Do you pay your bills on time? If not, why not?
Missing payments or paying your bills later can have a significant impact on your financial health.
One of the immediate consequences is that you might be charged late fees, which can add up quickly and increase the amount you owe.
Additionally, your interest rates may rise due to “delinquency”, meaning that you will have to pay more over the lifespan of your loan or credit card balance. This can make it even harder for you to keep up with your payments and can create a vicious cycle of debt.
Beyond these immediate consequences, missed payments can also severely damage your credit score. Your payment history is the most heavily weighted factor in your credit score calculation, making up 35% of the total score. This means that even one or two missed payments can cause a significant drop in your credit score. A low credit score can make it harder for you to get approved for loans or credit cards in the future, and if you are approved, you may be stuck with higher interest rates.
Lastly, consistent missed payments can lead to more severe actions such as debt collection or foreclosure. If your account is sent to a debt collection agency, it can cause additional stress and you could even be taken to court. If you consistently miss mortgage payments, your lender has the right to foreclose on your home.
The consequences of missed payments (and late payments) are severe and far-reaching, so it’s crucial to try to make all your payments on time. If you’re struggling, it’s better to communicate with your lenders to try to work out a payment plan, rather than ignoring the problem.
If you need help with this topic please reach out to me: pamela@sanddollar.co
