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Being a mom is the most fulfilling job in the world, but it can also be the most challenging, especially regarding financial management. Between daily expenses, schooling, and healthcare costs, it’s no wonder that debt can pile up quickly.
Managing your debt-to-income ratio is one of the most critical factors in securing a stable financial future.
Your debt-to-income ratio is the amount of money you owe compared to your income. And a high debt-to-income ratio can make it hard to get approved for loans and lines of credit.
This post will explore ten practical ways to lower your debt-to-income ratio and achieve your financial goals.
What is Debt-to-Income Ratio?
The debt-to-income ratio is a financial standard that measures the proportion of a person’s monthly debt payments relative to their gross monthly income.
It’s typically expressed as a percentage lenders use to evaluate a person’s ability to manage debt and make loan payments.
A lower debt-to-income ratio indicates better financial health and a higher likelihood of loan approval.
Simply put, if you use only a little bit of your money to pay bills, that’s good! It means you can probably handle more bills or loans. But if a lot of your money goes to paying bills, it might be harder to take on more.
How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio is determined by adding up all of your monthly debts and dividing them by your pre-tax monthly income. The resulting number is expressed as a percentage.
For example, if you owe $2,000 in total monthly debt payments and have a gross (pre-tax) monthly income of $3,500, your debt-to-income ratio would be 57%. Debt-to-Income Ratio = ($2,000 / $3,500) x 100 = 57%.
Why is Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Important?
Your debt-to-income ratio is critical in determining whether or not you will be approved for a loan, credit card, or line of credit.
Generally speaking, lenders want to see a low debt-to-income ratio because it shows that you are managing your finances responsibly and are less likely to default on the loan.
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How to Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
1) Create a Financial Plan
Creating a financial plan is the best way to ensure that you are able to pay off all your debts and keep your debt-to-income ratio low.
Your financial plan needs to include a budget, savings goals, and a repayment strategy. Make sure to track your progress and adjust your plan if needed.
Having a clear financial plan will help you stay focused while you work towards achieving your financial goals.
2) Cut Back on Non-Essential Spending
One of the best ways to lower your debt-to-income ratio is to cut back on non-essential expenses.
It may mean eliminating unnecessary subscriptions, cutting entertainment costs, or reducing your grocery budget. Every little bit counts and can make a huge difference in the long run.
If you have difficulty keeping track of where your money is going, consider using a budgeting app or creating a spreadsheet to monitor your expenses.
3) Set Up Automatic Payments
Ensuring all your bills are paid on time is essential to maintaining a low debt-to-income ratio.
Setting up automatic payments ensures that each bill is paid on time, and you won’t be hit with any late or missed payments.
Automatic bill pay will help you stay on target with your repayment plan and avoid any penalties or extra interest charges.
4) Pay Off High-Interest Credit Card Balances
Credit card balances should be your top priority when looking to lower your debt-to-income ratio. The high-interest rates associated with these accounts can quickly pile up and make it challenging to pay off the balance.
The best way to tackle this issue is to pay off the highest interest balances first while simultaneously making minimum payments on all other accounts.
Once the highest interest balances are paid off, you can move on to the next highest interest balance and continue the process until all credit card debt is paid off.
5) Increase Debt Payments
Making consistent payments on your debt is a great way to lower your debt-to-income ratio and stay on track with your financial goals.
Try to make slightly more than the minimum monthly payment or aim for an extra one or two payments throughout the year.
Paying more than your minimum payment will help you pay off debts faster while also reducing the amount of interest you have to pay in the long run.
6) Refinance Loans
Refinancing your loans is another excellent way to lower your debt-to-income ratio.
Refinancing typically means taking out a new loan with a lower interest rate and often longer repayment terms than the original loan.
Refinancing can significantly reduce your monthly payments and help you pay off debt faster while reducing the amount of money you owe.
7) Negotiate Lower Interest Rates
If you’re unable to refinance, consider negotiating your interest rates. Negotiating a lower interest rate with your creditors is one of the best ways to lower your debt-to-income ratio.
If you have an existing account with a high-interest rate, contact the creditor and see if they are willing to negotiate. They may be able to reduce the interest rate.
8) Create an Emergency Fund
Creating an emergency fund is necessary when lowering your debt-to-income ratio.
Setting aside savings for emergencies and unexpected expenses is essential so you don’t have to use credit cards or take out costly loans.
The best way to build up your emergency fund is by saving a small amount of money each month, even if it’s only $10 or $20. Over time, this fund will grow, and you will be able to rely on it during times of financial hardship.
9) Apply for Debt Consolidation
Consider consolidating your debt into one lower-interest account if you have numerous loans with high interest rates. Doing so can help you pay off your loans faster, reduce your monthly payments, and simplify your finances.
Consolidating debt is an excellent option for those who want to repay debt without taking on new loans or damaging their credit score.
10) Increase Income
Increasing your monthly income is one of the most effective ways to lower your debt-to-income ratio.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll need to find a new job or work longer hours. There are many different ways to earn extra cash by taking on freelance work, selling items you no longer need, or creating a side hustle.
The extra money you earn can be used to pay off debt, increase your savings, or invest in your future.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to lowering your debt-to-income ratio and setting yourself up for success in the future.
From creating a financial plan to cutting back on non-essential expenses, there are plenty of ways to get your finances back on track.
Sticking to a repayment plan and making wise financial decisions will put you in a better position to take control of your debt and achieve long-term financial stability.
