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Ramalingam Kalirajan |6448 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi

Sir my salary is 50k per month.Due to some unavoidable situations I had to take Bajaj finance,cred and loan on HDFC credit card.Emi for Bajaj finance is 12k,cred is 8k and HDFC credit card due amount is 145000...because of this iam not able to manage household expenses and I have a 3 years baby too...please let me know a better way to come out of these debts...

Ans: Thank you for sharing your situation with me. Managing debt can be challenging, especially when it impacts your household expenses and family responsibilities. It's essential to approach this with a structured plan to regain control of your finances. Here’s how we can create a roadmap to help you tackle your debts effectively and ensure a stable financial future for you and your family.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
Before diving into solutions, let's outline your current financial position:

Income and Expenses:

Monthly Salary: Rs 50,000
EMI for Bajaj Finance: Rs 12,000
EMI for Cred: Rs 8,000
HDFC Credit Card Outstanding: Rs 1,45,000
Household and Living Expenses:

With significant EMIs, managing household expenses on the remaining income is challenging.
You have a three-year-old child, which means essential expenses like childcare, food, and utilities are non-negotiable.
Analyzing the Debt and Its Impact
Breakdown of Debt
Bajaj Finance Loan:

EMI: Rs 12,000
This loan is a significant chunk of your monthly budget.
Cred Loan:

EMI: Rs 8,000
Adding to your financial burden with another large EMI.
HDFC Credit Card Debt:

Outstanding Amount: Rs 1,45,000
Credit card debt usually has high interest rates, making it crucial to address quickly.
Impact on Monthly Cash Flow
After deducting EMIs (Rs 20,000) from your salary (Rs 50,000), you are left with Rs 30,000 for all other expenses. Managing household expenses with this remaining amount can be tight, particularly with the needs of a young child.

Steps to Manage and Reduce Your Debt
To effectively manage and reduce your debt, consider the following structured approach:

1. Create a Realistic Budget
Assess Your Monthly Expenses:

List all necessary expenses like rent, utilities, groceries, and childcare.
Identify discretionary expenses that can be reduced or eliminated.
Prioritize Spending:

Focus on essential expenses and allocate funds to high-priority areas first.
Plan a budget that accounts for your fixed costs and allows you to allocate a portion towards debt repayment.
2. Consolidate Your Debts
Debt Consolidation Loan:

Consider taking a personal loan with a lower interest rate to pay off high-interest credit card debt.
This can simplify your payments into one monthly EMI, potentially lower than your current combined EMIs.
Balance Transfer for Credit Card Debt:

Look for credit cards offering low or zero interest rates on balance transfers.
Transfer the HDFC credit card balance to such a card to reduce interest and focus on repaying the principal.
3. Negotiate with Creditors
Request EMI Restructuring:

Contact Bajaj Finance and Cred to explore options for extending the loan term or reducing EMI amounts temporarily.
Explain your situation and negotiate for more manageable terms.
Seek Interest Rate Reduction:

Talk to your credit card issuer (HDFC) to see if they can lower your interest rate.
Some creditors offer hardship programs that may reduce your interest rates or pause payments temporarily.
4. Increase Your Income
Explore Side Income Opportunities:

Consider freelance work, part-time jobs, or monetizing a hobby to supplement your income.
Look for opportunities that do not require significant upfront investment.
Seek Salary Increment or Promotion:

Discuss with your employer the possibility of a raise or promotion.
Highlight your contributions and the value you bring to the company.
5. Optimize Your Expenses
Cut Non-Essential Spending:

Reduce or eliminate spending on non-essential items like dining out, subscriptions, and entertainment.
Focus on necessary expenditures to free up more cash for debt repayment.
Look for Savings on Essentials:

Shop for groceries in bulk, use coupons, and find deals to lower your monthly expenses.
Consider switching to more affordable service providers for utilities or insurance.
6. Set Up a Debt Repayment Plan
Snowball Method:

Prioritize paying off smaller debts first while making minimum payments on larger ones.
This approach provides psychological wins and motivates continued progress.
Avalanche Method:

Focus on paying off high-interest debts first, which saves more on interest over time.
This method reduces the overall cost of your debt faster.
Hybrid Approach:

Combine both methods by paying off a high-interest small debt first, then proceed with the avalanche method.
This gives a quick win while focusing on reducing interest payments.
7. Emergency Fund Creation
Set Aside a Small Emergency Fund:

Build a modest emergency fund (Rs 10,000 - Rs 20,000) to cover unexpected expenses.
This prevents you from incurring new debt for emergencies.
Gradually Increase the Fund:

Once immediate debts are under control, aim to grow this fund to cover 3-6 months of living expenses.
This provides a financial cushion and enhances long-term stability.
8. Seek Professional Financial Advice
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

A CFP can offer personalized strategies for debt reduction and financial management.
They can help you create a sustainable plan to meet your financial goals and obligations.
Debt Management Services:

Consider reputable debt management services that negotiate with creditors and help consolidate payments.
Ensure you understand the fees and terms before committing to any service.
Psychological and Emotional Considerations
Debt can be stressful and affect your mental well-being. Here are ways to manage this aspect:

1. Stay Positive and Patient
Focus on Small Wins:

Celebrate small achievements like paying off a loan or reducing outstanding debt.
These milestones keep you motivated and reinforce progress.
Maintain a Long-Term Perspective:

Understand that debt repayment is a gradual process requiring time and discipline.
Stay committed to your plan, and remember that each payment brings you closer to financial freedom.
2. Seek Support from Loved Ones
Communicate with Your Partner:

Discuss your financial situation openly with your spouse or family members.
Their support can provide emotional relief and practical help.
Join Support Groups:

Consider joining online or local groups focused on debt management and financial wellness.
Sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges can provide encouragement and new strategies.
Final Insights
Managing and reducing your debt requires a multifaceted approach involving budgeting, consolidation, income optimization, and disciplined repayment. By taking these steps, you can regain control over your finances and alleviate the stress caused by debt.

Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed. Seek guidance from certified professionals to tailor strategies specific to your situation. With persistence and a structured approach, you will overcome this financial challenge and build a secure future for your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.