Saturday, October 2, 2010

Should I do a crisis account or focus on credit card debt reduction?

Should I do a crisis fund or work on credit card debt reduction?

In these uncertain economic times, should a person try saving cash or decreasing charge card credit card debt? A lot of experts are saying credit card debt reduction may very well be the best offer with how reduced the average return on savings in the U.S. is right now. Basically, the cost of carrying charge card debt outweighs the benefits of saving cash. Americans as a whole agree, as consumer credit is experiencing its deepest decline in history. This is a great plan for any person that is getting a hard time with their finances. Unfortunately, the economy can’t get any better with all the cutbacks that are happening. The economy needs more individuals to stop paying their charge cards off. Saving for a crisis fund is likely better if this is the end result wanted. Article source – The pros and cons of d! ebt reduction vs. emergency fund by Personal Money Store.

Low rates of interest favor credit card debt reduction

Debt reduction is the even better option with low interest rates. a crisis account wouldn’t benefit as much. Peak Personal Finance explains why it is not as smart for making an emergency fund. The money back will be really small with such reduced interest rates. High interest debt is really hurting a lot of individuals right now. That’s why putting money into a “high yield” savings account will not benefit as much as paying debt. Money-Rates.com explains that on July 24, the average return on savings accounts under 10,000 was .80 percent. Also, if the economy improves then charge card companies will start to raise rates again. Decreasing credit card credit card debt can be the best thing to complete right now with the environment so bad.

The trend of debt reduction

Consumers are following that advice right now within the United States as a result of the terrible economy. In June, middle class savings got to an eight month low, says Financial-Planning.com which was shown in a First Command Financial Behaviors report. Since October 2009 that is the lowest the rate has been . Americans have begun reducing credit card debt instead. But the debt customers paid off wasn’t enough to offset the savings reduction. Those with a good savings-to-debt ratio, which is total savings compared to total debt, dropped 39 percent in June, down five points from a record-high of 44 percent in the first quarter.

Do not forget the need for a crisis fund

Peak explained that people shouldn’t overlook about an emergency fund even if debt reduction is going to benefit financially better than saving. A monthly savings goal should be held by everybody. The debt reduction vs. savings amounts that should be paid depend. Each situation is different. If job security is a concern, the emergency fund should get priority. Pursuing charge card credit card debt reduction is probably the even better choice if one has a great and secure job.

Articles cited

Peak Personal Finance

peakpersonalfinance.com/is-now-really-the-time-to-build-up-savings-instead-of-paying-down-debt/

Financial Planning.com

financial-planning.com/news/first-command-spiker-savings-2668280-1.html



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