According to TransUnion’s Q4 2023 Quarterly Credit Industry Insights Report, credit card debt in the United States has reached a new peak of $1.05 trillion, marking a significant 13% increase over the past year. Furthermore, American consumers have opened approximately 20.1 million new credit cards in the last quarter alone.
Soaring Consumer Prices Contribute to Rising Debt
Michele Raneri, the Vice President and Head of U.S. Research and Consulting at TransUnion, attributes the surge in credit card debt to heightened consumer prices. Raneri states, “Inflationary pressures and higher-than-expected living costs have forced many consumers to rely on credit cards to make ends meet in recent quarters.”
A Game Plan for Credit Card Users
If you find yourself in this situation, Certified Financial Planner and Principal Wealth Manager at Savvy Advisors, Brent Boden, advises against panicking. He emphasizes that relying on credit cards during a period of high inflation is not uncommon. However, it is important to devise a game plan.
Utilizing 0% Balance Transfer Offers
One of the most cost-effective strategies for eliminating credit card debt is taking advantage of 0% balance transfer offers. Numerous credit cards currently provide this option for a period of up to 18-21 months. It is crucial to pay off the balance within the 0% period to avoid facing high interest rates.
For individuals with good credit scores (690 or above), Boden recommends considering balance transfer cards that offer an annual percentage rate (APR) of 0%. He states, “These cards can be a valuable tool for consolidating your debt and paying it off without accruing additional interest.” However, he urges caution not to accumulate more debt while striving to pay off existing balances whenever possible.
Get Smart About Your Debt
If you’re struggling with high outstanding balances on your credit cards, it’s time to take action. According to a report by TransUnion, the average credit card balance is $6,088. If you only make minimum payments at the average interest rate of 20.74%, you could be in debt for a whopping 214 months and end up paying $9,072 in interest. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
But don’t despair, there are ways to get yourself out of debt. Start by assessing your monthly expenses and income. Take the time to create a budget that allows you to allocate a specific portion of your income to paying down your credit card debt. This step is crucial in gaining a clear understanding of where your money is going and how you can redirect it towards your financial goals.
To tackle your growing credit card debt, it’s important to prioritize your high-interest balances. By focusing on paying off the cards with the highest APRs first, you can save a significant amount in interest payments over time. Additionally, cutting back on unnecessary spending and opting for automated payments can help you stay on track.
If budgeting isn’t your strong suit, consider taking out a loan to set up more steady payments. While there will be interest involved, it will force you to stick to a monthly payment plan and eventually pay off your debt. Just make sure you commit to paying a specific amount each month.
Overall, be proactive and smart about managing your debt. By taking these steps, you can regain control of your finances and avoid being weighed down by long periods of debt and high interest payments.
The Pitfalls of Balance Transfer Cards
Many individuals are enticed by the idea of using a balance transfer card as a solution to their credit card debt. However, it is essential to be aware of the potential downsides associated with this financial tool.
One major drawback, as highlighted by Bunio, is the challenge of staying up-to-date with payments. For those individuals who struggle with budgeting, this can pose a significant issue. In some cases, these individuals may inadvertently not pay the required minimum amount, leading to sudden interest charges and fees. In more unfortunate circumstances, they may even accumulate additional credit card debt during this time. Consequently, individuals find themselves burdened not only with the need to repay the original debt but also the balance transfer amount.
It is crucial to consider these challenges carefully before opting for a balance transfer card. While it can offer benefits such as lower interest rates and simplified payment plans, it is essential to have a solid budgeting plan in place to avoid any potential pitfalls. By carefully monitoring payments and ensuring that all obligations are met promptly, individuals can make the most of the benefits a balance transfer card has to offer without getting trapped in a cycle of debt.
