Whether you built up that pile of credit card debt due to a job loss, an illness, a family emergency, or just plain overspending, you will need to come up with a plan to deal with that debt before it becomes out of control. Credit card debt can be very expensive, but you might not realize that outstanding credit card debt could be damaging your credit scores as well. Even if you make your monthly payments on time, your balances are likely lowering your scores.
Have you set a goal to improve your credit scores? Perhaps you want to apply for a mortgage or purchase a new vehicle in the not-so-distant future. Whatever the motivation, the decision to work toward improving your credit scores is always a smart move.
Most people who are struggling with unpaid debts did not arrive in that unpleasant situation intentionally. Generally it is either a series of bad choices or bad luck that leads to excessive debt problems. There certainly also are individuals who fraudulently open accounts without the intention of repaying their debts, but these criminals are the exception, not the rule.
The world of credit can be a very confusing place, and we credit-types tend to speak in acronyms. Many of the terms and these acronyms can sound alike, which only adds to the confusion. In my world, the world of credit reporting and credit scoring, using the wrong word, letter, phrase or acronym can turn a seemingly innocent concept into an inaccuracy.