YOU and YOUR CREDIT: Managing Your Credit1
How much debt can you realistically carry?
The debt service-to-income ratio compares your total annual debt repayments (including rent or mortgage) to your gross annual income (income before taxes and any deductions). A desirable ratio is .36 or less. For example, a household earning $40,000 annually should not have debt payments totaling over $14,400 per year.
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How much credit can you afford?
Your gross income $ __________
36% of your gross income $ __________
Source: USDA Rural Development
This worksheet can help you analyze your credit cards, costs, terms, conditions and your needs to select the best credit card(s) for you.
A Closer Look at the Cost of Credit—The Minimum Payment Trap
Request a Lower Interest Rate
If you have been with a credit card company for several years and are in good standing, you can request a lower interest rate. The steps include:
Dial the 800 number on the back of your card.
Use this sample script: Hi, my name is (your name). I have been a credit card holder with your company for the last (number) years. My account is in good standing and I would like to continue using it. However, I would like you to consider giving me a lower interest rate on this account, or I may switch to a card with a better rate.
Record the name of the person with whom you spoke, the date, your interest rate, and then a date six months later when you can make your request again. If they refuse to give you a lower rate, try again the next day to reach someone more helpful. After successfully lowering your interest rate, wait six months and ask again.
Balance Transfers—Know What You Are Getting
Transferring a high-interest card to a card with a low rate can save a bundle of cash and speed up your path to lower your debt. But be careful. The rules are different for each card.
a. Check the time limit. Most interest rates last only 6–9 months, then revert to a more traditional rate.
b. Know what the interest rate really covers. Does it cover just the balances transferred? Many exclude any new purchases made. The credit card company will apply all of your payment to the zero or low-rate balances first, until they are paid off. That means your new purchases will continue to revolve on the card and rack up the higher interest cost.
c. Beware of the hefty fees. Most cards have a balance transfer fee. The cost varies, so check it out. You want to consider only those cards that have a cap on their transfer fees.
d. Watch out for the bait and switch. Just because you applied for the zero percent rate doesn't mean you'll get it. Card companies will sometimes issue you the card but assign a higher rate if your credit score is low. Be sure to READ the agreement terms that come with the card before you transfer a balance or make a purchase.
e. Always pay on time. The zero rate or low rate will disappear the minute you are late. The interest rate can be bumped up to high as 30 percent plus the late fee.
Remember, while a balance transfer is pending, continue to make minimum payments by the due date to the old card. When you receive a billing statement from the old card, make sure it has a zero balance.
A helpful online tool is PowerPay. This tool helps consumers organize their debts and make decisions about debt management, payoff schedules, consolidation, and how to most efficiently use additional funds to reduce debt. The program is available at http://www.powerpay.org. Your local UF/IFAS Extension agent can help you get your information organized and interpret the program results.
