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Do’s and Don’ts with Debt Consolidation Loans

When you are saddled down by mounting credit card debt, it is a frustrating situation. If you have spent with plastic beyond your means, it may be difficult or even impossible to pay back what you owe to your creditors. It negatively impacts your credit score, credit reputation and causes your creditors to spike your interest rates. Fortunately, there are options available to you that can help improve your situation so that you can pay off your debt.

Debt Consolidation Loans:

Obtaining a debt consolidation loan is a great way to alleviate your financial hardships. This is a method in which you can consolidate bills so that you are responsible for a single payment to your creditors. Often, it will also include lower or even eliminate interest rates as your creditors will be willing to compromise so they can be paid.

Choose a Reputable Debt Consolidation Company:

If you are considering a debt consolidation loan or debt consolidation in general, you should know all of the do’s and don’ts that are tied to it. Essentially, the first thing you should know is that you should research several debt consolidation companies. This is especially important, as you should only choose to work with one that is reputable and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Once you have selected one  company, you will be paired with a professional credit counselor who will give you plenty of advice about obtaining a debt consolidation loan.

Choose the Right Term Debt Consolidation Loan:

You should also know that if you get a debt consolidation loan, you have options regarding the repayment term after you have used it to pay your creditors. Generally, the longer the repayment term of the loan, the lower your monthly payments will be. At the same time, you may run into an issue of accruing more interest. To that end, it may benefit you to obtain a debt consolidation loan on which you can make only one or two payments to repay. Another option is to mortgage your home toward the loan, which can provide you with a lower annual percentage rate. Weigh out your options so that you can know which is best for you.

Stop Using Your Credit Cards:

Don’t continue using your credit cards if you are struggling with debt. This is one of the worst mistakes a consumer can make when they owe their creditors, as it will merely drag them even farther into debt. Cut your credit cards, put them away or have a family member or friend hide them so that you cannot get to them.

Contact Your Creditors:

Although it is often a long shot, don’t neglect to contact your creditors and try to negotiate with them. Explain your financial situation and that you are in the process of trying to pay back the debt you owe to them. Try to compromise with them to get them to agree to lower the interest rates attached to the amount you owe. This can significantly lower the amount you owe, which can make it far easier to pay it back. While some creditors will undoubtedly flat out refuse this request, others may be willing to do so because they want their money. Don’t give up if the first credit says no because the next may say yes.

Peter Christopher

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