Thursday, 16 October 2014

Should You Consolidate Your Debt?


Borrowing yourself out of a bad debt situation may sound like something out of a comedy sketch, yet debt consolidation is a way out of a nerve-racking problem for many people.

With debt levels continuously on the rise and a wobbly job market showing no signs of rebound, it comes as no surprise that many debt-laden folks are consolidating their debt in an effort to get out of debt sooner and easier.

Lets face it, rolling all your liabilities into one has its advantages, including the possibility of securing a lower interest rate or a fixed interest rate. 

If you are struggling to pay off your student loans and have racked up credit card debt that is proving difficult to get rid of, debt consolidation may be your ticket out - but don’t sign anything until you realize everything this type of refinancing entails. 

Your first job is to shop around for a debt consolidation counselor and have a list of queries for them on you when you meet them.

Make sure that the one you have decided to go with has university credentials, is fully certified with a reputable financial services provider, and that his or her company offers debt counseling, debt negotiation and debt management.

Don’t forget to ask if a monthly service fee will be embedded in your new loan and if there are any other hidden charges you should know about.

Then, tell your lending company if you plan to work with a credit counselor or intend to use services of a debt consolidation agency.

This may impel them to offer you settlement.

Consider going with a debt consolidation company that is not-for-profit because the profit-based one may not have your best interests in mind.

If you go with a not-for-profit organisation, remember that its services also come with a price tag; and it is your job to verify that the organisation you choose really is nonprofit and not just a loan shark.

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