Quick Answer: Housewife debt becomes problematic when minimum payments strain family finances, but a $10k credit card debt can be resolved through debt snowball methods or debt management programs. The key is addressing underlying spending habits that created the debt, as any consolidation solution will fail without eliminating the root causes of accumulation.
Christina
“Dear Steve,
I am your typical housewife who has gotten herself in over her head with credit card bills. I am in approximately $10k worth of debt. I have been looking for employment (to no avail) and have a part-time job as of right now.
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I have been making my payments on time and usually above the minimum, however it is getting to be too much. Do you recommend debt consolidation?
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If so what company should I go with? I am a Bank of America customer and have a good standing relationship with them.
I just need to get this financial burden out of my families life.
Thank you for your time.
Christina”
Dear Christina,
If you wanted to dig yourself out of this hole and not impact your credit then using the self-directed debt snowball approach can be effective.
If you can afford at least the minimum payments, would like to get much lower interests rates and are willing to take a credit report hit, then consider a debt management program as a way to get out of debt.
The idea of getting a loan to get out of debt is common but rarely happens. The best approach is to pay it off yourself or use the appropriate intervention solution.
The bigger issue is to examine what it was that lead you to this debt. Unless you eliminate or address the reasons for the debt accumulation the situation will not be repaired with any solution.
Before You Sign Anything: Run any debt relief contract through the free Contract Decoder to spot hidden fees and unfair terms. Check the company’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Compare Your Real Options: Most debt relief companies won’t tell you about all your options — especially the ones they can’t profit from. Credit counseling has a 21-27% completion rate. Settlement resolves about 1% of enrolled debts fully. Bankruptcy has a 95% discharge rate — and protects your retirement. Take the Find Your Path quiz for a recommendation based on your actual numbers.
