Consolidating all the debts you have into a single loan can seem to make your life much easier. However, there are other ways that you can choose to handle your debts. There are situations where consolidating debts makes much more sense. Read on to know more about debt consolidation loans before you make your ultimate decision.
What Is Debt Consolidation?
Debt consolidation is the process of merging all your debts into one single loan that will help you lower your interest rates and monthly payments as you will only deal with a single financier. Individuals struggling with several loans and different lenders can borrow money to repay these debts and owe cash to just a single lender.
Types Of Debt Consolidation Loans
There are two types of debt consolidation loans: secured and unsecured loans. With secured loans, the amount of debt is usually borrowed against an asset, for example, your home. This means that if you fail to pay the loan, your home will be sold to repay the loan. Secured debt consolidation loans are usually offered to individuals with a poor credit history and those that owe lots of money. On the other hand, unsecured debt consolidation loans have no security attached to them.
When Should One Consider Debt Consolidation Loans?
Before you opt for debt consolidation, you should think about the future and how you will handle the repayments, for example, if you lose your job. There are situations where debt consolidation loans can be considered, for instance:
- When you can keep up with the payments for the full term of the loan
- When your monthly payment for one loan is lower than what you pay for all your debts
- When you end up with a lower interest rate than you are currently paying for all your loans
- When any savings you make are not nullified by charges or fees
When You Should Avoid A Debt Consolidation Loan
A debt consolidation loan is not meant for everyone. This is because it can help you reduce your loans or it may end up increasing your debts. A debt calculator will help you determine what is best for you. Here are situations where you should not take debt consolidation loans.
- You cannot pay for the new loan repayments.
- You are unable to clear all your debts with the consolidation loan that you get.
- You are paying more money overall because the term of agreement is longer or the monthly repayments are higher
- You need assistance to sort out your loans rather than securing a new loan. You can get a good debt advisor to negotiate with your current creditors and come up with a more flexible repayment plan.
Debt Consolidation Loans Charges And Fees
You should be wary of high fees that some financial companies will charge for arranging your consolidation loan. Take time to read the terms carefully for any additional charges or fees before appending your signature. You should also confirm whether the company has a penalty for paying off your existing debt early as this can nullify all savings that you make. It is best to deal directly with a financier instead of brokers because they will add to your financial burdens with hefty fees and charges.
If You Opt For A Debt Consolidation Loan
If you choose to go for debt consolidation, you should shop around for the best deal. Avoid focusing on interest rates only when looking for consolidation loans. You must also compare the annual percentage rate. Make sure that you seek advice from financial advisors who will help in conduct comprehensive debt reviews before you make your ultimate decision. This will help you find other better ways of dealing with your debt. It is best that you cut off your credit cards to avoid overspending and live within your financial limits.