A Guide to Debt Consolidation Loans
Should you find yourself overcome by debt, you might want to consider debt consolidation loans. These loans are designed with the person in debt beyond their means in mind, allowing for repayment of the outstanding debts while combining multiple...
An Overview of Student Loan Debt Consolidation
A student loan debt consolidation loan allows you to combine
your federal student loans into a single loan with one monthly
payment. The repayments of a student loan debt consolidation
loan can be significantly lower than the payment required...
Consolidate A Credit Card To Reduce Your Debt
Strange though it may sound a credit card can be a useful tool
in controlling debt. The properly chosen credit card can, in
fact, be used to consolidate debt. There are several features to
look for though if you plan to use a credit card in this...
Consolidation Debt For Newbies
Consolidation debt to help get you out of the quagmire Will you agree with me if I tell you that, the key to financial success is to live within your means? This is an old belief that modern day income earners have completely forgotten. This is...
Debt Consolidation Loan - Financial Savior?
It's the day you've been waiting for the last two weeks... payday and the only time when your face lights up and you actually go to the office with a lot of wonderful, dreamy thoughts in your head - such as how fast you'll be able to bolt out of the...
Consolidating Debt? 5 Warning Signs Of A Shady Debt Consolidation Or Debt Management Company
Unfortunately, not all debt consolidation companies are
legitimate. To avoid the shady companies, educate yourself on
the debt consolidation process and watch out for these warning
signs.
Quote Unusually Low Monthly Payments
A debt consolidation company works with creditors to lower your
interest rates. Creditors have predetermined rates that they
will lower to, so every debt consolidation program will get you
the same rates. But since 2004, creditors no longer accept
reduced minimum monthly payments.
Companies who quote unusually low monthly payments are probably
giving you a low figure, which they will raise once you are in
the program. Instead of comparing monthly payments, request
information on their fees.
Demand All Debts Be Included
Companies who demand that all your debts be included in the debt
consolidation don't have your best interests in mind. Some
loans, such as credit union loans, are ineligible for lower
interest rates. And other types of credit, like student loans,
may already have a low interest rate.
However, by including all your bills in the monthly payment, the
company can charge you a higher fee for handling more accounts.
Before you enter a program, decide which accounts you want to
consolidate for lower rates.
Charge High Upfront Fees
The most common scam is to charge high upfront fees, up to
thousands of dollars, for services.
Sometimes companies will
promise to refund fees on completion of the program, but few
clients actually complete the program.
Legitimate non-profit companies charge a flat monthly fee for
each account handled. They are usually subsidized by financing
companies. For profit companies will charge a competitive fee
along with a flat monthly charge.
Offer Debt Settlement And Other Services
Be suspicious of those offering other services besides debt
consolidation. Debt settlement, credit repair, and other
programs are often just scams to take your money.
If you do need to make a debt settlement, you can save yourself
money by doing this yourself. You may also find that declaring
bankruptcy would be a better financial choice.
Request Account Numbers First
Be highly suspicious of any company that requests your account
numbers, social security number, or other personal information
before providing a quote. By providing this information, you
open yourself up to identify theft.
To receive an accurate quote, simply provide creditors' names,
balances, and interest rates.