Managing your money effectively is the best defense against debt. Learning how to manage your finances is a crucial part to not only getting out of debt, but staying that way. Shaping up your financial house is particularly important. Whatever the state of your financial life, developing a sensible budget will allow you to take control of your money. And, that is a great feeling.
Budgeting isn't difficult, but getting started does take motivation. Promise yourself a reward for your efforts. Decide what you can cut, and then cut it. Track what you are saving, and you will be pleased. Budgeting is a bit like dieting; it takes discipline, but once you get in the habit - and see the positive results - it gets much easier.
One of the easiest ways to get a picture of your current financial standing is to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. Keeping track of your debt-to-income ratio can help you understand manage your finances. Also, lenders will often use it when considering your credit status.
What is your debt-to-income ratio
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Your debt-to-income ratio compares the amount of your debt (excluding your mortgage or rent payment) to your income. The two main kinds of DTI are expressed as a pair using the notation x/y (for example, 28/36).
1. The first DTI, known as the front-end ratio, indicates the percentage of income that goes toward housing costs, which for renters is the rent amount and for homeowners is
PITI <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PITI> (mortgage <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_loan> principal and interest <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interest>, mortgage insurance <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_insurance> premium [when applicable], hazard insurance <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_insurance> premium, property taxes <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Property_tax>, and homeowners' association <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeowners%27_association> dues [when applicable]).
2. The second DTI, known as the back-end ratio, indicates the percentage of income that goes toward paying all recurring debt payments, including those covered by the first DTI, and other debts such as
credit card <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card> payments, car loan payments, student loan payments, child support payments, alimony payments, and legal judgments.[1] <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debt-to-income_ratio>
The ratio is best figured on a monthly basis. For example, if your monthly take-home pay is $2,000 and you pay $400 per month in debt payment for loans and credit cards, your debt-to-income ratio is 20% ($400 divided by $2,000 = .20).
Why is monitoring your debt-to-income ratio important?
Keeping track of your debt-to-income ratio can help you avoid "creeping indebtedness", or the gradual rising of debt. Impulse buying and routine use of credit cards for small, daily purchases can easily result in unmanageable debt. By staying aware of your debt-to-income ratio, you can:
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Make sound decisions about buying on credit and taking out loans.
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See the clear benefits of making more than your minimum credit card payments.
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Avoid major credit problems.
Creditors look at your debt-to-income ratio to determine whether you are creditworthy. Letting your ratio rise above 20 percent may:
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Jeopardize your ability to make major purchases, such as a car or a home.
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Keep you from getting the lowest available interest rates and best credit terms.
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Cause difficulty getting additional credit in case of emergencies.
Debt-to-income ratios are powerful indicators of creditworthiness and financial condition. The bottom line is: Know your ratio and try to keep it low!
How do I calculate my debt-to-income ratio?
The first step in calculating your debt-to-income ratio is figuring your monthly take-home pay, which is the amount you earn after all deductions. If you're paid every other week, multiply your take-home pay by 26, then divide by 12. This is your monthly take-home pay. If your income is inconsistent, estimate your monthly take-home pay by dividing last year's annual take-home pay by 12.
Remember to include:
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Regular income from alimony and child support.
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Conservative averages of bonuses, commissions, and tips.
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Earnings from dividends and interest.
The second step is figuring your total monthly debt payments. Add your current minimum monthly payments for all credit accounts and loans, excluding mortgage or rent payments. Be sure to include:
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Car payment(s)
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Loan payment(s) (furniture, appliances, etc.)
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Bank/credit union loan(s)
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Student loan payment(s)
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Other loans/credit accounts
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Credit card payments
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Payments for past medical care
Now it's time to calculate your debt-to-income ratio. Divide your total monthly debt payment by your total monthly take-home income from all sources. The result will be your debt-to-income ratio.
Is my debt-to-income ratio acceptable?
Generally speaking, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better your financial situation. You're probably doing okay if your debt-to-income ratio is under 16-19%. Though each situation is different, a ratio of 20% or higher often signals a need to get your credit under control. As your debt payments decrease over time, you will pay less interest. Then you can use your money to save, invest, or spend as you choose.
