Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

 
 

View User's Journal

zebrabowl9russel
Debt consolidation can be of great help for some people. However, it can turn into a disaster if you do not know what you are getting into. That is why you need to do your research before venturing into it. Here is some helpful debt consolidation information you need to know about.



Look online for a lender to help with your debt consolidation. Lenders online have a good track record for supplying loans quickly and safely. Research the lender to ensure that they are well known and respected in the industry. Carefully read all the terms associated with the loan and you should have an easy time of securing one that fits your needs.




<img src="http://blackbirdza.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/debt-consolidation-loan-application.jpg" />



Understand why you are here in the first place. Debt consolidation is only half the battle. You need to make lifestyle changes for it to be an effective means to increasing your financial well being. That means taking a hard look at your credit report and bank accounts. Know what led to this scenario.



Don't choose a consolidation firm because they are not-for-profit. Contrary to what you may believe, &non-profit& does not always equate to great. Check with the BBB to find the best companies.



Talk to friends, family and coworkers. You aren't the only one with money problems, and chances are that someone you know already has some experience with debt consolidation. This is a great way for you to find a company you can trust, so that you can avoid using a less than reputable company.



Pick the debt consolidation company you use wisely. Just as with many other decisions you make, you should compare companies first. How long have they been in business for? What is their reputation like? Are their fees reasonable or too high? These are all questions you need to think about before picking a company.



If you are considering seeking a debt consolidation loan from a financial institution such as a bank or credit union, spend sufficient time shopping around and assessing what is available. You may be surprised by the wide ranges of interest rates and terms you are offered. By doing your research, you will be sure to get the very best deal.



Make sure that the money you pay through the company, to your creditors, actually goes to them. In the case of agencies that are not on the up and up, occasionally some of that money will go toward their random &fees& instead of to your creditors. This is obviously a situation you want to avoid.



Find a debt consolidation agency that hires qualified counselors. Ask about the background and the certification of the counselors before becoming a client. Ideally, a debt consolidation counselor should be certified by the NFCC or link webpage recognized professional organization. Do not work with an agency that does not hire qualified staff.



If you make the decision to consolidate high interest debts such as credit card balances into a different obligation, do your absolute best not to begin racking up new debt until the consolidated amount is repaid. If you are doing nothing more than moving debts to different places while continuing to spend, you will not reap the benefits that debt consolidation really can provide.



Once you decide that debt consolidation is right for you, it could be tempting to take the first opportunity offered to you. Do not take the easy way out. Take the time to research the different places and use the company that will give you the best rate possible when consolidating your debt.



Debt consolidation doesn't just mean having companies speak to other companies on your behalf. If you are still able to, a traditional bank loan is probably the smartest way to get out of debt. A loan from a bank or a credit union doesn't yield the same drawbacks as other debt consolidation methods do.



There is no harm in comparison shopping for consolidation loans. The fact is that some financial institutions, or http://www.afr.com/news/scott-morrison-no-more-rba-interest-rate-cuts-20161008-gry2ar and family, may offer you a better rate than others. Whether it is a line of credit, mortgage, credit card or loan, compare the interest rate and terms and figure out which is the best bet.



Choosing a consolidation loan means considering the rate. Not only do you need to know how high it is, but also whether it is fixed or variable. You never know what the future might bring as far as interest rates go, so a long-term variable loan can truly cripple you financially.



Take advantage of zero percent credit card offers by transferring higher rate balances onto them. Even though there will likely be a 4 or 5 percent transfer fee, the total amount will be less than the interest rate you would pay on your current balance on the higher rate credit cards.



Extreme amounts of debt plague an unfortunate number of individuals, many of whom feel there is no hope for ever climbing out of the situation. However, when done wisely, debt consolidation offers a way out. Hopefully the information presented above has given you the tools you need to move forward with confidence.





 
 
Manage Your Items
Other Stuff
Get GCash
Offers
Get Items
More Items
Where Everyone Hangs Out
Other Community Areas
Virtual Spaces
Fun Stuff
Gaia's Games
Mini-Games
Play with GCash
Play with Platinum