Is It Normal to Have Credit Card Debt? | The Ascent
Having credit card debt has become a common occurrence in the United States. The average credit card debt amount is $6,365, with the median amount being $2,700. It is important to note that this high prevalence of credit card debt does not make it any less problematic.
Credit cards typically come with high-interest rates, which have increased. The average credit card interest rate currently stands at a staggering 22.16%. This means that if you have a debt of $2,700, you will pay approximately $600 per year in interest alone.
The consequences of credit card debt can be far-reaching. It often hampers your ability to save or invest money, causes difficulties in meeting your financial obligations, and may even force you to borrow more money for basic living expenses. Moreover, it can negatively impact your credit score, especially if your credit utilization exceeds 30%.
If you find yourself in credit card debt, taking proactive steps to pay it off is crucial. Refrain from using your credit cards further, given the high interest charges. Next, formulate a repayment plan that involves allocating as much money as possible towards your debt and reducing expenses wherever feasible. Additionally, consider refinancing your debt through options like balance transfer credit cards with introductory 0% APR or debt consolidation loans.
Consistency is key when it comes to eliminating credit card debt. By committing to pay $300 per month, for example, a $5,000 debt with a 22% interest rate can be cleared in 20 months. Increasing the monthly payment to $400 would achieve the same result in 14 months.
In conclusion, although credit card debt may be considered normal given its prevalence, it remains a significant issue that can harm your financial well-being. It is crucial to prioritize paying off credit card debt to free up your finances and avoid unnecessary interest charges………
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Rising Dough
How does carrying high levels of credit card debt impact an individual’s ability to achieve financial goals and maintain a healthy financial standing in a consumer-driven economy?
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