Why having some form of debt is not always a negative

a miniature house with a key

You’re not alone in feeling bad about being in debt.

Many people struggle every day with the weight of their debt. But what if we told you that debt doesn’t have to be a bad thing?

Believe it or not, there are benefits to having some form of debt. Below, we will outline a few of the more significant ones. We hope this information will help you see your debt in a new light and give you the strength to face it head-on.

How debt can be beneficial

Many people feel guilty for being in debt.

They see it as a negative thing as if they’re doing something wrong. But having some form of debt is not always a bad thing. In fact, there are many types of “good debt” that can help you build wealth or increase your income.

For example, student loans can be a good form of debt because they can help you get an education that will lead to a better job. Mortgages can also be seen as okay because they can help you buy a home that will appreciate over time.

So don’t feel bad if you’re in debt. It’s not always a bad thing. Just make sure that you’re only borrowing money for things that will benefit you in the long run.

Ways to manage debt

One way to do this is by checking your credit report. This will help you understand where you stand and what opportunities are available to you.

Another thing you can do is contact your creditors before the debt collectors become involved. This can help you negotiate a payment plan that works for both of you.

Tips for using debt wisely
pay debt on a note pad

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, make sure that you have good debt—debt that helps you reach your financial goals. For example, investing in projects with a high return can be a good use of debt.

Second, focus on paying off high-interest debt first. This will help you save money in the long run. Finally, remember that debt can open doors and opportunities. So don’t be afraid to use it wisely to reach your goals!

What to do if you feel overwhelmed by your debt

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debt, there are a few things you can do to get back on track.

First, try to change your debt-related mindset. Yes, it’s wise to be smart about your finances and not spend more than you can afford, but some debt is unavoidable. And it’s not necessarily a bad thing—a lot of people use debt to finance big purchases like homes.

Second, you can consolidate your high-interest debts into one low-interest loan. This will save you money on interest and make your monthly payments more manageable.

Finally, make sure you’re tracking your monthly spending so you have a better idea of where your money is going. This will allow you to make smarter financial decisions and ensure that you’re not overspending.

The fact is, debt is a part of life for many people. And contrary to popular belief, having debt doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible or that you’re headed for financial disaster. There are a lot of misconceptions about debt out there, and a lot of people feel guilty or ashamed for being in debt. But the truth is, there’s nothing wrong with having some form of debt. So don’t feel bad. Just focus on paying off your debt and improving your finances as you tread along.

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Mind-Blowing Facts About Debt

FACT #1: SINGAPORE’S DEBT-TO-GDP RATIO RANKS THIRD IN THE WORLD

With a Debt-to-GDP ratio of 382%, Singapore ranks third in the world according to a 2015 report published by McKinsey Global Institute. The global report found out that Japan lead with 400% followed by Ireland and Singapore.

This significant percentage includes the total debt of the government, households, and non-financial corporations. It comes no surprise that a large part of the country’s debt hails from the corporate sector.

FACT #2: OVER 9 MILLION CREDIT CARDS WERE ISSUED

The credit card is one of the most powerful tools of our nation’s consumers. Would you believe that the summation of the country’s credit card debt is worth over S$5 billion. All these are in the form of balances rolled over to the next statements. Shocking and scary at the same time, is it not?

Furthermore, over 9 million credit cards were issued in the past decades as of November 2015. I can only imagine how this number will grow after a year!

FACT #3: OVERWHELMING DEBT IS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH ILLNESSES

A review of 65 studies published in the Clinical Psychology Review showed that there is potent association between mental health illnesses and debt. In fact, your likelihood of having a mental health problem is about 3 times higher if you have debt. This is because debt is a common stressor.

It can lead to the feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. According to Dr. Nadine Kaslow of Emory University School of Medicine, these three are risk factors for depression.

FACT #4: HOUSEHOLD DEBT IS SOARING IN THE RECENT YEARS

Singapore is a crucial financial hub across the globe. At 77% in 2013, its household debt relative to the GDP is among the highest rates in the Asian countries. It evidently rose from 2007’s rate of approximately 64%.

The rapid growth in the recent years were in accordance with the booming property market.

FACT #5: DEBT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO DIVORCE

As mentioned a while ago, debt is a common stressor. It can negatively influence relationships and marriages due to its alarming nature. Psychology Today found that couples who argue about money periodically were less likely to divorce over time than those who argue about money on a weekly basis.

FACT #6: YOU MUST OWE AT LEAST S$10,000 TO BE BANKRUPT

An individual becomes bankrupt if he or she owes at least S$10,000 and has no means to pay for it.  It starts with the filing for bankruptcy by the creditor or the debtor. A deposit of S$1,600 to the Official Assignee (OA) is required. The OA is the authority that is responsible for selling as many of your assets as possible to repay your creditors.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The effect of bankruptcy does not only take a toll on your finances but also on other aspects of your life.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4  & 5

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