This is taking out a single loan with lower interest rates to offset multiple loans. Credit card debt is one of the most popular debts to consolidate as they have high-interest rates. Others are medical bills, payday loans, and personal loans.
What Is A Debt Consolidation Loan?
This is a type of loan that puts all other high-interest loans that you may be servicing into one monthly payment (mostly lower-rate)loan. A consolidation loan, if managed well, can help you get out of debt and still save on interest.
How Does Debt Consolidation Loans Work?
You apply for a loan worth the amount you owe in other loans. Once you receive the funds, you use them to pay out your loans. Once you pay out the already existing loans, you start servicing the new loan. Some lenders will opt to send the consolidation loan funds directly to your creditors instead of depositing them into your bank account.
What are the Benefits Of A Debt Consolidation Loan?
- Saves you money- If you are servicing credit card debts with double interests, a consolidation loan will save you a load of money as the interest rates are very low.
- Simplifies your finances- A debt consolidation loan will combine all your debts into one monthly payment with a set repayment period and fixed rates. This becomes easier to follow up and you are sure when the debt will be paid off, unlike having many debts which can be confusing.
- A debt consolidation loan will in most cases, impact your credit score positively. All you have to do is avoid late payments on your debt consolidation loan.
How Do I Qualify For A Debt Consolidation Loan?
Lenders have different qualification requirements for their borrowers. A common one is the credit score. Others may also look for a low debt-to-income ratio and minimum annual income. Some lenders are willing to give you a loan, even with bad credit. In such a situation, getting a co-signer with a good credit score will improve your overall credit and you may qualify for lower interest rates.
Does A Debt Consolidation Loan Hurt My Credit?
A hard credit check will be required in order to approve you for a loan, this temporarily hurts your credit score but this will improve once you start paying off your loan. Keeping up with loan payments will help improve your credit score.
Are There Alternatives To Debt Consolidation Loans?
A debt consolidation loan is very efficient in paying off multiple high-interest loans, but it is not a fit for everyone. There are available alternatives to debt consolidation loans that you may want to consider;
Tapping into home equity
This is one of the most popular ways of paying off existing loans. Lines of credit and home equity loans allow lower interest loans by using their homes as collateral for the loans. When considering this type of loan, always ensure you factor in all the risks involved. If you are unable to pay as agreed, your home risks being seized.
Debt relief services
If you do not qualify for a debt consolidation loan, a debt relief service, also referred to as debt settlement may come in handy. These companies take over the communication between you and your creditors and attempt to negotiate lower rates and conditions of payment.
These companies charge very steep fees and you need to be fully aware of their details, check their reviews, and research the fees they charge before you apply. It is also in your best interest to do a comparison of several of these debt relief companies to best settle for the one that suits you.
Credit counseling
Credit counseling companies offer a service known as a debt management plan(DMP). They also offer debt counseling. The debt counseling company will negotiate for lower fees and interests and get you out of debt faster.
Why Encompass Recovery Group?
Getting out of debt is not impossible. It is difficult but with the many available options, At Encompass Recovery Group, we will help you work out a plan to stay debt-free. We take up the responsibility of negotiating with your creditors for lower fees and interest rates. If this is successful, then you can pay your loans at lower rates and save money all at the same time getting yourself out of debt.