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                  Calculate Your 
Debt-to-Income Ratio 
                  Use this guide to calculate your debt-to-income ratio: | 
        
        
          
          
            
            
              
                      | Monthly mortgage or rent | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      | Minimum monthly credit card 
                      payments  | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      | Monthly car loan payment  | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      | Other loan obligations  | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      |   | 
                        | 
                     
              
                      | 
                      Total monthly debt payments | 
                      $ | 
                     
             
            
           
           | 
        
        
          | 
            | 
        
        
          
          
            
            
              
                      | Monthly gross salary  | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      | Other monthly income  | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      | Monthly alimony received  | 
                      $ | 
                     
              
                      |   | 
                        | 
                     
              
                      | 
                      Total monthly income $ | 
                      $ | 
                     
             
            
           
           | 
        
        
          
          
            
            
              
                      |   | 
                       
              
                      | 
                      Debt divided by 
                      Income  = % ratio | 
                       
              
                | 
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                    - 36% or less: This is an ideal debt load to carry 
                    for most people. Showing that you can control your spending 
                    in relation to your income is what lenders are looking for 
                    when evaluating if you are credit-worthy.
 
                    - 37% to 42%: Your debts still may seem manageable, 
                    but start paying them down before they begin to spiral out 
                    of control. At this level, credit cards still may be easy to 
                    obtain, but acquiring loans may be more difficult.
 
                    - 43% to 49%: Your debt ratio is high and financial 
                    difficulties may be looming unless you take immediate 
                    action.
 
                    - 50% or more: Seek professional help to make plans 
                    for drastically reducing your debt before it becomes a real 
                    problem.
 
                     
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