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How does debt consolidation work?

Debt consolidation is a simple process that involves combining all non-secured debts, such as credit cards, medical bills and insurance, and tuition bills, into one monthly payment, which is substantially-lower than the combined payments a debtor is currently making.

Debt consolidation works by allowing the consumer (the debtor) to pay a fixed amount to the consolidation company; and in turn, the consolidation company gives them the authorization to make payments to the individual creditors on your behalf. For its part, the consolidation company negotiates lower interest rates; or sometimes, an interest rate of zero.

Creditors are usually willing to make such arrangements because they are more likely to receive payments on time from a debt relief organization than from an over-burdened consumer.

In what ways does debt consolidation help?

Debt consolidation helps a debtor in various ways, the basic ones being:

*Consolidate on monthly payments

*Management of debt

*Helps avoid future debt

*Get collection agencies off your back

Is it preferred over bankruptcy?

Yes, it is. Debt consolidation is an important step, which helps debtors avoid the much more serious step of declaring bankruptcy. In bankruptcy, your debts are canceled and your credit rating collapses completely; whereas debt consolidation is a much stable option, which gives you a better credit profile.

What are the various means of debt consolidation?

You have a few options when considering debt consolidation. You could hire a credit counselor to help negotiate a settlement with your creditors–often at a discount to the total amount due–or you can get a debt consolidation loan.

With a debt counseling company, you have the advantage of paying one bill each month for all your accounts. Debt relief organizations form relationships with thousands of creditors, giving them enough bargaining power to push creditors to forgive debt they normally would not.

With a debt consolidation loan, you will consolidate all of your unsecured debt into one single payment at a reduced interest rate. They will assist you in saving as much money as possible and will reduce your concerns and hassles.

By: Erick O Johnson

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You may have considered debt consolidation as a possible solution to your debt problems. However, you may not know that there are two different types of consolidation to consider.

The one most often discussed is a secured debt consolidation loan. Usually, the loan is secured by your home equity. Often you will either take out a home equity loan or you will refinance your entire mortgage, secure a larger loan, pay off your first mortgage, and receive the difference between that loan and your home’s value in cash.

However, if your home has not built up enough equity, you don’t want to take out a new mortgage, or you don’t own a home, you may still be able to get the second type of consolidation loan: one that is considered unsecured.

Secured vs Unsecured Consolidation Loans

Unsecured consolidation loans are different because they require no collateral. If the loan is not paid in full, you don’t run the risk of losing any property as a result. With a secured loan, the bank can take your home if payment is not made.

Because the unsecured loans are riskier for the lenders, you will end up paying more in interest rates and may have to pay off the loan in shorter time. That might also mean you’ll face higher payments than you would with a secured consolidation loan.

Another difference is in the amount you can borrow. Secured consolidation loans are rarely issued for less than $10,000. Unsecured consolidation loans, on the other hand, are limited at less than that amount.

Reasons to Choose Unsecured Debt Consolidation Loans

If you’re trying to decide between a secured and an unsecured consolidation loan, then here are some factors to think about:

o Do you have collateral? If the answer is no, then your only option is an unsecured consolidation loan. If the answer is yes, then think about whether or not you want to tie your home to this type of loan.

o How much debt do you owe? Add up all of the debts you want to consolidate. If the amount equals more than $10,000, then you’ll probably need to choose a secured consolidation loan. For lower debt amounts, you can choose either type of loan.

o What are the interest rates on your debt? Remember that an unsecured loan is going to involve higher interest rates than a secured one. If those rates are going to be close to what you are paying on the debt you want to consolidate, then you may want to go with a secured consolidation loan instead.

o Do you need lower payments? If the purpose of consolidation is to make your debt payments more manageable, you may not want to choose an unsecured loan. Because the terms of these loans are usually shorter, you may end up paying significant monthly payments. If you just want to eliminate some high interest debt or make managing your debt easier, then either type will work well for your needs.

Before you choose either type of consolidation loan, make sure to shop around and secure the best loan deal available.

By: Paul Sarwana

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