11 Signs you are near a financial crisis: How to know and what to do

Everyone of us has at some point in our lives experienced a financial crunch. However, you can manage it without worrying much. But, the condition worsens when you experience a prolonged financial crisis that you can’t tackle in a couple of months.

Well, you can avoid it if you can recognize the signs of personal financial trouble.

Researches reveal that about 26% of adult Americans haven’t saved anything for emergencies and about 36% people are yet to start saving for retirement. Even about 8% of households don’t have a bank account. As per a data in 2016, about 38 million people live paycheck to paycheck. More shocking is that amongst these, two-thirds of people earn about $41,000, which is a decent income and much more than the federal poverty level.

So, it’s not that you earn less, but you have to manage your money efficiently so that you can avoid the signs of personal financial distress. Any of these signs of personal financial trouble is a warning sign that you’re near a financial crisis. Also know what to do.

1 You don’t save 20% of your monthly income

If you are not able to save about 20% of your income, then it’s a sign that you are near a financial crisis. If you face any emergency situation, you can have huge debts to pay off later.

What to do:

Even if you’re not able to save 20% of your paycheck, try to save at least 10% for the time being. What you can do is, set aside 10% whenever you get your paycheck and plan your expenses with the remaining amount.

2 Budgeting is a daunting task for you

Don’t you like the word ‘budgeting’ and think it’s a waste of time? If so, be prepared to experience a financial crisis because you don’t know where your money is going. So, how will you control your spending?

What to do:

Even if you hate the word ‘budgeting’, plan one. Don’t expect it to be the perfect one on the first go. However, by planning and following one, you’ll have a clear understanding of your financial condition.

3 Extravagant nature is what describes you

It is said that “Every penny saved is a penny earned”. So, if you don’t spend wisely, you won’t have any savings, and you may fall into debt.

What to do:

The best way to stop this is to think before you spend every cent. Ask yourself - Do you need this item? If you’re not sure, take 2-3 days time; if you still feel the urge, purchase, if you can afford it. Also, compare prices to get the best deal.

4 You cannot control your debts

Instead of clearing your debts and taking your financial life in full control, you’re using your emergency fund to meet your daily necessities.

What to do:

A well-planned budget is your savior. Only then you’ll be able to meet your daily necessities, save and pay off your debts. If required, take professional help to repay debt.

5 Incur debt to repay existing debt

Are you using one credit card to pay the bill for another? Yes? You will do this when you don’t have the cash to make the payments. This is an alarm to sort out your financial mess.

What to do:

To get out of the debt cycle, practice frugal lifestyle and use your savings to clear your outstanding bills. Do not swipe your cards till you repay every cent you owe.

6You do not look after proper maintenance of your possessions

If you don’t do routine maintenance of your possessions such as your car and house, then you may have to pay a bigger price in the future when you have to repair and replace something.

What to do:

Routine maintenance costs much less. So, invest in small amounts now to save big amount in the future.

7 You don’t care to check your monthly bills

Do you think checking your monthly bills is a waste of time or you want to avoid facing the harsh reality? If you do so, be ready to face the consequences.

What to do:

Before the alarm bell rings, talk to the service providers and ask how you can reduce your spending. They can compare your spending with others and offer valuable suggestions to reduce your bill cost.

8 Swipe your cards to buy each and everything

Well, I can’t say that it’s an alarming sign that you’re near a financial crisis if you repay the outstanding amount every month. However, if you already have outstanding debt and you’re adding to it, then it’s definitely scary for your financial life.

What to do:

Stop using your credit cards till you’re able to repay the entire outstanding debt. Use cash to meet your daily necessities. Save as much as you can and pay off debt as fast as you can.

9 You make only the minimum payments

If you make only the minimum payments, the interest charge gets added to the remaining balance. So, you have to pay more and it’ll take a long time to repay the outstanding balance.

What to do:

Use debt snowball or debt avalanche method to pay a little more to one or two of the targeted debts. Once you repay the cards, usually swipe them for an amount which you can repay with your next month’s income.

10 Your credit score is not good

If you don't have a good credit score, you won't be able to take out loans at favorable terms and conditions; as a result, your loan application will get rejected or you’ll have to pay more.

What to do:

Check your credit reports at regular intervals and dispute errors if required. Add positive items in your reports; with time, your credit score will improve.