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Debt Consolidation: The Pros and Cons of Your Major Options

Debt consolidation is a type of debt refinancing that allows consumers to pay off other debts. In general, debt consolidation entails rolling several unsecured debts, such as credit card balances, personal loans or medical bills, into one single bill that’s paid off with a loan. There are dozens of ways to go about consolidating debt, and some include transferring the debt to a zero or low-interest credit card, taking out a debt consolidation loan, applying for a home equity loan or paying back your debt through a debt repayment consolidation plan. When researching consolidation plan options, you may come across what’s known as debt consolidation companies. Some of these debt consolidation companies are legitimate; according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, however, others are incredibly risky. That’s because some may be debt settlement companies that convince you to stop paying your debts and “instead pay into a special account,” the CFPB warns. “The company will t
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Debt Consolidation 101: What to Know

Debt consolidation can help you pay off what you owe faster and more conveniently, with one payment instead of many. But if you choose the wrong method, you could waste your money and end up deeper in debt. The first step is understanding what debt consolidation is (and isn’t). Then you need to decide whether it makes sense for you, and how to pick the best method. Finally, you need to shop smart. Here’s how. Table of Contents Learn the Terms Know Your Options Understand Your Situation Shop Around for Lenders Debt Consolidation Isn’t for Everyone Learn the Terms Debt consolidation  means you’re replacing many smaller debts with one larger one — for example, transferring all your credit card debt to one card or line of credit. Or taking out one loan to pay off multiple balances. Either way, you’re making one payment a month instead of several. Ideally, you would also pay less interest and therefore pay off the debt faster. Debt management  means seeing a cr

Best Places to Get a Debt Consolidation Loan in 2018

If the pile of bills you’re dealing with from credit card companies has grown out of control, it might be time to consider a debt consolidation loan. In many cases, it could be the best way to pay off what you owe while lowering the interest rate and decreasing your monthly payment. Sound good? Of course it does! Debt consolidation loans simplify existing debt by consolidating multiple sources of debt into a single account with one lender and one payment every month. There are other ways to consolidate your debts – debt management programs, debt settlement, home equity or personal loans – but each one has pros and cons that may or may not make it right for your situation. Banks? Credit unions? Online lenders? Even if you’ve stopped using your credit card, there’s still shopping to be done if you’re considering a debt consolidation loan. If you have an established relationship with a bank or credit union, it makes sense to look there first. The personal relationship shou

The Truth About Debt Consolidation

You’re in deep with credit cards, student loan debt and car loans. Minimum monthly payments aren’t doing the trick to help nix your debt. Something has to change, and you’re considering debt consolidation because of the allure of one easy payment and the promise of lower interest rates. The truth is debt consolidation loans and debt settlement companies don’t help you slay mammoth amounts of debt. In fact, you end up paying more and staying in debt longer because of so-called consolidation. Get the facts before you consolidate or work with a settlement company. Here are the top things you need to know before you consolidate your debt: Debt consolidation is a refinanced loan with extended repayment terms. Extended repayment terms mean you’ll be in debt longer. A lower interest rate isn’t always a guarantee when you consolidate. Debt consolidation doesn’t mean debt elimination. Debt consolidation is different from debt settlement. Both can scam you out of thousands of dollars