The Road to Overcoming Debt

The stacks of late credit cards bills. The frustrating phone calls from collection agencies. Let's face it, getting credit seems easy. It's keeping up with it that can prove challenging, and these days, it's easier than ever to incur unmanageable debts. Millions of honest, hard working Americans experience this problem and suffer serious financial and emotional burdens because of it.

How serious is your debt situation? If you answer yes to two or more of the questions below, you may be able to benefit from a credit counseling agency:

• Do you carry a high balance on your credit cards?
• Do you find it difficult to pay your bills on time?
• Do you pay only the minimums on your credit cards?
• Have you been burdened with debt for more than 6 months?
• Are you receiving calls from collection agencies about late payments?

How To Calculate Your Debt-To-Income Ratio

One of the easiest ways to get a picture of your current financial standing is to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. Monitoring your debt-to-income ratio can help you manage your personal finances, while lenders will often use it when considering your credit worthiness.

What is a debt-to-income ratio?

Your debt-to-income ratio compares the amount of your debt (excluding your mortgage or rent payment) to your income. The ratio is best figured on a monthly basis. For example, if your monthly take-home pay is $2,000 and you pay $400 per month in debt payment for loans and credit cards, your debt-to-income ratio is 20 percent ($400 divided by $2,000 = .20).

Why is monitoring your debt-to-income ratio important?

Keeping track of your debt-to-income ratio can help you avoid "creeping indebtedness," or the gradual rising of debt. Impulse buying and routine use of credit cards for small, daily purchases can easily result in unmanageable debt. By staying aware of your debt-to-income ratio, you can:

• Make sound decisions about buying on credit and taking out loans.
• See the clear benefits of making more than your minimum credit card payments.
• Avoid major credit problems.

Creditors look at your debt-to-income ratio to determine whether you're creditworthy. Letting your ratio rise above 20 percent may:

• Jeopardize your ability to make major purchases, such as a car or a home.
• Keep you from getting the lowest available interest rates and best credit terms.
• Cause difficulty getting additional credit in case of emergencies.

Debt-to-income ratios are powerful indicators of creditworthiness and financial condition. Know your ratio and keep it low.

You are entitled to one free credit report each year from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian Inc., Equifax and TransUnion LLC. These three bureaus are competitors and do not share information with each other, so each credit report may be somewhat different - you should check all three. You can request them via the Internet at www.annualcreditreport.com, by phone at 877/322-8228, or by mail at Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348. Because this new federal law allowing free reports has just gone into effect, your state of residency determines when you are eligible to receive your free reports - check the website or call the toll-free number for state details.

How do I calculate my debt-to-income ratio?

The first step in calculating your debt-to-income ratio is figuring your monthly take-home pay, which is the amount you earn after all deductions. If you're paid every other week, multiply your take-home pay by 26, then divide by 12. This is your monthly take-home pay. If your income is inconsistent, estimate your monthly take-home pay by dividing last year's annual take-home pay by 12. Remember to include:

• Regular income from alimony and child support.
• Conservative averages of bonuses, commissions, and tips.
• Earnings from dividends and interest.

The second step is figuring your total monthly debt payments. Add your current minimum monthly payments for all credit accounts and loans, excluding mortgage or rent payments. Be sure to include:

• Car payment(s)
• Loan payment(s) (furniture, appliances, etc.)
• Bank/credit union loan(s)
• Student loan payment(s)
• Other loans/credit accounts
• Credit card payments
• Payment for past medical care

Now it's time to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. Divide your total monthly debt payment by your total monthly take-home income from all sources. The result will be your debt-to-income ratio. Total monthly debt payments divided by monthly take-home pay equals your debt-to-income ratio percent.

Is my debt-to-income ratio acceptable?

Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better your financial condition. You're probably doing okay if your debt-to-income ratio is under 16-19%. Though each situation is different, a ratio of 20% or higher often signals a need to control your credit. As your debt payments decrease over time, you will pay less interest. Then you can use your money to save, invest, or spend as you choose.