Have you explored debt consolidation before? Maybe you just don’t know enough about it to feel comfortable moving forward. It’s a big step, as it must be seen as your solution to your mounting debt. Therefore, it’s important to keep reading to learn more about your debt consolidation options so that you can make the decision.
Consider a bill consolidation service to help with your monthly debt. When you seek to consolidate debt, paying monthly bills to individual companies can create confusion and missed payments. Use a consolidation service that will pay these providers for you. You supply them with one lump sum each month and they will quickly dole it out for you automatically.
Make sure you hire a reputable debt consolidation agency to help you manage your debt restructuring. Although you will find many companies offering to help you, few are really in it to benefit the consumer. Check first with government sponsored agencies that offer free credit counseling and will then refer you to a trusted debt consolidation service.
Pick the debt consolidation company you use wisely. Just as with many other decisions you make, you should compare companies first. How long have they been in business for? What is their reputation like? Are their fees reasonable or too high? These are all questions you need to think about before picking a company.
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.
If you own a home or land and have built up equity, you may qualify to take out a line of credit or home equity loan. These loans allow you to borrow against the equity of your home giving you instant access to cash to pay off your outstanding debts.
Though most debt consolidation offers are legit and helpful, some are just scams. If someone offers a deal too good to be true, do not trust them. Ask the lender a bunch of questions and be sure they’re answered prior to getting any kind of a contract signed.
After you’ve consolidated your debt, consider what credit cards you don’t need. Remember what got you here in the first place. Do you need all of that credit? Do you feel the itch to use it? Don’t fall back into bad habits. Get rid of any cards that are unnecessary.
If you decide to go through debt consolidation, contact the Better Business Bureau. The BBB keeps records of any complaints lodged against a company. By checking out the debt consolidation company, you can ensure that complaints have not been filed against the company. This is especially important because there are many fake debt consolidation companies.
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.
Be sure your first talk with a credit counselor or debt consolidation agent happens for free. They should be able to do a preliminary analysis of who you owe, how the company can help you, and what options are available. If you cannot get a simple introductory session, look elsewhere.
To begin intelligently consolidating your debt, the first thing you should do is examine your credit card debt. Credit card interest is exceedingly high, with some companies charging as much as 20 percent. By consolidating multiple credit card debt on to a single credit card you can save yourself a lot of money in interest fees.
When considering debt consolidation, make sure that you check out the reputations of a few different companies. Use consumer watchdog groups and the BBB to make sure you are not entrusting your finances to a disreputable company with a negative history.
The first thing you need to do is create a list of all the people you owe money to. Even if it is $5 to Uncle Ben, it needs to be listed. It should include the phone company, utility companies, credit cards and your bank. The more comprehensive, the better.
You now know more about debt consolidation, and you can work towards finding the right solution for your needs. You need a solid plan, and you need a company that is going to fight on your side. While the decision isn’t easy, it should now be something you are equipped to do.
