Financial literacy is an essential skill that everyone should possess in order to succeed in personal finance. It refers to the knowledge and understanding of various financial concepts, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. With the right level of financial literacy, individuals can make informed decisions and avoid falling into debt problems.
Debt plagues many households throughout the country. While debt is not necessarily bad (there are times when you may need to borrow money), too much of it can put you on a pathway to financial ruin. How you manage your finances determines whether you can keep your head above water, and specific positive habits can help you avoid a complicated financial position.
Of course, if you end up in debt, you have certain rights under federal and state law. You can file a lawsuit if a debt collector or anyone else violates these rights and receive financial compensation if someone else has broken the law. Suppose you suspect that a debt collector has done something illegal. In that case, you should contact a consumer protection lawyer in California to learn more about your rights and what you may do to get accountability.
You do not have to pay anything to a consumer protection lawyer directly for them to provide you with solid and vigorous legal representation. In the meantime, here are ways that financial literacy can help avoid debt problems and achieve economic stability.
Financial Literacy Is a Way to Keep from Getting Into Debt in the First Place
The best way to avoid debt is to become financially literate. One survey found that only 57 percent of Americans are financially literate, and even those well aware of sound financial practices can end up in debt through circumstances outside their control.
Nonetheless, financial awareness can help you avoid problems resulting in insurmountable debt. You should be familiar with these principles ahead of time so you can remain current on debt payments and even stay out of debt in the first place.
Financial literacy means that you are aware of basic economic principles that will guide your life. You can make informed decisions about your finances, including how you manage your money, and effective money management can help you avoid debt. Of course, there are times when debt is unavoidable. Then, financial literacy can allow you to manage your debt payments and keep them from spiraling out of control.
Some critical components of financial literacy include:
- Overspending: You have limited money to spend based on what you earn. Many people end up in financial trouble because they overspend and live well beyond their means.
- Budgeting: The most crucial aspect of financial literacy is having a monthly plan for how much you will spend and sticking with it. Unfortunately, many people have no idea where their money goes each month because they do not have a conscious plan for their funds. While things may happen, and you cannot stick with your budget 100 percent, having a plan can keep you from overspending your means.
- Spending awareness: Not only do you need to have a budget in the first place, but you also need to be aware of where your money goes each month. Tracking your spending is the key to sticking with your budget. You can adjust your budget in future months based on how you know you are spending your money. Consider downloading one of several free publicly available apps to track your spending better.
- Emergency funds: Things happen in life where you may need to spend money beyond your initial budget. You may have an unforeseen consequence, such as a car repair, that can plunge you into financial difficulty. Financial experts recommend you have an emergency fund equivalent to several months of your paycheck to dip into when necessary to pay unforeseen expenses. Then, you should replenish the emergency fund as soon as you can.
- Avoiding high-interest loans: You need to know applicable interest rates when putting money on your credit card or taking out a personal loan. Some of these products carry interest rates that are so high that it can be virtually impossible to get out of debt. You may struggle to pay the interest rates and can never pay the principal. That is the exact outcome some lenders want because it keeps you continuously paying them.
- Investing when necessary: While a significant focus is staying out of debt, you should also save and invest whenever possible. Preferably, you should not touch this money and let it grow. Nonetheless, investing allows your funds to multiply, and you can access them in an emergency. However, you should never cash in your retirement accounts under any circumstances.
Financial Literacy Can Help You Pay Off Your Debt
Financial literacy is crucial to avoid debt problems and achieve economic stability. By improving your financial literacy, you gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to make informed decisions about your money. If you end up in debt, you can use principles of financial literacy to make a dent in the money that you owe. For example, you should first pay off the debt with the highest interest rates to keep the interest payments from ballooning. Consider using the snowball method to gain traction in repaying the debt. Then, you may find a reduced principal each month and end up on an express route to becoming debt-free.
You can also use financial literacy to manage debt. Most households owe money in some form or fashion, and many have a mortgage or car payments. Half of Americans carry debt on their credit cards and need a concrete plan to pay it off. Credit card debt is insidious because the interest rates can reach 30 percent. The lower one’s income, the higher the chance of carrying credit debt monthly. Some may even make the minimum monthly payment while the interest increases their debt. You need to know which debts to prioritize and have a plan for paying back some of the money each month. In the meantime, you should be careful not to make large purchases while in debt because it will worsen your situation.
Take Classes and Do Research to Build Your Financial Literacy
It can be helpful to research on your own to become financially literate. Consider taking a course or two on financial principles to learn more. You can find these courses online, or you may enroll in one. Even if you have to invest some funds, your financial knowledge can save you money in the future.
If you end up owing money at high interest rates, you may need help managing your money. These payments can take a significant bite out of your finances, and they may push you into a situation where you are being called incessantly by debt collectors trying to force you to pay. In some situations, you may even have to declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start, which can result in you surrendering some of your assets to pay creditors.
You May Be Unable to Control When You Get Into Debt
Sometimes, your debt issues do not result from your choices; problems come from tough breaks and unforeseen circumstances. Many Americans end up in medical debt because they do not have insurance coverage or their cost share is more than they can afford. Here, the hardships that you experience are still the same. You can still use principles of financial literacy to help your situation and possibly help yourself get out of debt.
Debt happens sometimes, and practically every American household needs to borrow money for something. For example, suppose you own a home or a car. In that case, chances are that you needed financing before it, as practically everyone lacks the financial means to pay for these large purchases in case (nor should you if you can borrow money at a reasonable interest rate).
Debt Collectors Cannot Do Anything They Want
Once you are in debt and have trouble paying it back, creditors may have to write off your debt based on the rules of accounting. They will sell your debt to professional collectors who may pay them pennies on the dollar. The creditor at least gets something for the bad debt, while the collector can make a substantial profit if they can pressure or persuade you to repay the debt in full. Then, debt collectors may use various methods to get you to pay.
Of course, if you are in debt, you have rights under federal and state law. Debt collectors cannot do just anything to get money from you, and there are restrictions on their conduct. If they violate these restrictions, they can be personally liable to you in a lawsuit.
Some things that debt collectors cannot do include:
- Calling you between the hours of 9 PM and 8 AM
- Calling you repeatedly to harass and annoy you
- Continuing to call or contact you once you have told them to stop
- Using abusive language or threats when they contact you
- Misrepresenting who they are when they reach out to you
- Pretending to be a lawyer or threatening you with criminal consequences when you fail to pay your debt
You Can File a Lawsuit Against the Debt Collector
Federal and state laws allow you to take matters into your own hands and sue the debt collector for illegal conduct. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you can obtain financial compensation for the damages you have suffered due to them breaking the law.
By hiring an attorney, you can take a proactive approach to defending your rights and seeking justice. They can review your case, collect evidence, and determine whether there are grounds for a lawsuit.
When you hire a debt collection attorney and file and win a lawsuit, you can receive the following in damages:
- Statutory damages of up to $1,000
- Emotional distress damages because of the debt collector’s conduct
- Economic losses that you suffered because of the violation of law
- Attorney’s fees
Filing a lawsuit against debt collectors can provide you with several benefits. Firstly, it can immediately stop harassing phone calls, letters, and other forms of debt collection abuse. It can also lead to compensation for any damages or losses you have suffered due to unfair debt collection practices. Under state law, you may even have the right to punitive damages if you show that the debt collector’s actions were egregious. Finally, it can serve as a deterrent for debt collectors, encouraging them to abide by the law when dealing with consumers.
You Do Not Have to Pay a Debt Collection Attorney Upfront
Dealing with debt collection can be overwhelming and intimidating. Understand that you often have legal options and rights when handling debt-related issues. However, you can best exercise these rights with legal representation.
One of the most common concerns is the cost of hiring a debt collection attorney. However, it is essential to know that you do not have to pay a debt collection attorney upfront. Consultations are free, and you owe no fees unless they obtain compensation for you.
Hiring a FDCPA attorney can provide valuable legal representation and guidance when you are struggling with debt. They can negotiate with creditors on your behalf, help you understand your rights, and develop a strategy to resolve your debt problems.
Unlike other legal services where you may have to pay a retainer fee upfront, debt collection attorneys often work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover a portion of your debt or secure a favorable settlement for you. This payment structure can make legal representation more accessible for people facing financial difficulties. Your attorney will also work hard to help you find a resolution that works in your favor.
You have options when it comes to dealing with debt collection, and a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the process and protect your rights. Do not let the fear of legal fees prevent you from seeking the help you need to address your debt problems and move towards a more secure financial future.