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What is debt consolidation?
Debt consolidation is a strategy used to help consumers get control over high-interest debt and simplify their monthly payments. Instead of having multiple credit card bills and other accounts to pay, often with extremely high interest rates, debt consolidation reduces those individual debts into a single payment each month.
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Is debt consolidation something I should consider? Do I qualify?
You may need to have a certain amount of unsecured debt to be accepted into a debt consolidation program (for example, $7,500 or more). If you're struggling to keep up with the minimum payments on your credit cards and loans, you could be a great candidate for debt consolidation.
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Isn't debt consolidation basically taking out a loan?
That depends on the service, but yes: most debt consolidation programs give you a loan to pay off all of your outstanding debts. These loans usually have much lower interest rates and can help you get on top of your financial situation again.
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Are there alternatives to debt consolidation?
Sure! You could try getting a traditional loan from your bank or credit union, borrow money from friends or family to pay off debts, or work on your side hustle to make extra cash to pay down what you owe. But, chances are good that you've tried that already and still find yourself struggling financially. Debt consolidation could help you handle it once and for all.
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Will using a debt consolidation service improve my credit history?
It should. One of the biggest black marks on your credit score is having late or missed payments, and consolidating all of your debt into one monthly payment makes it more likely you'll pay on time.
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How much will a debt consolidation plan cost?
That varies. Some providers don't charge anything for their services, offering counseling and other tools to teach you about your money and how to pay down your debts. Or, if you're taking out a loan to pay off higher-interest accounts, your fees will include your interest and any other charges associated with your application. Be sure to get your plan in writing before you make a commitment, so that you'll know what to expect.
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Is there a satisfaction guarantee?
Most of the time, no. If you take out a debt consolidation loan, it's on you to understand all of the terms and conditions before you sign off. However, there are a few fee-based services that do offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee that allows you to cancel without penalty.
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Is debt consolidation legitimate?
Absolutely. Thousands of people use debt consolidation programs every year to tackle their toughest credit problems. It's a good idea to check out the reputation of any program you're considering: find out what other clients say about their experiences, see if the BBB has rated the company, and determine for yourself if their debt consolidation services are worth your time and (possibly) money.