So how can we as whole get better with debt reduction? Having a high DTI can be a deterrent for many creditors and finance companies to want to give us any kind of chance of having credit or financing. Taking a look at your DTI involves you taking the percentage of debt versus your income.

First take your monthly income; this should include all wages, child support, alimony, annuities, or any other monies that come in to the household monthly. If you happen to have income that varies, you will need to add up the most recent 6 months of wages and get an average of your standard income.

You want to first calculate what your monthly income is; this could be a variety of things ranging from your monthly wages to alimony and child support.

Example:

Debt is the next part of the equation. Debt does not include your utility bills but it will encompass outstanding balances on credit cards, loans, mortgage, child support, car payments, etc. If a debt will be paid off within three months, then do not include it.

Lastly, take the monthly expenses and divide it by the income and you will be coming up with your DTI.

For example:

Monthly Income = $4500

Your Monthly Income = $4000
Fixed Monthly Expenses = $2,300

DTI = 49%

This debt to income ratio is very poor and shows that expenses are so high that it would be very difficult to gain any additional credit or financing.

The first step of debt reduction is always taking a look at where you currently stand, and that is through obtaining your debt to income ratio.

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