Mar
30
Kathy S asked:
Im Looking at a lot of credit card debt and its beginning to become to much for me. What services if any are the best to use when looking to consolidate? Fyi im have about 7 different credit cards with some substancial amounts on them!!Help Please!
RUBIN
Im Looking at a lot of credit card debt and its beginning to become to much for me. What services if any are the best to use when looking to consolidate? Fyi im have about 7 different credit cards with some substancial amounts on them!!Help Please!
RUBIN
Mar
28
Credit Card Debt Consolidation: Finding The Right Program - Advantages And Disadvantages
Filed Under Finance | Leave a Comment
Lokesh Kumar asked:
You never know when and who would need help from a credit card debt consolidation program. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can lead to financial difficulties which in turn would lead you to consider debt consolidation. Some of these circumstances are loss of job, loss in business, death of an earning member and so on. If you are finding it hard to pay off your credit card loans, then it is wise to consider debt consolidation. This is much better than bankruptcy. This article will help you with steps in finding the right credit card debt consolidation program, make you aware of the advantages and disadvantages of debt consolidation so you can decide whether credit card debt consolidation is the best option for you or not.
Basics of Debt Consolidation
Debt Consolidation is a big loan that will pay off your credit card loans. There are several ways these debt consolidation programs work. The most popular way is to take one lump sum amount of money from you (the borrower) and distribute it to your credit card companies (the lenders). All your loans will be consolidated into one payment usually withdrawn directly from your bank on a fixed date every month. These programs make the card holders life easier.
As a general rule, if you have many credit cards from different companies with high interest rates, then debt consolidation can help you manage your debt with only one bill and much lower APRs. These debt consolidation companies negotiate a lower interest rate for you and this can save a lot of money in the long run. This will work out in your favor if you have credit cards with APRs of around 30% because the debt consolidation programs can reduce these interest rates to between 12% - 18%. These programs require a monthly administration fees, which is usually around and this will come off your savings. Remember if the admin fee does not come off your savings, then it is not a good idea to sign up for a debt consolidation program.
So it looks like everything about the credit card debt consolidation is positive. Well, it is not always the case. There are a few advantages and also disadvantages of debt consolidation programs. You have to find a balance between them. The fact is that credit card debt consolidation companies do help you in paying off your debt. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of these programs.
Advantages
1. Decreased payment amounts: The monthly payments will be less than what you were paying before debt consolidation because you are paying off the loan over a longer duration.
2. Simpler to manage: After you signup in the debt consolidation program, you will have a relief from reading your credit card statements, deciding how much to pay for each credit card and then making the payments one by one. Usually, the company will withdraw the money directly from the bank and you will not have to be concerned about late payments.
3. Decreased interest rates: This is one of the major advantages for many credit card owners. Some of the debt consolidation companies bring down the interest rates much lower than the current ones. This can save lots of money for you.
4. Debt Management tips: Many of the good debt consolidation give lots of free tips on managing your debt. They draw out a plan on debt management. These tips are invaluable. They even mail out booklets on debt management.
Disadvantages
1. Lower FICO scores: Many experts debate that debt consolidation does not have any effect on credit (FICO) scores the fact is that debt consolidation has a negative effect on the credit scores. Enrolling into debt consolidation will always be reflected in your credit history. Most credit repair companies mention that it is difficult to increase your credit score if you are currently working with a debt consolidation program. Your credit scores can be raised after you have paid off the loans and are not currently in any debt consolidation program. Even if you can remove one credit card from the debt consolidation program that can help you increase your credit scores.
2. Higher Payment: Since your payments are made over a longer duration of time i.e. in more number of the years, then you will end up paying more in the long run. One way to prevent this is - if your financial situation has improved, then you can pay off larger sum of money. Most of times there will be no penalty for paying off the debt sooner than the agreed number of months. Before enrolling in a credit card debt consolidation program, you can confirm if there is a penalty or not for paying off the debt sooner than the agreed number of months.
3. Credit cards inactivation: If a credit card payment is enrolled in a debt consolidation program, then that particular card account will be inactivated. i.e., that credit card can no longer be used.
4. Negative Impact on Future Loans: Once you have enrolled in a credit card debt consolidation program, this will remain in your credit history. So, all future loan requests (new credit card applications, home loan, car (automobile) loans etc.) will involve references to your debt consolidation. i.e., the lender will have knowledge about your participation in debt consolidation program. Some people are very uncomfortable about this but it is up to you decide. Your credit history is a private record and will be provided by credit score companies only on a need-to-know basis. If you apply for home loan, then the chances of getting rejected is higher and if you get accepted, then mortgage broker will ask for explanation. Again all these conversations are kept confidential.
So, the question is - when should you consider a credit card debt consolidation? If you are paying high interest rates around 30% on a credit card, you have many credit cards, you are unable to make payments or your are barely able to make just the minimum monthly payments, you are finding it difficult to manage all the payments etc., you must consider signing up for a credit card debt consolidation program. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages mentioned earlier, make decision about signing up or not signing up for credit card debt consolidation program.
How to find a good debt consolidation program / company?
Signing up with the right debt consolidation program is critical for saving money and successfully consolidating your debt. There are a good number of scams in the debt consolidation business so it is in your best interest to proceed cautiously to prevent being victim of a scam. Here are some very good sources of finding the right debt consolidation program.
1. References from friends and relatives: It is best to ask your trusted friends if they have any recommendations for reliable credit card debt consolidation program i.e., if they have enrolled in one of these or know of anyone who enrolled in one and is satisfied. As mentioned before, there are many scams and so with this option, you can feel safe. This should be your first option.
2. Television advertisements: Most of big and established companies run advertisements on TV. These are companies that have a lot of experience and have been successful with debt consolidation. But it is a wise thing to research the company. Look for their website and check for their standing in Better Business Bureau (BBB) and must have been in existence for a few years. Also, search http://ripoffreport.com website for this company - this website where victims of scams post their experiences.
3. Mails: When you are unable to payoff debt on time, you will receive mails from some companies that will offer help with debt consolidation. These companies have permission to access some of your basic information. The good thing here is that your fit their profile of enrollees and that is why you received a mail with their credit card debt consolidation services. As mentioned earlier, research these companies using the same methods described above.
4. Telemarketing phone calls: Typically, telemarketing phone calls that you get is because your debt situation is such that it fits the requirement of their enrollees. If you receive a phone call, remember to never enroll in the first phone call. Note down all the details of this company such as the websites, contact person and phone number to call. Research the company extensively as mentioned above.
5. Online Research: Research the internet for good credit card debt consolidation companies both non profit and profit companies. Once you create a list of possible companies, research the companies extensively. Talk to these companies until you are comfortable about enrolling with them.
For a few months or years, if you can handle the disadvantages of credit card debt consolidation programs, then enroll in a program. Debt consolidation can get you out of your current debt problems and save you a lot of money by lowering your interest rates but if you do not spend judiciously, then you will be back into the same debt problems and this cycle will never end. So the long term solution to debt problems is to change your spending habits and live slightly below your means. Remember you need to manage the money / debt and NOT let the money / debt manage you.
LOUIE
You never know when and who would need help from a credit card debt consolidation program. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can lead to financial difficulties which in turn would lead you to consider debt consolidation. Some of these circumstances are loss of job, loss in business, death of an earning member and so on. If you are finding it hard to pay off your credit card loans, then it is wise to consider debt consolidation. This is much better than bankruptcy. This article will help you with steps in finding the right credit card debt consolidation program, make you aware of the advantages and disadvantages of debt consolidation so you can decide whether credit card debt consolidation is the best option for you or not.
Basics of Debt Consolidation
Debt Consolidation is a big loan that will pay off your credit card loans. There are several ways these debt consolidation programs work. The most popular way is to take one lump sum amount of money from you (the borrower) and distribute it to your credit card companies (the lenders). All your loans will be consolidated into one payment usually withdrawn directly from your bank on a fixed date every month. These programs make the card holders life easier.
As a general rule, if you have many credit cards from different companies with high interest rates, then debt consolidation can help you manage your debt with only one bill and much lower APRs. These debt consolidation companies negotiate a lower interest rate for you and this can save a lot of money in the long run. This will work out in your favor if you have credit cards with APRs of around 30% because the debt consolidation programs can reduce these interest rates to between 12% - 18%. These programs require a monthly administration fees, which is usually around and this will come off your savings. Remember if the admin fee does not come off your savings, then it is not a good idea to sign up for a debt consolidation program.
So it looks like everything about the credit card debt consolidation is positive. Well, it is not always the case. There are a few advantages and also disadvantages of debt consolidation programs. You have to find a balance between them. The fact is that credit card debt consolidation companies do help you in paying off your debt. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of these programs.
Advantages
1. Decreased payment amounts: The monthly payments will be less than what you were paying before debt consolidation because you are paying off the loan over a longer duration.
2. Simpler to manage: After you signup in the debt consolidation program, you will have a relief from reading your credit card statements, deciding how much to pay for each credit card and then making the payments one by one. Usually, the company will withdraw the money directly from the bank and you will not have to be concerned about late payments.
3. Decreased interest rates: This is one of the major advantages for many credit card owners. Some of the debt consolidation companies bring down the interest rates much lower than the current ones. This can save lots of money for you.
4. Debt Management tips: Many of the good debt consolidation give lots of free tips on managing your debt. They draw out a plan on debt management. These tips are invaluable. They even mail out booklets on debt management.
Disadvantages
1. Lower FICO scores: Many experts debate that debt consolidation does not have any effect on credit (FICO) scores the fact is that debt consolidation has a negative effect on the credit scores. Enrolling into debt consolidation will always be reflected in your credit history. Most credit repair companies mention that it is difficult to increase your credit score if you are currently working with a debt consolidation program. Your credit scores can be raised after you have paid off the loans and are not currently in any debt consolidation program. Even if you can remove one credit card from the debt consolidation program that can help you increase your credit scores.
2. Higher Payment: Since your payments are made over a longer duration of time i.e. in more number of the years, then you will end up paying more in the long run. One way to prevent this is - if your financial situation has improved, then you can pay off larger sum of money. Most of times there will be no penalty for paying off the debt sooner than the agreed number of months. Before enrolling in a credit card debt consolidation program, you can confirm if there is a penalty or not for paying off the debt sooner than the agreed number of months.
3. Credit cards inactivation: If a credit card payment is enrolled in a debt consolidation program, then that particular card account will be inactivated. i.e., that credit card can no longer be used.
4. Negative Impact on Future Loans: Once you have enrolled in a credit card debt consolidation program, this will remain in your credit history. So, all future loan requests (new credit card applications, home loan, car (automobile) loans etc.) will involve references to your debt consolidation. i.e., the lender will have knowledge about your participation in debt consolidation program. Some people are very uncomfortable about this but it is up to you decide. Your credit history is a private record and will be provided by credit score companies only on a need-to-know basis. If you apply for home loan, then the chances of getting rejected is higher and if you get accepted, then mortgage broker will ask for explanation. Again all these conversations are kept confidential.
So, the question is - when should you consider a credit card debt consolidation? If you are paying high interest rates around 30% on a credit card, you have many credit cards, you are unable to make payments or your are barely able to make just the minimum monthly payments, you are finding it difficult to manage all the payments etc., you must consider signing up for a credit card debt consolidation program. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages mentioned earlier, make decision about signing up or not signing up for credit card debt consolidation program.
How to find a good debt consolidation program / company?
Signing up with the right debt consolidation program is critical for saving money and successfully consolidating your debt. There are a good number of scams in the debt consolidation business so it is in your best interest to proceed cautiously to prevent being victim of a scam. Here are some very good sources of finding the right debt consolidation program.
1. References from friends and relatives: It is best to ask your trusted friends if they have any recommendations for reliable credit card debt consolidation program i.e., if they have enrolled in one of these or know of anyone who enrolled in one and is satisfied. As mentioned before, there are many scams and so with this option, you can feel safe. This should be your first option.
2. Television advertisements: Most of big and established companies run advertisements on TV. These are companies that have a lot of experience and have been successful with debt consolidation. But it is a wise thing to research the company. Look for their website and check for their standing in Better Business Bureau (BBB) and must have been in existence for a few years. Also, search http://ripoffreport.com website for this company - this website where victims of scams post their experiences.
3. Mails: When you are unable to payoff debt on time, you will receive mails from some companies that will offer help with debt consolidation. These companies have permission to access some of your basic information. The good thing here is that your fit their profile of enrollees and that is why you received a mail with their credit card debt consolidation services. As mentioned earlier, research these companies using the same methods described above.
4. Telemarketing phone calls: Typically, telemarketing phone calls that you get is because your debt situation is such that it fits the requirement of their enrollees. If you receive a phone call, remember to never enroll in the first phone call. Note down all the details of this company such as the websites, contact person and phone number to call. Research the company extensively as mentioned above.
5. Online Research: Research the internet for good credit card debt consolidation companies both non profit and profit companies. Once you create a list of possible companies, research the companies extensively. Talk to these companies until you are comfortable about enrolling with them.
For a few months or years, if you can handle the disadvantages of credit card debt consolidation programs, then enroll in a program. Debt consolidation can get you out of your current debt problems and save you a lot of money by lowering your interest rates but if you do not spend judiciously, then you will be back into the same debt problems and this cycle will never end. So the long term solution to debt problems is to change your spending habits and live slightly below your means. Remember you need to manage the money / debt and NOT let the money / debt manage you.
LOUIE
Mar
25
Filed Under Finance | Leave a Comment
Ann Gibson asked:
Is every month like a constant struggle with bills payment piling up? Do you feel like not opening the bills? Are you thinking of ways to avoid it? If answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ - then you are certainly heading for debt consolidation.
Debt consolidation offers great support to self employed while budgeting and making financial decisions. An individual who operates a business, or a profession as a proprietor, consultant, independent contractor, freelancers or someone in changeable employment - then you are a self employed.
Debt consolidation for self employed was traditionally considered expensive and difficult to obtain. With more than 15% of UK being self employed the perspective has changed. Self employed are a very financially viable class. The cases of self employed debt consolidation have become considerably high.
Does debt consolidation for self employed makes sense?
Certainly! A debt consolidation for self employed is similar to any usual debt consolidation. It consolidates the smaller loans into a single loan. Debt consolidation for self employed you can fuse unsecured loans, utility bills, medical bills, or any other outstanding bills into a single debt consolidation loan. This debt consolidation loans has lesser interest rate and one single monthly payment for all the loans. So instead of paying separately on every loan, you save money by paying on this low interest debt consolidation loan. The monthly payments are usually lower thereby making it possible for self employed to meet their obligation each month.
Debt consolidation for self employed is usually of two kinds - secured or unsecured debt consolidation. Unsecured debt consolidation will serve well for those self employed who can offer no security for their loan amount. Unsecured debt consolidation will have higher interest rates than its secured sibling.
Secured debt consolidation requires security (home, car, real estate etc). With home equity debt consolidation, the security is in the form of home. This brings better rates, lower monthly payments, convenient terms, and approval for bigger amounts. With secured debt consolidation, a self employed must be aware that he can affect the loss of his property in case of non repayment. Though that is the last resort. Self employed can use Debt consolidation for the purpose of recovering credit. When you make payments on time, it reflects in your credit. Since monthly payments are lower with self employed debt consolidation, you are less likely to miss your payment and therefore improve your credit.
How is debt consolidation for self employed different?
Debt consolidation for self employed differs with respect to documentation. A lender looks for steady income as proof of the return of loan. Self employed usually does not have any pay checks to offer and no regular income. And also no third party to verify income. A self employed in order to avoid taxation usually do not declare their complete income. Therefore, self employed debt consolidation depends upon income tax returns. Self employed should be ready to produce income tax returns for two years.
There are lenders who offer debt consolidation to self employed with limited documentation or no documentation. However, this is true to some extent but “no” or “reduced” documentation debt consolidation will be compensated by comparatively higher interest rates.
Is there a threat to debt consolidation for self employed?
The threat is usually in the form of the self employed revisiting old borrowing ways. Getting off debt can stimulate a spendthrift indulgence in a self employed. This can neutralize the whole purpose of debt consolidation. A self employed looking for debt consolidation should understand that debt consolidation is trying to address something - your money spending habits. If one can’t take heed of this reality then they are only leading themselves to further debt condition. A self employed must see to it that no further financial risk are undertaken after debt consolidation.
Debt consolidation for self employed considerably reduces the monthly outgoings. This leaves self employed with free money and scope for improvement of lifestyle. This provides further boost to economic condition. More available income means either more savings for investment in industry and people in jobs. Debt consolidation for self employed is not an innovation in the loan market. However, it can offer innovative answers for your personal debt condition.
GUILLERMO
Is every month like a constant struggle with bills payment piling up? Do you feel like not opening the bills? Are you thinking of ways to avoid it? If answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’ - then you are certainly heading for debt consolidation.
Debt consolidation offers great support to self employed while budgeting and making financial decisions. An individual who operates a business, or a profession as a proprietor, consultant, independent contractor, freelancers or someone in changeable employment - then you are a self employed.
Debt consolidation for self employed was traditionally considered expensive and difficult to obtain. With more than 15% of UK being self employed the perspective has changed. Self employed are a very financially viable class. The cases of self employed debt consolidation have become considerably high.
Does debt consolidation for self employed makes sense?
Certainly! A debt consolidation for self employed is similar to any usual debt consolidation. It consolidates the smaller loans into a single loan. Debt consolidation for self employed you can fuse unsecured loans, utility bills, medical bills, or any other outstanding bills into a single debt consolidation loan. This debt consolidation loans has lesser interest rate and one single monthly payment for all the loans. So instead of paying separately on every loan, you save money by paying on this low interest debt consolidation loan. The monthly payments are usually lower thereby making it possible for self employed to meet their obligation each month.
Debt consolidation for self employed is usually of two kinds - secured or unsecured debt consolidation. Unsecured debt consolidation will serve well for those self employed who can offer no security for their loan amount. Unsecured debt consolidation will have higher interest rates than its secured sibling.
Secured debt consolidation requires security (home, car, real estate etc). With home equity debt consolidation, the security is in the form of home. This brings better rates, lower monthly payments, convenient terms, and approval for bigger amounts. With secured debt consolidation, a self employed must be aware that he can affect the loss of his property in case of non repayment. Though that is the last resort. Self employed can use Debt consolidation for the purpose of recovering credit. When you make payments on time, it reflects in your credit. Since monthly payments are lower with self employed debt consolidation, you are less likely to miss your payment and therefore improve your credit.
How is debt consolidation for self employed different?
Debt consolidation for self employed differs with respect to documentation. A lender looks for steady income as proof of the return of loan. Self employed usually does not have any pay checks to offer and no regular income. And also no third party to verify income. A self employed in order to avoid taxation usually do not declare their complete income. Therefore, self employed debt consolidation depends upon income tax returns. Self employed should be ready to produce income tax returns for two years.
There are lenders who offer debt consolidation to self employed with limited documentation or no documentation. However, this is true to some extent but “no” or “reduced” documentation debt consolidation will be compensated by comparatively higher interest rates.
Is there a threat to debt consolidation for self employed?
The threat is usually in the form of the self employed revisiting old borrowing ways. Getting off debt can stimulate a spendthrift indulgence in a self employed. This can neutralize the whole purpose of debt consolidation. A self employed looking for debt consolidation should understand that debt consolidation is trying to address something - your money spending habits. If one can’t take heed of this reality then they are only leading themselves to further debt condition. A self employed must see to it that no further financial risk are undertaken after debt consolidation.
Debt consolidation for self employed considerably reduces the monthly outgoings. This leaves self employed with free money and scope for improvement of lifestyle. This provides further boost to economic condition. More available income means either more savings for investment in industry and people in jobs. Debt consolidation for self employed is not an innovation in the loan market. However, it can offer innovative answers for your personal debt condition.
GUILLERMO
Mar
25
Debt Consolidation Loans Uk: Manage your Debts Prudently
Filed Under Warning Signs | Leave a Comment
Jennifer Morva asked:
Debt consolidation loans are meant to provide financial assistance to people suffering from multiple debts. With the help of debt consolidation loans UK you can avail a loan at low interest rate to payback all your existing debts. This way you will have to look after only one lender and pay only one monthly installment. The lender will also negotiate with your previous creditors in order to reduce the interest rate of your previous debts.
TYPES OF DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOANS UK
Debt consolidation loans UK are available in two forms, namely secured debt consolidation loans UK and unsecured debt consolidation loans UK. To avail secured debt consolidation loans UK you will have to place one of your properties as collateral with the lender. This can be any of your property like car, home, bank account; jewelry etc. Placing collateral helps you to avail debt consolidation loans UK at lower interest rate. Also the loan amount is larger compared to unsecured debt consolidation loans UK. On the other hand unsecured debt consolidation loans can be availed without placing any collateral against the loan amount. Unsecured debt consolidation loan UK are risk free loan but the interest rate is a bit higher compared to secured debt consolidation loans. Also the loan amount that can be availed with unsecured debt consolidation loans is smaller.
AMOUNT AND INTEREST
The loan amount that can be availed with debt consolidation loans UK ranges from £ 5000 - £75000. This amount depends upon various factors like type of loan, credit status of the borrower, repayment ability etc. the repayment duration of debt consolidation loans UK ranges from 5 -25 years. Debt consolidation loans UK carry competitive interest rate that can be further lowered by placing collateral with the lender.
DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOANS UK: ADVANTAGES
With the help of debt consolidation loans UK you can easily get rid of your debts. It helps you to manage your debts efficiently and economically. Debt consolidation loans UK can also be availed by people suffering from bad credit status. A person facing arrears, defaults, IVA, CCJ, late payments etc is eligible to avail debt consolidation loans UK but for this he will have to convince the lenders regarding their repayment ability. Bad credited borrowers can increase their chances of loan approval by opting for secured debt consolidation loans UK. Also they can get rid of their bad credit status by paying the loan installments on due time.
With debt consolidation loans you can easily get rid of all your debts and lead a debt free life.
FELIPE
Debt consolidation loans are meant to provide financial assistance to people suffering from multiple debts. With the help of debt consolidation loans UK you can avail a loan at low interest rate to payback all your existing debts. This way you will have to look after only one lender and pay only one monthly installment. The lender will also negotiate with your previous creditors in order to reduce the interest rate of your previous debts.
TYPES OF DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOANS UK
Debt consolidation loans UK are available in two forms, namely secured debt consolidation loans UK and unsecured debt consolidation loans UK. To avail secured debt consolidation loans UK you will have to place one of your properties as collateral with the lender. This can be any of your property like car, home, bank account; jewelry etc. Placing collateral helps you to avail debt consolidation loans UK at lower interest rate. Also the loan amount is larger compared to unsecured debt consolidation loans UK. On the other hand unsecured debt consolidation loans can be availed without placing any collateral against the loan amount. Unsecured debt consolidation loan UK are risk free loan but the interest rate is a bit higher compared to secured debt consolidation loans. Also the loan amount that can be availed with unsecured debt consolidation loans is smaller.
AMOUNT AND INTEREST
The loan amount that can be availed with debt consolidation loans UK ranges from £ 5000 - £75000. This amount depends upon various factors like type of loan, credit status of the borrower, repayment ability etc. the repayment duration of debt consolidation loans UK ranges from 5 -25 years. Debt consolidation loans UK carry competitive interest rate that can be further lowered by placing collateral with the lender.
DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOANS UK: ADVANTAGES
With the help of debt consolidation loans UK you can easily get rid of your debts. It helps you to manage your debts efficiently and economically. Debt consolidation loans UK can also be availed by people suffering from bad credit status. A person facing arrears, defaults, IVA, CCJ, late payments etc is eligible to avail debt consolidation loans UK but for this he will have to convince the lenders regarding their repayment ability. Bad credited borrowers can increase their chances of loan approval by opting for secured debt consolidation loans UK. Also they can get rid of their bad credit status by paying the loan installments on due time.
With debt consolidation loans you can easily get rid of all your debts and lead a debt free life.
FELIPE
Mar
25
If take out a debt consolidation loan secured through your home will that affect if we try to refinance mortg?
Filed Under Personal Finance | 5 Comments
Stephanie B asked:
needing to consolidate credit card debt. but would like to in future refinance home soon. will it cause a problem with refinance if secure with home?
MANUEL
needing to consolidate credit card debt. but would like to in future refinance home soon. will it cause a problem with refinance if secure with home?
MANUEL
Mar
24
Has anybody had any luck with debt consolidation through one of those companies?
Filed Under Credit | Leave a Comment
silverblack12345 asked:
Im about 10 grand in the hole! I have been missing payments to credit cards lately, and have medical bills that I haven’t even considered paying. I just make sure I keep my rent, and my care note payments up to date.
Im about 10 grand in the hole! I have been missing payments to credit cards lately, and have medical bills that I haven’t even considered paying. I just make sure I keep my rent, and my care note payments up to date.
I hear these advertisments all the time for debt consolidation companies (not bankruptcy) and was wondering if anyone out there has had any luck?
AVERY
Mar
23
5 Hints for Finding the Best Debt Consolidation Help
Filed Under Debt Relief Solutions | Leave a Comment
Cornie Herring asked:
Debt consolidation is one of the most common debt relief solutions for many debtors. By go through a debt consolidation process, all your unsecured debts will be merged into one for better debt management. In some cases, the debt consolidation company may be able to help you to lower your minimum monthly payment and interest rates, which can help you to manage your money better.
If you have decided to go for debt consolidation to resolve your debt issue, then, finding a good debt consolidation company that can really help you in handling your debt problem is crucial because getting help from an unethical debt consolidation company can make your financial situation goes worse. Here are 5 hints for finding the best debt consolidation help.
Hint 1: Search As Much Information Available Online & Offline
The best way to find a reputable debt consolidation company is through a recommendation from some one you know who had used the services of a debt consolidation company and have a good comment on it. If you don’t know some one who knows a good debt consolidation company, then, look through yellow pages or you can easy find many of debt consolidation services from internet. Short listed the companies that near by you and ask them to send you their debt consolidation service information package. You don’t need to pay a penny for requesting the company’s services details; hence, utilize these resources to ask as much information as you can so that you can make a comparison about their services. Then, compile a list of your choices.
Hint 2: Detect Scam’s Warning Signs
While searching for debt consolidation companies, put yourself in a high alert for any scammer’s signs. While extremely high fee is definitely a red flag, extremely low fee may have high hidden cost; hence, you need to really understand how the company will charge you on their service, watch out for hidden cost. Don’t believe if a debt consolidation company claims too much of guarantees and their debt consolidation package look too good to be believed. Remember, your debt issue cannot be go away overnight or in a short period of time, if any debt consolidation company tells you that they can get you out of debt at unbelievable short period of time, they lie.
Hint 3: Check for Any Complaint Filed Against the Company
A debt consolidation company may be legitimate but their services may be bad and can’t help much in resolving your debt issue. In order to avoid yourself from getting help for a helpless debt consolidation company, spend some time to look for complaints filed against the company; call the Better Business Bureau in your area to find out if there have been complaints against the companies in your list.
Hint 4: Don’t Make An Instant Decision
You should interview all the debt consolidation companies short listed which you think they can best help you in resolving your debt issue. Of course, when you talk to them, most of their proposal and recommended solutions will look good and impress you. Although, you are in hurry to get your debt issue resolve, don’t make up your final decision at the spot and enroll into any of debt consolidation plan. Tell them that you need some time to consider. Take your time and at your comfort home, compare all services from the debt consolidation companies you have interviewed earlier and select the best debt consolidation company that can provides you the best service at a reasonable price.
Hint 5: Fine Read Any Contract Before Sign
When you decide to enroll into a debt consolidation plan, you definitely will be asked to sign an agreement or contract about the proposed debt solution plan. Remember to read the contract in details before you put your signature on the dotted line. Don’t sign the contract if you are doubts or have questions on any part of it. Clear your doubts and get your questions answered first.
Summary
If you have decided to get professional help to consolidation your debt, then it is crucial to choose a reputable debt consolidation company with a debt consolidation plan that best suite your financial need. Hopefully, the 5 hints as mentioned will be able to guide you to find the best debt consolidation help.
CLARK
Debt consolidation is one of the most common debt relief solutions for many debtors. By go through a debt consolidation process, all your unsecured debts will be merged into one for better debt management. In some cases, the debt consolidation company may be able to help you to lower your minimum monthly payment and interest rates, which can help you to manage your money better.
If you have decided to go for debt consolidation to resolve your debt issue, then, finding a good debt consolidation company that can really help you in handling your debt problem is crucial because getting help from an unethical debt consolidation company can make your financial situation goes worse. Here are 5 hints for finding the best debt consolidation help.
Hint 1: Search As Much Information Available Online & Offline
The best way to find a reputable debt consolidation company is through a recommendation from some one you know who had used the services of a debt consolidation company and have a good comment on it. If you don’t know some one who knows a good debt consolidation company, then, look through yellow pages or you can easy find many of debt consolidation services from internet. Short listed the companies that near by you and ask them to send you their debt consolidation service information package. You don’t need to pay a penny for requesting the company’s services details; hence, utilize these resources to ask as much information as you can so that you can make a comparison about their services. Then, compile a list of your choices.
Hint 2: Detect Scam’s Warning Signs
While searching for debt consolidation companies, put yourself in a high alert for any scammer’s signs. While extremely high fee is definitely a red flag, extremely low fee may have high hidden cost; hence, you need to really understand how the company will charge you on their service, watch out for hidden cost. Don’t believe if a debt consolidation company claims too much of guarantees and their debt consolidation package look too good to be believed. Remember, your debt issue cannot be go away overnight or in a short period of time, if any debt consolidation company tells you that they can get you out of debt at unbelievable short period of time, they lie.
Hint 3: Check for Any Complaint Filed Against the Company
A debt consolidation company may be legitimate but their services may be bad and can’t help much in resolving your debt issue. In order to avoid yourself from getting help for a helpless debt consolidation company, spend some time to look for complaints filed against the company; call the Better Business Bureau in your area to find out if there have been complaints against the companies in your list.
Hint 4: Don’t Make An Instant Decision
You should interview all the debt consolidation companies short listed which you think they can best help you in resolving your debt issue. Of course, when you talk to them, most of their proposal and recommended solutions will look good and impress you. Although, you are in hurry to get your debt issue resolve, don’t make up your final decision at the spot and enroll into any of debt consolidation plan. Tell them that you need some time to consider. Take your time and at your comfort home, compare all services from the debt consolidation companies you have interviewed earlier and select the best debt consolidation company that can provides you the best service at a reasonable price.
Hint 5: Fine Read Any Contract Before Sign
When you decide to enroll into a debt consolidation plan, you definitely will be asked to sign an agreement or contract about the proposed debt solution plan. Remember to read the contract in details before you put your signature on the dotted line. Don’t sign the contract if you are doubts or have questions on any part of it. Clear your doubts and get your questions answered first.
Summary
If you have decided to get professional help to consolidation your debt, then it is crucial to choose a reputable debt consolidation company with a debt consolidation plan that best suite your financial need. Hopefully, the 5 hints as mentioned will be able to guide you to find the best debt consolidation help.
CLARK
Mar
21
How can I find debt consolidation thru the govt and not a for profit company?
Filed Under Credit | 6 Comments
Willow22 asked:
I have heard bad things about debt consolidators. The gov’t has a program to help but I don’t know how to find them - any ideas?
JOHNATHAN
I have heard bad things about debt consolidators. The gov’t has a program to help but I don’t know how to find them - any ideas?
JOHNATHAN
Mar
17
Are there any legitimate debt consolidation companies out there that are not rip-offs?
Filed Under Credit | 3 Comments
Billie G asked:
I am looking to consolidate a large chunk of debt, and I am hoping to lower my interest rate to 14 or 15%. Do any of you have any experience, and what might you suggest?
BURT
I am looking to consolidate a large chunk of debt, and I am hoping to lower my interest rate to 14 or 15%. Do any of you have any experience, and what might you suggest?
BURT
Mar
15
Fox News: Online scams (including debt consolidation) have rissen by 50% in the past year?
Filed Under Personal Finance | 1 Comment
Judy asked:
There are lot of people out of work and some that have realized that is easy to scam gullible people.
There are lot of people out of work and some that have realized that is easy to scam gullible people.
Be super careful with debt consolidation. These have almost doubled.
Always thank you for reporting scams websites.
GARLAND