Friday, April 20, 2012

Debt Consolidation Works If You Know How To Do One Thing Right

By Ronald Greshlamton


Having multiple creditors constantly clamoring for payments can result in mental strain as well as financial ruin. When you combine all of your debts into one single loan, you are consolidating your debts. A consolidated loan stretches your payment schedule with reduced interest. A common requirement is using an asset, for example, a house, as security.

Many people with a pile of debts to pay off choose debt consolidation, which is taking out a long term collateral loan to repay current liabilities. Such a loan demands a security and is spread over many years, which accounts for the low rate of fixed interest. All of your individual debts are combined under one loan. The collateral is a high-value asset, such as your house or car, meant to secure the loan. There are debt consolidation loans that do not require security; however, these loans have extremely high interest rates, which makes debt consolidation an unattractive option.

Another advantage to consolidation is that the number of people or companies you owe money to is reduced to one. This will reduce the number of debt collection calls you receive, which can be extremely annoying and frustrating. A debt consolidation loan is more manageable and thereby offers hope that you can successfully repay it. It will now be easier to manage your finances and work out a monthly budget in order to keep your loan repayment on track.

The facts in favor of debt consolidation are namely having to pay off only a single creditor and securing a fixed rate of interest. This allows people to better focus on managing debt. Instead of having to pay different people, you need only pay off one creditor in the new scenario. In addition, you will have a fixed rate so you will know exactly how much you owe each month. In layman's terms, you always know what amount is due each month with no unexpected fluctuations.

When considering secured debt consolidation, take time out to assess your assets as well as your finances in order to understand the risks posed by the proposed loan. With secured loans, there is always the possibility of losing your home, car, pr other collateral when you default on your payments.

One of the major reasons people choose to consolidate their debts is the tax benefits that come with it. A consolidated loan that is secured against your house essentially becomes a mortgage. Mortgage payments are tax deductible unlike regular debt, such as credit card interest.

One of the biggest plus points of debt consolidation is getting tax benefits. While it is true you get no benefits from interest paid on consumer loans like credit cards, using your house as collateral on the loan may turn the debt into a mortgage. Mortgages are tax-deductible, a very convenient benefit when you struggle with financial strain.

Another consideration involves the effect consolidation will have on your credit report. No longer will you have many different outstanding loans on your credit report. Instead, you will have just one. Generally, credit ratings improve and prospects of further loans are stronger, if your report lists only a few creditors. Having a greater access to credit is not necessarily a good thing, because, unless your spending habits change, you will land in the same financial pit.

As a result of reduced interest payments every month, and a slightly improved credit rating, there is a chance that you may be enticed to undertake further debt. This is absolutely the worst move you could make. The new debt will invariably come at a higher cost. You would eventually get caught in a never ending cycle of interest and debt repayments, leading once again to default and ultimately foreclosure of your home.

Having to consider debt consolidation is a sure sign that something has gone awry. Carefully analyze all your choices. To responsibly pay off your debt, you must develop a budget, spend less, and gain more income. If you find you have no other choices, carefully consider all the ups and downs before you agree to anything. No matter what, try to be more responsible about your financial experiences in the years to come.




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