Small Steps Anyone Can Take To Relieve Debt in 2016
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- So are you making any resolutions for the new year? Well for many, tackling debt is often at the top of the list. 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan has some advice on easy things you can do to help achieve your goals.
As people around the globe ring in the new year, many also have financial goals for 2016.
"People always make New Year resolutions about money and it's a good thing because the worst thing you could do if you're in debt is to do nothing," says Matt Schulz, Senior Industry Analyst for CreditCards.com. "It's important to take some sort of steps, even if it's something that's small just to get the ball rolling towards paying of that debt."
Schulz recommends that you should at least try is to ask for a lower credit card interest rate.
He says, "It's really very surprising how often people who call their credit card issuer and ask for a lower rate actually get the request granted. The problem is that only one in four cardholders have ever done it."
Another suggestion? Apply for a balance transfer to a zero interest credit card. These can be incredible deals for people who can pay off the cards within the zero percent time frame.
According to Schulz, "We've seen cards that are 15 months, 18 months, even as high as 21 months. So that gives you a lot of time to focus and to really work on paying down that debt and taking advantage of that zero interest."
While zero interest rate credit cards offers will never go away, as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates you may see the offers change over time, with shorter introductory periods and higher fees. So if you're interested in them, now is good time to take advantage of one.
