cash flow that will impact people's ability to save; potential damage to credit scores which can sometimes last up to seven years; and higher delinquencies.
When borrowers make credit card debt reduction a priority, they are preparing themselves financially for additional turbulence in the interest-rate environment. And with rates rising at a pace of 1% every three-months (which could put the average card rate at 16% by year-end), this strategy is not only prudent but wise. - 16931
Higher Rates Cost More
Perhaps the most obvious risk is that it will cost the average borrower more and more to service their debt. This may not seem like a lot from month-to-month, but with unemployment figures high, most of us realize that the more money we waste on interest, the worse off we are making ourselves financially. Hence credit card debt reduction will result in interest cost reduction, allowing us to save more instead of borrow more.
Higher Rates Hurt Credit Scores
Now that credit scores are more important than ever, it becomes increasingly important to make credit card debt reduction a part of our personal finances strategy. By charging higher rates, lenders are making it more difficult for borrowers to reduce their balance owing, resulting in higher "utilization." With utilization accounting for more than 30% of the FICO score, it makes it imperative to keep usage low.
Risk of Delinquency Increases as Rates Increase
As the unemployment rate remains higher and job losses are anticipated to continue, many people already have a tough-enough time making payments on their cards, let alone considering a credit card debt reduction strategy. Increasing card rates can nudge borderline borrowers into delinquency and thereby result in heightened stress at home and the potential for other long-term problems, many of which are not even financial-related.
Evidently, credit card debt reduction has become a priority among individuals and government alike. The risks to the borrower are obvious, starting with reduced cash flow that will impact people's ability to save; potential damage to credit scores which can sometimes last up to seven years; and higher delinquencies.
When borrowers make credit card debt reduction a priority, they are preparing themselves financially for additional turbulence in the interest-rate environment. And with rates rising at a pace of 1% every three-months (which could put the average card rate at 16% by year-end), this strategy is not only prudent but wise. - 16931
About the Author:
With more than 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, Chris has helped thousands of people with debt management strategies. He maintains a regularly updated blog at How To Repay Debt.com.
posted by Edgar at
00:07
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