Debt consolidation is a means to get out of debt faster by combining multiple debts into a single loan with easier payment terms. By combining several debts into one, you will find it easier to handle your monthly budget and enable you to set aside more money towards loan repayment.
How Does Debt Consolidation Work?
The most common way to consolidate debt is by taking out a debt consolidation loan. A debt consolidation loan is typically a large loan with a relatively lower interest rate than your existing loans and used to pay off existing loans so that you’re left with just one loan to take care of later. The idea is to save on interest and to make loan repayment a lot easier for you.
There are many ways to consolidate debt. The first step is to determine which of the different types of debt consolidation loans to use by assessing which will be most beneficial for you. You may choose from the following:
Using a Balance Transfer Credit Card
If you have a small amount of debt and you think you can pay everything off in a year, moving all of your debt on one credit card may be a good idea. The downside is you usually need an impeccable credit score to qualify for this.
Getting a Secured Loan
If you’re a homeowner or a car owner, you can use your property to borrow money with a lower interest rate. Qualifying for a secured loan for debt consolidation have a varying degree of success and largely depend on how valuable the property you are willing to use as collateral is.
Using Debt Relief
If you’ve exhausted other means of debt consolidation, you may want to look in using debt relief. A debt company will negotiate with your creditors to lower your monthly repayments and APR or negotiate other terms on your behalf. The downside is that this usually comes with a lot of restrictions as well as other requirements that you must comply with.
Applying for a Personal Loan
If you need to pay off huge debts and is willing to take several years to pay off your debts, applying for a personal loan may work for you. With a personal loan, you will borrow a large amount of money to pay off your existing debts and in turn, you’ll end up with a single debt to pay off per month based on the terms you’ve agreed to. A personal loan usually requires that you have a stable income and relatively good credit rating to qualify.
Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation
If you’re a homeowner, you may tap into your home equity for debt consolidation. You can choose to get a second mortgage or apply for a home equity line of credit to convert your existing debts into a single lower-interest loan.
Debt consolidation is just the first step towards a debt-free life. You must work hard to identify and stop the behaviours that got you into debt for long-term financial management. Contact us if you want to know more about how you can use your home equity for debt consolidation and how to qualify for a debt consolidation loan even with bad credit.