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Old 01-08-2008, 01:19 PM   #40
aimeecc
Super Intendent
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 249
My sister was in the same boat a few months ago. She is slowly making her way out - but one reason is because she got a raise at work.
Try refinancing the car to a lower rate.
Also try to consolidate to one card and/or one consumer loan. One 'trick' (that is not highly recommended and can backfire) is to hop from one low interest/no interest card to the next. Many offer no interest for a year on transfers. Not having interest will lower the monthly payment, allowing more money for the 'today' expenses. But many cards that entice you with a "no interest balance transfer" will have a high interest on new purchases, after a very short period. One method is to get 2 new cards - one w/ a 0% interest rate on transfers. Only use that for the balance transfers. Then get a second card with a low interest on new purchases, so if you need it, you use that one. *** If you do this repetitively, it will lower your credit score. This is not a long term solution **** Also read the fine print... some cards offering the balance transfer at 0% will slide in that if you don't have the transfer paid off in xx time, an exorbinate interest rate will be prorated back to day 1. Ouch. Or it will be if you are late on one payment, an exorbinate interest rate kicks in...
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