Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out by all of the bills you have to pay each month?
If so, debt consolidation may be a good solution for you.
Debt consolidation is when you combine all of your debts into one loan.
It makes it easier to manage your debt and can often lead to lower interest rates and monthly payments.
This article will discuss what debt consolidation programs are, how they work, and the risks involved.
We will also provide tips on how to get started with a debt consolidation loan.
Contents
What Is a Debt Consolidation Company?
A debt consolidation company is a financial institution that helps people combine their debt.
The company will work with you to create a debt consolidation plan.
This plan will involve taking out a new loan to pay off your existing debts.
The new loan will typically have a lower interest rate than your current debts, saving you money each month.
A debt consolidation company may also work with your creditors to lower your monthly payments.
How Do Debt Consolidation Companies Work?
Most debt consolidation companies will work with you to create a debt management plan.
For example, a plan may involve the company working with your creditors to negotiate lower interest rates and monthly payments.
The debt consolidation company will then collect a single monthly payment from you and use that money to pay off your debts.
The debt consolidation company may also negotiate a lower overall debt amount in some cases.
There are two main types of debt consolidation companies: for-profit and nonprofit.
For-profit companies usually charge higher fees than nonprofit companies.
However, for-profit companies sometimes offer more flexible terms and options.
Nonprofit debt consolidation companies are typically affiliated with credit counseling agencies.
These companies may provide lower fees but may not offer as many options.
What Is a Debt Consolidation Program?
A debt consolidation program is a plan that helps you pay off your debt.
The program may involve using a debt consolidation loan, a debt management plan, or both.
Debt consolidation programs can help you get out of debt faster and save money on interest and fees.
Will Enrolling in a Debt Consolidation Program Affect My Credit Score?
Enrolling in a debt consolidation program should not hurt your credit score.
On the contrary, it may even help increase your credit score as you work to improve your credit history.
Which Debts Can Be Consolidated Through a Debt Consolidation Program?
You can combine most types of debt through a debt consolidation program, including paying off a credit card balance, medical debt, A student loan, a personal loan, and other types of unsecured debt.
Are There Fees Involved in Debt Consolidation Programs?
You’ll pay fees when dealing with debt consolidation programs.
These fees can vary depending on the company you use and the type of program in which you enroll.
Expect to pay some form of setup fee, a monthly service fee, and even percentage fees attached to the total existing debt amount.
Types of Debt Consolidation Programs
There are a few different types of debt consolidation programs available.
These include debt consolidation loans, debt settlement, and nonprofit debt consolidation.
What To Look For in a Debt Consolidation Program
When looking for a debt consolidation program, you should keep a few things in mind.
First, you want to make sure that the program is reputable and that it will work with your budget.
You also want to make sure that the program works to lower your interest rates.
Another factor to consider is lowering multiple debt payments into more manageable monthly payments.
Are There Free Government Debt Consolidation Programs?
The government offers a few debt consolidation programs.
For example, you might qualify for the Fresh Start Program if you struggle to pay IRS tax debt.
Or, you can look at the Total and Permanent Disability program if you have a long-term disability.
Debt Consolidation Program Options
There are a few different options when it comes to debt consolidation programs.
Nonprofit Debt Consolidation
Nonprofit debt consolidation programs will typically get offered by credit counseling agencies.
These agencies will work with you to create a budget and make a payment plan.
They will also negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates and monthly payments.
Debt Consolidation Loan
A debt consolidation loan is a loan you take out to pay off your existing debts.
For instance, you might choose to wrap unsecured debt with high-interest rates into a home equity loan.
Likewise, a credit card consolidation loan that lowers your monthly interest charges can help turn a bad credit history into a good credit situation.
Debt Settlement
Debt settlement is a process where you negotiate with your creditors to lower the amount of debt you owe.
Debt settlement can work in your favor if you don’t have excellent credit or can’t get an unsecured loan or home loan.
How Do I Get Started With Debt Consolidation?
If you’re interested in debt consolidation, there are a few things you need to do.
Preparing for a Debt Consolidation Loan
The first step is to figure out how much debt you have.
Next, look at each creditor, such as student loans, credit union loans, and car loans.
Next, track down other types of unsecured debt, such as credit card debt.
Ordering a copy of your credit report will help you determine how many loans you need to consolidate.
It will also reveal your credit score, which will help you determine whether or not you’re eligible for a debt consolidation loan.
You also need to figure out how much you’re already spending on monthly debt payments.
Lastly, you need to research debt consolidation loans and compare interest rates.
Find a loan that has a lower interest rate than your current debts for which you can afford the monthly payments.
How to Pre-qualify for a Debt Consolidation Loan
To pre-qualify for a debt consolidation loan, you must maintain a relatively good credit score.
In addition, it would be best to have a steady income and a low debt-to-income ratio.
Your debt-to-income ratio is the amount of debt you have divided by your income.
You should successfully pre-qualify for a debt consolidation loan if you meet these requirements.
One strategy is to contact your bank or credit union to see if you pre-qualify.
Can I Enroll in Debt Consolidation Programs Online?
Yes, you can enroll in debt consolidation programs online.
Many companies offer debt consolidation programs online.
You can compare interest rates, monthly payments, and terms to find the best debt consolidation program for you.
Best Debt Consolidation Companies
You should consider a few things when looking for the best debt consolidation company.
First, you need to find a reputable company accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
You can find a list of BBB accredited companies here.
Another thing to consider is the fees charged by the debt consolidation company.
Some companies charge upfront fees while others do not.
You need to find a company that charges reasonable fees.
Lastly, make sure your chosen debt consolidation company offers a good reputation.
You can read reviews online for each available company to see what other people say about their experience.
One popular company is National Debt Relief.
The Better Business Bureau rates it as an A+ debt consolidation company.
National Debt Relief offers a no-obligation and no upfront fees option when determining whether you qualify for debt collection relief from student loans, credit card debt, and other unsecured loan types.
Try Axos Bank if you’re fortunate to have a good to excellent credit score.
You can try for loans between $5,000 and $35,000 with Axos.
The bank offers loan terms of up to five years.
If you qualify for a loan with Axos Bank, you may receive your funds to consolidate debt within only one to two days.
Good to excellent credit scores will allow you to qualify for debt consolidation loans of up to $100,000 with SoFi.
The bank offers loans to help you pay off credit card debt.
You can ask for two to seven years to pay back the loan.
SoFi customers get the new loan wrapped up within three business days.
SoFi requires running a soft credit check during the qualification period.
Are Debt Consolidation Companies Worth It?
Debt consolidation companies can work well if you struggle to pay off debt.
They can help you get a lower interest rate, consolidate your debt into one monthly payment, and get out of debt faster.
However, debt consolidation companies are not for everyone.
If you do not have good credit, you may not always qualify for a debt consolidation loan.
You also need to make sure you can afford the monthly payments on the new loan.
If you are unsure if a debt consolidation company is right for you, you can speak to a financial advisor.
They can help you figure out if debt consolidation is the correct option for your situation.
Debt Consolidation Has Risks
Debt consolidation has a few risks that you’ll want to consider.
Fees
Debt consolidation loans will charge fees.
These fees can include an origination fee, a processing fee, and a monthly service fee.
Disclosure Requirements
Debt consolidation companies must disclose certain information to you.
For example, they must tell you the total amount of your debt, the monthly payment amount, the interest rate, and the loan term.
Tax Consequences
If you use debt consolidation to pay off debt, you may need to pay taxes on any forgiven debt.
For example, if you consolidate $20,000 of debt and $15,000 gets forgiven, you might pay taxes on the $15,000.
Debt Scams
There are scams out there that promise to help you get out of debt.
Be very careful before you sign up for any debt relief program.
Make sure you research the company and read reviews before giving them any money.
Wrapping Up
You can use debt consolidation as a helpful tool if you struggle to pay off debt.
It can help you lower the stress that comes with being in debt, lower monthly payments, and speed up your debt-free date.
However, debt consolidation includes risks that you must think about.
Therefore, research diligently and take your time when doing so.
However, once you’ve completed your due diligence, it’s then time to choose your preferred company and start your way to achieving freedom from debt.
