Before rushing into the arms of debt consolidation companies and other such entities, there might be something you can do to rectify the money shortfall you’re having right now.
Most people fall into debt because of their insatiable appetite for shopping with credit cards. If you fell behind on your bills because of something that was out of your control, then this article doesn’t apply to you.
The advice given here is for those who fell behind on their monthly dues because they can’t get enough of shopping and trying to impress their friends with all the new toys they have. You’ll learn some of the strategies for beating that urge to go out and buy something you most likely don’t even need.
You might not realize it, but your need to shop is triggered by something other than just wanting to accumulate things. You probably have and underlying issue internally that causes you to want to splurge. And that’s what this article will cover.
It might be able to help you conquer your financial misfortunes and not even need to seek the assistance of debt consolidation companies. Even if they claim to be the best in the industry.
I’m sure that would appeal to you, as you wouldn’t be at the mercy of a company that might not be playing their cards straight.
This is Not a Debt Sermon
In this article, I might sound like I’m preaching or lecturing you about your buying habits. I’m not. I am just trying to make you aware of what might be causing your uncontrollable desire to go out and give all your money to an unworthy cause… materialism.
So please don’t view it as a lecture or like I’m talking down to you.
This is meant to help not hurt. A debt consolidation company won’t even be an afterthought if you allow me to show you what might be the root cause of your credit card spending. We could both agree that is the most positive option for you.
Circumventing Your Buying Impulses
Here is how to put the brakes on your shopping. When you feel like going out and buying things for no reason, try to think of what brought that sudden urge on. What were you doing immediately before this urge happened? Make note of the reason why you want to go to the mall and buy stuff.
Chances are, something occurred that is making you feel bad and that’s why you feel the need to shop. Perhaps you are feeling stressed out and that’s why you want to let loose.
This is actually one of the reasons many people shop. Stress and anxiety causes them to want to get away from it. And shopping is their way of dealing with a tough situation. But that will only get you into more credit card debt. It sure won’t get you out of it.
The main thing for you to take away here is that you need to learn what triggers you to make your buying decisions.
When you learn what these triggers are, you can then begin to do things to combat them.
Debt Consolidation Companies as a Fallback
Now let’s say that you have tamed your impulse to go out and plunk down money on whatever catches your eye. What should you do if you are still in debt and powerless to reduce it through traditional means?
Well, that’s when credit consolidation companies might fit the bill. If you don’t see another way of clearing this threat from your life, then you can start your investigation of these firms.
But you must proceed with an acute attention to detail. Not all of these companies are created equal. You will want to hook-up with the one that will do what they are contracted to do.
Many of these firms will say one thing to you and then renege on their obligation. A good way to make sure that doesn’t happen to you is to get everything down on paper (or digital paper). By having everything in writing, you’ll have proof of what they said they would do.
If they ever try to go back on what they promised you, the documentation can be used as evidence. You’ll have some form of protection.
