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It isn't easy being in debt and having to fearfully answer your phone calls. If you are one of the millions of people feeling that you have no financial future, you are not alone. However, debt consolidation can be the answer to your problems. Don't give up hope and just keep reading the helpful tips to get you started.



Avoid storefront debt consolidation and major banks. Finding the right lender is as easy as searching on the web. Lenders found on the Internet can offer you a more streamlined process and not bog you down in paperwork and red tape. These lenders do not have to wait on a paper process to get these loans done quickly.



Find out whether a debt consolidation company will take your unique situation into account. A one size fits all approach generally does not work when it comes to these kinds of financial matters. You want to work with someone that will take the time to determine what is going on with you and figure out how best to address the situation.



Seek the consult of a consolidation service. Talking to a credible company about your debt can help you establish where you stand. They may help you realize that your situation is not as bad as you expected. You may also find that the debt is larger than you care to deal with alone, which may prompt you to move forward with the service.



Speak with your creditors and let them know that you are planning to employ a credit counseling agency. They may offer you different arrangements. More than likely, they won't know it on their own, so make sure they know it up front. This will also help get your monetary situation under control.



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.



A lot of debt consolidation specialists offer home equity loans but do not present these products as such. If you are using your home as a collateral for a loan, you are applying for a home equity loan. This is not a good option unless you are confident about paying this loan back on http://www.law360.com/articles/846368/in-the-hot-seat-wells-fargo-displays-arbitration-s-failure .






<img src="http://foxydollar.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/debt-consolidation.jpg" />

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.



When considering debt consolidation, start with your local lending institution. They will be familiar with your credit history, work history and financial standing. This information can help to streamline your application process, making it easier for you to get accepted into a low interest debt consolidation plan as quickly as possible.



You might be able to get some credit cards paid off if you take a little money out against your retirement fund or 401K. Only do this if you can afford to pay it back within five years. If you don't, you will pay huge fees.



If you are stuck in a never ending cycle of debt brought about from payday loans, debt consolidation may be a good solution for you. Many payday loan companies offer advice and will help you consolidate your payday loans into a single affordable payment. Because of higher interest rates, many people get caught in this payday loan cycle and cannot get out without help.



Once you get a debt consolidation loan, you must commit to never becoming overwhelmed with debt again. If this means living a lean lifestyle where you count the squares of toilet paper you use and you don't splash out on expensive clothing, so be it. It is better to live stress-free than fabulously.



Before more info sign up for any loans, speak to a debt counselor. They know what options you have available to you and will be able to walk you through your options. Look for someone with a good reputation and check out reviews online to be sure you don't end up with a scammer.



Learn how to stretch your money. Learning to live on less money will allow you pay your debts off quicker. Many consumers find that learning how to clip coupons can save as much as 20 percent off of their overall grocery bill monthly. There are many online sites that can teach you how to stretch your money.



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.



Debt consolidation can be a great option if you are drowning in debt, but only if you take the time to understand it first. By reviewing this article, you should now have a basic idea of the ins and outs of debt consolidation. Consider this information carefully, as it has the power to help you make a sound financial decision that will benefit your family.