Maybe you have a mortgage which has become more than your home is worth. Or you’ve lost your job and your bills are piling up. Some people have a shopping addiction which has put them into the red. Regardless of why your finances are in trouble, debt consolidation may be the answer you seek.
If you think you have a debt consolation company that you want to work with, make sure you look them up on the Better Business Bureau. You should be able to see consumer reviews, which will help you determine if you really want to do business with them or not. Even doing a simple search online for the company’s name may bring up some helpful information.
Have a clear payoff goal in mind. Rushing to get the lowest interest rate is not the best and only way to pay off your debts quickly. Consider how you can pay off your monthly debts in approximately 3 to 5 years. This helps you get out of debt and raises your credit score.
One sign that a debt consolidation company is reputable is whether or not they are a member of an organization, like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. Even if the company verbally confirms to you that they are a member, make sure you still research it to make sure what they are saying is true. A member of an organization like the NFCC has to follow certain rules, like only employing certified credit counselors.
To consolidate your debt, try taking out a personal or signature loan. This has become a limited option due to the credit crunch, however. Many lenders that used to offer unsecured, signature loans for consolidation do not anymore. If you find one that offers this option, be sure it’s not a high-interest loan, even if it helps you lower monthly payments by extending the terms.
If you are a homeowner and have lots of equity in it, try taking out a line of credit or home equity loan. This can help you use use that money for nearly anything you desire, including debt consolidation, and the interest paid is tax-deductible. This will help you save money in multiple ways.
Find out whether debt consolidation will require you to take out another loan. If so, make sure that your rates are not too high. Some companies lure people in with the promise of a fixed financial world, but end up giving them a new loan that they have trouble paying.
If you are struggling with debt and have a free and clear title to a car, boat or other motorized vehicle, consider a title loan. A title loan allows you to keep your motorized vehicle as long as you make your payments on time. Many times, you can lower your overall interest rate using this type of service.
If you’re a home owner, you might need to think over getting your home refinanced and using that money to help with your financial situation. Mortgage rates are very low, which makes this idea even more attractive. You might even have a lower mortgage payment.
When you’re consolidating the debts you have, be sure you’re thinking about what debts you have that are worth getting consolidated and which ones shouldn’t be. For example, a loan with an extremely low interest rate should not be included in your debt consolidation. Discuss each debt with your debt consolidator to determine which ones should be included.
With the current low home mortgage interest rates, you may be able to refinance your home and take out some of the equity. Be careful to avoid borrowing as much as possible on your new mortgage. If home values should drop even more, you may end up owning a home that is less than the amount you owe on it.
If you want to have a debt consolidation agency help you, ask how your funds will be protected before payments to your creditors are made. Some agencies will keep your funds in a savings account until it is time to pay your creditors while others might invest the funds for a short amount of time.
A good debt consolidation company will offer help on how to handle finances, create budgets and avoid future financial mistakes. Join in on courses and learn all about budgeting, saving and spending smarter. Make sure you choose an agency that offers a variety of services to help you improve your financial situation.
Always do research with the Better Business Bureau before choosing a debt consolidation firm. They are one of the best places to go to help confirm that the company you are considering is out for your best interest. If the company has complaints on record, then it’s best to move on and consider other options.
When your debts end up outweighing your income, you are in a really bad state of affairs. Debt consolidation can help you catch your breath, and this article has taught you how to do it right. Use these tips and be sure that your financial freedom is regained once and for all.
