Has debt taken over your life? Do you want to resolve your debt for good? Then you are ready for debt consolidation. The information that follows may help you out when you want to consolidate your debts. These tips can help you get on the proper track again.
Understand the difference between debt consolidation and a home equity loan. Many companies will guise a home equity loan (where you put your home on the line for the debt) as true debt consolidation. That’s not always the wisest move to make, especially if you have a family involved. Know the differences and the risks before making that decision.
Avoid debt elimination arbitrators. These companies love to claim that your debt can be eliminated, though in reality they know that only bankruptcy can result in total elimination. The best these companies can do is reduce the debt you owe. Surprisingly, this is no different than you could do by calling and negotiating with creditors yourself.
Before choosing a debt consolidation company, ask how the counselors of the company are paid. If the answer is “on a commission basis”, then you may be best to look elsewhere. Someone working for commission will say or do many things that are less of a help for you and more of a help to their overall income.
Communicate with your creditors as much as possible. Let them know you fully intend on paying your debt back and ask if you can negotiate. Creditors know they have more chances of collecting on your debt if they stop charging you for late fees or interests and establish small monthly payments.
Speak with your creditors and let them know that you are planning to employ a credit counseling agency. They may offer you different arrangements. This is crucial, as they’re probably unaware you’re speaking with others. If you show them you are trying, they might want to help you out.
Consider taking out a consolidation loan to pay your debts. Then, call and try to negotiate a lower settlement with your creditors. Lots of creditors are willing to accept a fraction of what is owed if you pay them immediately. Not only does this not hurt your credit score, it might even boost it!
Look for a debt consolidating company has counselors that are certified. Research the NFCC to find qualified firms. Doing so will give you confidence in your decision and choice of company.
If your debts aren’t truly putting you on the bring of bankruptcy, debt management might be a better solution for you. A company will work on your behalf to talk to your creditors and ask them for lower interest rates or payment plans you can handle. This can be a better solution than consolidation in many cases, so try it first.
All of these tips can help you decide if consolidation is for you. These tips are a great beginning for helping you understand the debt consolidation concept. Apply the tips you just read and do more research on debt consolidation to make sure it is a good strategy for you.
