Debt consolidation - Options for Reducing Your Debt

Sponsor:

Debt News:

Debt Consolidation
Advertise with Us
Debt Blog
Link to Us

Informative Articles

A Simple California Debt Consolidation Loan Can Save You Money Immediately, And Even Stop Foreclosure
Many people contact us when they are 30, 60 and 90 days in their mortgage payments. If they are this late with their house payment they are generally behind with the car and have several credits cards that are maxed out. A simple debt...

Consumer Debt Consolidation Programs: Tips for Choosing the Right Program
With all of the expenses that we have in our lives today, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many people get deep into debt and consider enrolling in a consumer debt and loan consolidation program. Education costs, student loans, home ownership...

Debt Consolidation - Is It Really The Best Option For You?
It is a very common question that people pose to themselves across the English speaking world: should I consolidate my outstanding debt? There is no single answer to this question, as no two people have identical finances and other personal...

Debt Consolidation Services, Do You What To Take Advantage Of It?
Are you starting to have problems managing your debt obligations? Are you now contemplating on filing for bankruptcy? However, before you do so, bankruptcy reform bill requires applicants to undergo credit counseling before they can file their...

The Pro's and Con's Of Debt Consolidation Loans
You are swimming in debt. You have 4 credit cards maxed out, a car loan, a consumer loan, and a house payment. Simply making the minimum payments is causing your distress and certainly not getting you out of debt. What should you do? Some people...

Debt consolidation - Options for Reducing Your Debt

Studies show that Americans are now saving less than ever before. Along with that, Americans are carrying a heavier debt load than ever. It's easy for a home loan, a car loan and a few credit card bills to get out of hand, and many people are struggling with more debt than they can easily pay. To make matters worse, new bankruptcy legislation will make it harder than ever to file bankruptcy for those who simply cannot pay their bills.

There are a number of solutions available that allow most people to reduce their interest rate on their debt, reduce their total monthly payment, or both:

Ask for a lower rate on your credit card. If you have been making payments regularly, and you haven't had a history of late payment, you may be able to lower your interest rate on your credit cards simply by calling your credit card company and asking them! It doesn't always work, but the market for credit cards is pretty competitive these days, and many lenders would rather lower your interest rate than lose you as a customer. It's worth asking.

Get a new credit card. If your lender isn't willing to lower your rate, shop around for a credit card with a better interest rate. There is no reason to be paying 20% or more in credit card interest if you don't have to. The interest on credit cards is not tax deductible, but if you can get a credit card with a lower interest rate and you move balances from other cards to that one, you can save quite a bit.

Take out a traditional bank loan with collateral. You can probably obtain a simple installment loan from your bank by putting up cash or investments as collateral for the loan. Like credit cards, the interest isn't tax deductible, but the interest rate may be better than credit cards, and if you consolidate several payments into one with a bank loan, you will lower your monthly payment.

Take out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. If you have equity in your home, you can borrow up to 80% of your equity in either a lump sum or a revolving line of credit. Interest rates are still quite low on home loans, so this one could be a good way to consolidate your debt. As a bonus, the interest is tax deductible. A minor downside is the fact that these loans usually have application fees and/or closing costs.

Most people can utilize one of the ideas above to help them reduce their debt. If none of these options work for you, you should consider speaking to a credit counselor, who can outline other options that may work for you. Many credit-counseling agencies are non-profit, so it may be worth your while to talk to a credit counselor if nothing else will work.

About the Author

�Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including End-Your-Debt.com, a site devoted to debt consolidation and credit counseling, and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information regarding home equity loans.