What do you know about debt consolidation? Do you feel like your massive debt has taken over your life? Too many creditors and too many payments? Debt consolidation may be the answer. Keep reading to learn more about this option.
Consolidate all of your high interest credit cards onto one credit card with a reasonable interest level. If you’ve got multiple cards above 20% interest, you are paying way too much. That money going to interest could be helping you pay off that debt! Plus multiple cards means multiple minimum payments. It’s best to attack one card alone if you can.
Be careful with the terms of collateral for any debt consolidation loan you apply for. Many times these types of loans will include a clause about your home, should you default on payments. Obviously, this could put you at serious risk should circumstances make meeting your loan payment difficult. Keep your home out of any loan agreement, and read the fine print.
Refinancing your home could be a good debt consolidation strategy. Find a financial institution willing to refinance your home and take some cash out at closing. Use the cash to pay your debt off and make your mortgage payments on time. Compare the interest rate of your mortgage to what creditors are charging you.
It is very important to select a debt consolidation agency with a good reputation. Do plenty of background research and contact your Better Business Bureau to make sure the professionals you are interested in are reliable and properly licensed. Do not hire a debt consolidation specialist who has some complaints pending against them.
Make sure to discuss your plans for debt consolidation with your spouse before entering into a program. You need to be on the same financial page as your partner in order to truly reduce your debt and improve your financial situation. If you don’t take the time to discuss things, your spouse could end up continuing to rack up debt, hurting your financial situation in the long run.
Don’t sign anything until you know what you’re agreeing to. Make sure you have a written copy of the terms and fees you will be responsible for, before you make a decision. It’s important for you to make sure there are no special surprises, and that at the end of the arrangement you’ll be in a better position financially.
Find a debt consolidation agency that hires qualified counselors. Ask about the background and the certification of the counselors before becoming a client. Ideally, a debt consolidation counselor should be certified by the NFCC or another recognized professional organization. Do not work with an agency that does not hire qualified staff.
There are three types of debt consolidation available to most debtors. The first is a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. The second is a credit card or line of credit which pays off the debts and then has to be reimbursed. The last is a loan from a loved one.
You can obtain a loan from a person you know for debt consolidation. This is risky and may ruin relationships, however, if you don’t pay the person back. Usually debt consolidation should be a last resort, not a first choice option.
The debt consolidation company you select should utilize strategies that are personally tailored to you. If the professionals you talk to do not take the time to ask questions about your situations and seem in a hurry to get you to sign for one of their plans, find another agency. Their program should be specific to you and your circumstances.
Do not get involved with a debt counselor that works for a company that pays by commission. This is a red flag as it’s going to alter your situation according to the best interests of the debt counselor and not your best interests. Instead, look for a reputable company that pays their counselors accordingly.
Find out what type of educational materials or workshops the debt consolidation company has available. Are they offered at no cost to you? Are the materials found on the Internet or will they be shipped to your house? A debt management plan should not be your only option, and if a company claims it is, work with someone else.
Be sure you know the physical address of any debt consolidation service you’re thinking of using. Some states actually have no laws or licensing in place for a new company when they start up. You have to be positive that the company you go with isn’t located in a state like this. Finding this information should be pretty simple, and you will be glad you took this step.
Now that you know what your options are, you’ll be able to make a financially sound decision. Carefully consider your options before deciding if debt consolidation is for you. Create your plan carefully and put it into action. It is time to stop worrying and start living!
