Debt consolidation is a phrase that is being thrown around by every financial facility and lender possible. It's a buzzword that has the financial industry up in arms. But consumers should know that debt consolidation isn't the cure to debts that many lenders make it to be, but rather, a healthy solution to getting one's debt under control.
First, debt consolidation needs to be defined. In general terms, we refer to debt consolidation as a larger loan that is used to pay off many smaller loans. This is for the purpose of taking many debt collectors off of one's back, and instead replace the lot with just one lender to work with. This in itself saves many debt collection phone calls, which consumers will appreciate.
A good topic to address in debt consolidation is interest rates. Lenders like to lure consumers in with incredibly low interest rates- but keep in mind most debt consolidation loans will span many years. In some cases, debt consolidation loans may surpass a decade or two in repayment periods. When viewed from this perspective, one can see how even a low interest rate would build up over the period of a decade or two. Thus, consumers should make impulse decisions based on interest rates alone.
The biggest benefit to consumers looking for debt consolidation is the fact that the prestigious debt consolidation lenders will also offer some form of financial counseling. Most often, this will include help to create a budget for repaying the debt consolidation loan that the borrower just opted for. Whatever the case, this budget can be a valuable tool for sticking to a debt repayment plan, and finally finding the light at the end of the tunnel.
Consumers should realize that debt consolidation overall is not a solution to getting out of debt in an easy manner. Rather, it prolongs the payment process to encompass a longer period of time. In certain cases, it can indeed save money over multiple loans that consumers are looking to consolidate. But in primary concerns, it should be noted that debt consolidation is best used when substandard quality of life is being observed.
Lastly, borrowers who are having a tough time paying their loans off each month should keep in mind that many lenders offer debt consolidation. It should be noted that lenders can vary greatly in terms of interest rates and payback periods, as well as the fact that they may or may not offer free counseling. To reap the maximum benefit from a debt consolidation, ensure that proper shopping around is done, and that the lender that is ultimately chosen has a solid reputation with an even more solid deal than the rest of competitors.
Final Thoughts
Debt consolidation is a nifty trick to get one's life back on track. Just remember that note every lender in the financial industry is looking to better a consumer's life- and that shopping around for best rates and terms is vital in the process. And as a final note, always make a budget if one hasn't been made after a debt consolidation- as this will keep consumers in the right direction and out of bigger debts.
