Debt consolidation programs can be a great option if you are in financial distress, but they are not all the same. In order to choose the right one, you need a basic understanding of what the programs can offer, what to watch out for and what terms are in your best financial interest. This article will provide you with much of that information. Continue reading to learn more.
If you’re trying to pay down your debt, try borrowing a bit from your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement account. Be careful with this, though. While you’re able to borrow from your retirement plan for low interest, failing to pay it back as you agreed, losing your job, or being unable to pay it all back, the loan will be considered dismemberment. Your taxes and penalties will then be assessed as for why funds were withdrawn early.
Try paying your debt off with a credit card. Apply for a credit card with no interests and use it to make payments to your creditors. Pay the minimum amount on your credit card once a month. This is a good way to buy more time to pay your debt off.
Understand if your home is in jeopardy with the type of debt consolidation you are considering. Often times, debt consolidation companies put together plans that include a HELOC (home equity line of credit). This essentially ties your home to your debt. If you mess up, your home could be affected. Be aware before making any decisions.
When it comes to dealing with debt consolidation, make sure that you relax. This practice is very common and will help improve your finances when all is said and done. You have the opportunity to lower monthly fees, lower high interest, eliminate late fees, put a stop to those harassing phone calls, and eventually become debt free. You can bounce back from this, but you must keep calm and pay attention to your payment plan.
Figure out what put you in your debt situation when consolidating these debts. You probably don’t want to be in the same place in a few more years. Try to develop new strategies for managing your finances so this doesn’t happen again.
Consider asking your family for a debt consolidation loan. If you are reliable and have a family with means, this can be the cheapest route to debt consolidation. They pay off the debt, and you pay them at an interest rate that is more favorable then a bank would offer in a savings plan. It can be a big win for all involved.
Ask how the debt consolidation counselors are paid. A reputable credit counselor is paid a salary; however, there are many companies that pay through commission. This type of pay should be avoided because the counselors may be swayed by the amount of commission they will make off of your debt consolidation.
It is important that you do some math before you decide if debt consolidation is for you. You need to understand if the total interest you are paying now is higher or lower than what you are offered on your consolidation loan. Figure out what all of your debts are, calculate the percent of the overall debt each one makes up, and then multiply their interest rate by that percent. Then, add all of the numbers together and see if it is less than what you are being offered.
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.
Learn about the privacy and security practices at any debt consolidation company you consider. It’s important that you know that there is a policy in place, even if it’s not something you think about all the time. You are going to be giving them very personal information, so make sure that the information is protected.
Make sure the money you pay the debt consolidation company gets to your creditors. Follow up every month to make sure that your creditors have gotten a payment. Some debt consolidation companies tend to skim some of your payment to put toward various fees, but you need to make sure you know what is going on.
As has been stated, not all debt consolidation programs are right for everyone. To find the one that works for you, review the advice in this article once again. Consider it carefully when reviewing your options, and make sure to proceed with a high level of caution. By doing this, you will make a great financial decision that can help to get you out of debt.
