You may have spent the last couple of months unwinding and relaxing or going full-speed on adventures and at parties, but as the season is about to end, the reality of summer expenses might crash down on you hard.
A survey has revealed that many people overspend and accumulate credit card debts during the summer, according to Experian. So, after receiving your first credit card bill following a carefree summer holiday, it might be time to sit up and start planning how to recover from the splurges. Breathe easy, though, as there is a way out of this kink.
1. PAYING OFF. Make paying off your debt a priority. If possible, pay your credit card bills in-full on or before the due date to avoid extra charges, especially since those interest rates are high. Avoid any late payments as well, as this can mess up your credit card score.
If possible, hold off using your credit cards for a few months, or until you can be comfortable managing your payments. The good news is, when it comes to credit card management, things are generally improving for many consumers and their credit rankings, according to The New York Times.
2. BUDGETING. Set budgets for the next few months, so that you don't unnecessarily spend cash you could use to pay off your debt. Go over which areas you need to scale down. Have you been a Seamless food delivery regular? Is it cheaper in your town to pay for public transport in lieu of gas money? Will you be willing to cancel some magazine subscriptions? Use a free app like Mint to keep track of your budget so that nothing is amiss.
3. PLANNING AHEAD. Start planning and saving for next year's vacation so that you won't have to make the same mistakes. "Start thinking about next year's vacation this year. You can use your savings to immediately pay off the card when you return," said Bruce McClary, a spokesman for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, according to CNBC.
Check for airline rates and best deals this early too, as prices are usually a lot cheaper now than when you're looking for tickets nearer to your planned vacation dates.
