Why Many Seek Debt Relief Due To Jacked-Up Minimum Payments

With minimum payments on the rise, especially ahead of the "Credit card Reform Act of 2009" going in to full effect on February 22, 2010, more and more Americans are seeking help. Here are some insightful tips to help you adjust to the increase and find relief from high debt payments yourself.

Do you remember back when minimum payments were about 5% of your total credit card debt, Since that time, the minimum level for our monthly payments decreased to about 2%, and in some cases, even lower. At the time, many perceived it to be a good thing. Suddenly our budgets loosened up and it seems we have more money each month!

What we didnt realize was the long-term affect this would have on our financial situation. Creditors know many Americans will only pay the amount required. By reducing the minimum amount due, you are paying less toward your balance and still paying the same amount to interest! By doing this, it will take longer to pay off the balance and, in turn, you will pay much more in interest! While this went on for a couple decades, things are starting to change back.

Over this period of time where the minimum payments were so low, Americans were encouraged to spend more and pay less… or so it would seem. With payments so low, most of your payment only covers the interest rate. There is little left to pay down the balance. That means it will take you MUCH longer to pay off the balance and you will pay MUCH more in interest! Americans have been stuck in this endless debt cycle for years now, with no hope for escape.

Regulators with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) began pressuring credit card companies to raise minimum payments. Well, there is good news… and there is bad news. In hopes to leave on a good note, let's start with the bad news. If you are one of the 110 million Americans who pay off their credit cards each month or pay over the minimum payment each month, you may find the bad news isn't really that bad.

However, if you are one of the 45 million Americans today that carry a balance from month to month, you may be in for a surprise! If this is you, you understand there is little room in your budget for a payment increase. Many people use their credit cards only as much as they can while still managing the minimum payment. 10,000 in credit card debt. 200 a month to pay to your credit cards. 200 may mean the difference between chicken and Top Ramen for dinner! Let's look at the bigger scale.

This, accompanied with the new bankruptcy laws which make it harder for Americans to file a chapter 7 bankruptcy, can spell trouble for many. The Good News The good news is most creditors will be slowly making this increase. This will give many Americans the time they need to adjust to the increasing payments.

Even more good news is that Americans will actually be saving MORE money! 5,000 balance on one card with a 17% interest rate. 4,000 over 18 years. The change is for the benefit of the consumer. Over these past years of low minimum payments, creditor profits has skyrocketed! This new plan is actually going to keep some of that money in your pockets.

This will also keep Americans from over spending so much. With the payments increased, many will not be able to afford to make a payment on the new wide screen T.V. It will mean less household debt and higher overall savings! However, for many, it may take time before they realize these benefits. There will be a period of transition many Americans will have to prepare for.

Though the other side may be greener, that fence in the way may not be so easy to climb. What about in the meantime, If you have been carrying a big credit card balance from month to month and you suddenly need an extra couple hundred bucks, you are going to need to take another look at your finances. Or if think you will need to come up with some extra cash soon, now is a great time to start. First off, if you dont already, track your spending.

This is crucial no matter what. Americans spend about 10% more than they make, on average. Tracking where you money goes can give you some great insight as to where you can cut back. Along with tracking your spending, take careful note to where that little bit of money is going every day.



Cutting back on the little expenses on a daily basis can add up quickly. 10 a day or more on it. Even the midday soda you buy without even realizing it can make a difference. The small changes in your life can make the biggest difference. Fight the urge to buy on credit. Now more than ever, each charge you make on your credit cards will simply add fuel to the fire. A good idea is to remove them from your wallet or purse completely. Sure, you may need to keep one around for emergencies but hide the rest!