If you have high-interest consumer debt, taking control of your money in the New Year can feel overwhelming.

Most Americans say the COVID-19 outbreak has caused financial stress, according to a survey released in October by the National Endowment for Financial Education, with 30% citing debt as their top stressor.

Despite the pandemic, you can still pay off your debt with the right plan. Here’s how.

CONFRONT YOUR DEBT

The first step is simple, but it can be the most difficult: you have to face the problem.

Angela Moore, a Miami-based certified financial planner and founder of Modern Money Advisor, which offers virtual consumer advice and education, says it’s common for her clients to know they’re in debt but not how much.

She recommends compiling your debt on a single document or spreadsheet, listing all balances, minimum payments, and interest rates.

Although the task is arduous, most of his clients feel relieved when it is completed.

“Debt is an emotional burden,” she says, “but often that burden goes away once you have clarity.”

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR LENDERS

After listing your debts, it’s time to talk on the phone with your creditors.

Ask for a temporarily reduced interest rate, reduced monthly payment or waiver of late fees. Be sure to explain how the pandemic has affected your finances.

Most creditors will be willing to work with you, says Dan Herron, California-based CFP at Elemental Wealth Advisors.

“It doesn’t hurt to say, ‘I always try to do the right thing, I always try to make payments. Where can we meet in the middle? he says.

Any break you get, take that money and apply it to your debt.

If you need help negotiating, contact a credit counselor from a reputable non-profit organization, such as the National Credit Counseling Foundation. Advisors have relationships with creditors and can negotiate on your behalf. Services are generally free for those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

CONSIDER CONSOLIDATING

If you have multiple types of debt, such as loans, credit cards, and medical bills, you may want to take out an unsecured personal loan to consolidate it into one monthly payment.

A consolidation loan is only a good idea if you can qualify for a lower interest rate than your current debts. Some lenders have tightened their approval standards during the pandemic, but borrowers with good to excellent credit (690 FICO or higher) should have a good chance.

Look for a lender specializing in debt consolidation and offers benefits such as direct payments to creditors or rate reductions for automated payments.

If you have credit card debt, you can apply for a balance transfer card. Although these cards typically charge a 3% to 5% fee, they offer an initial interest period of 0%, so all payments go to your principal, helping you pay off your debts faster.

You will likely need good credit to qualify.

Charles Ho, a California-based CFP and founder of Legacy Builders Financial, urges some consumers to be cautious. While consolidation tools can save money, they also free up your credit cards for more spending.

“It might make mathematical sense to consolidate your loans, but the math doesn’t make sense if we don’t take into account our behavior and end up almost doubling our debt,” he says.

Choose a strategy and stick to it

If you choose not to consolidate, there are two common ways to approach debt repayment: the snowball or the avalanche.

With the snowball method, you pay off your smallest debt first, while making minimum payments on the others, then move on to the second smallest and so on. The avalanche method uses the same strategy, but you start with the debt that has the highest interest rate.

According to Herron, the avalanche method can get you to the finish line faster since the money you save on interest can be applied to other debts, but it’s more important which method you choose. that motivates you the most.

BREAKING THE CYCLE

As you get rid of debt, start automating your finances.

Moore asks her clients to set up automatic bill payments and savings contributions, so money is set aside without having to think about it. If finances are tight during the pandemic, build a $500 emergency fund.

She also advises clients to use a separate account for non-essential expenses – 30% of your after-tax income is a good goal to aim for in this account. Customers can use the money to buy whatever they want, but once it’s $0, “that’s it,” she says.

“By automating and creating systems, it helps you stick to your financial strategy and take the emotional part out of it. That’s the key.

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This article was provided to The Associated Press by personal finance website NerdWallet. Jackie Veling is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: [email protected]

RELATED LINKS

NerdWallet: Compare Debt Consolidation Loans http://bit.ly/nerdwallet-debt-consolidation-loans

National Foundation for Credit Counseling: Get help with your debts https://www.nfcc.org/