Recognizing Overwhelming Debt: Six Unambiguous Indicators
Often, individuals grapple with the question, how do I know if I have too much debt? Six signs that don’t lie is a common inquiry but a challenging one to address definitively as the answer varies from person to person. However, there are unmistakable indicators that can alert you when your debt is becoming unmanageable. Let’s delve into these six significant signs that suggest it’s time to seek financial assistance.
1. Persistent Balances on Revolving Credit Accounts
One of the first signs of overwhelming debt is a perpetual balance on your credit cards and lines of credit. Try to answer this: could you clear these debts using your current funds in your checking and savings accounts? If your response is negative, it’s likely that you’re grappling with excess debt.
Even though you’re paying more than the minimum and your payments fit within your budget, what happens if an unforeseen expense arises? For instance, a home or car repair that exceeds your savings? Could you still manage your payments if your balance were to surge by $1,000 or $2,000? If not, it’s time to reassess your financial situation.
2. Barely Covering the Minimum Payment
The second sign is when you can only afford to make the minimum payment towards your debt. This payment typically covers just a small portion (1 to 3 percent) of your debt’s principal value. In some cases, it only covers the interest.
While paying the minimum is better than making no payment at all, it could take you several years and cost many times the original purchase price to clear your debt this way.
3. Inability to Save
Next, the inability to save is a clear indicator of an unsustainable debt level. Considering the 50-30-20 budgeting rule, approximately half of your budget should be allocated to essentials like groceries, rent, and utilities, a third to discretionary purchases, and the remaining to savings goals like retirement or an emergency fund.
If your debt payments are hindering your ability to save, it’s a clear indication that your debt may be more than you can handle.
4. Resorting to Debt for Essential Expenses
Another sign is when you’re compelled to use credit to cover basic living expenses. No one should have to accrue interest to afford necessities. However, some individuals find themselves increasing their debt to pay for groceries, utilities, medications, and other essentials.
This is different from using a credit card responsibly to earn points and paying it off monthly. It’s when these purchases cause your debt level to rise month after month that you should start worrying.
5. Regularly Applying for New Credit or Credit Limit Increases
Frequently applying for new credit or requesting a credit limit increase is a red flag. Lenders and credit bureaus recommend using no more than 30% of your total available credit. Exceeding this suggests you’re relying on credit to survive, and you may be considered a lending risk.
If you find yourself anxious about reaching your credit limit and the potential consequences of running out of money, take this as a warning that your debt might be getting out of hand.
6. Using One Form of Credit to Pay for Another
The last sign is when you start using one form of credit to pay off another. This usually begins innocently enough: you’re short on cash one month, so you use your credit card to pay your auto loan. The following month, your credit card bill increases, so you use your line of credit to cover the difference. Soon, this becomes a vicious, seemingly inescapable cycle.
Unlike the other warning signs, this indicates not just that you’re struggling with debt, but that insolvency might be imminent.
The Way Forward
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards addressing the issue. The good news is that every debt problem has a solution. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to seek help from a financial professional.
You might find that minor adjustments to your monthly budget can free up enough income to start reducing your debt. Or, you might discover that filing for Bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal is the best way forward. Regardless, the guidance, advice, and perspective of a financial expert can be invaluable in helping you take the first steps towards financial stability.
