Credit card debt can be embarrassing, especially for high earners. Two-fifths of consumers with debt have lied about the amount. President Trump called for a temporary 10% cap on card rates. The nation’s credit card balance is $1.2 trillion, with an average debt of $7,886 per cardholder.
LendingTree found that 39% of those with card debt lied about it, with six-figure earners more likely to do so. Half of high earners have card debt, compared to 39% of those making less than $30,000. Experts say credit card debt can feel like a sign of failure or weakness.
To pay down credit card debt, experts recommend getting aggressive with payments. Stop making new charges, bump up payments, and consider paying 5% of your gross income monthly. Focus on one card at a time, starting with the highest interest rate or smallest balance. Zero-APR cards can also help eliminate debt without accruing interest.
If you’re struggling with high interest rates, try negotiating with the card company for a lower rate. If unsuccessful, consider reaching out to a nonprofit credit counseling service for assistance in lowering rates. Credit card debt can be managed with strategic planning and aggressive payment strategies.
Read more at Yahoo Finance: High earners have credit card debt, too. But they won’t admit it.
