Completing a balance transfer may be one of the best financial decisions you ever make. However, before you can take full advantage, you need to know which steps to take in the near future. In other words, you’re not done just yet.
Here are three of the top steps you can take at this time:
1. Pay Down Your Debt
Now that you have moved your debt to a credit card with a 0 percent interest rate, it’s time to get serious about eliminating it once and for all.
The sooner you get started and the more money you pay, the less chance there is that you will still have a balance when the introductory rate expires.
You should make it your goal to eliminate your debt before the higher interest rate kicks in.
2. Watch Your Progress
No matter how much money you’re paying each month, be sure to pay close attention to the progress you are (or aren’t) making.
You want to know where you stand, month in and month out. This will give you a clear idea of the steps you need to take in the future to put yourself in the best position for success.
3. Don’t Add More Debt
You have put yourself in a better position by transferring your high interest debt to a credit card with a 0 percent introductory rate. But remember this: things will only get worse if you continue to add debt to what you already have. Now’s not the time for more debt. Instead, it’s time to pay down what you already have, eliminating it once and for all.
These may not be the only steps you take after completing a balance transfer, but they are definitely among the most important. As long as you do these three things, there is a good chance that everything will eventually fall into place.