Debt Consolidation Information

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.

    ©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.


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Business is booming for debt-consolidation companies as more ...
    Bizjournals.com, NC - Nov 17, 2008
    Jack Craven’s firm has seen his work increase by more than 25 percent this year. “Last month was the biggest month we ever had,” said Craven, president of ...


    Athens Township: ATA Prez.: Debt consolidation could eliminate ...
    Morning Times, PA - Nov 17, 2008
    Debt consolidation has worked well for other municipalities facing similar situations, said Steiner. “That was one of the recommendations we got from our ...


    5 Predatory Money Pitches
    U.S. News & World Report, DC - 5 hours ago
    Debt consolidation—Many of these companies charge you money for a service that is often available for free from a community group or other local nonprofit ...


    Budgets help curb holiday spending
    Belleville News Democrat,  USA - Nov 19, 2008
    Debt Consolidation Guides (www.debtguides .org/debtconsolidation .html) --Discusses types of debt, debt management and debt solutions. ...


    Freedom Debt Relief Offers Answers, Clarity for Those Struggling ...
    PR Web (press release), WA - 12 hours ago
    Debt consolidation rolls multiple debts into one loan or into a mortgage. It may or may not bring lower payments. Borrowers using a mortgage to consolidate ...


    Demand For Debt Consolidation Expected To Rise Despite Rate Cut
    PR Web (press release), WA - Nov 9, 2008
    Demand for unsecured loans for debt consolidation will continue to rise despite the Bank slashing the base rate to 3.0 per cent, it is predicted. ...


    Mortgage company expands to Mass.
    Boston Globe, United States - 1 hour ago
    Gold Star, which opened in 2000, offers services in retail and commercial mortgage loans, insurance, debt consolidation and financial planning. ...


    AG lawsuit against debt firm highlights consumer risk
    WKOW-TV.com, WI - 20 hours ago
    State officials and consumer advocates said it appears television, radio and internet advertising by businesses in the debt consolidation industry have ...


    Best Syndication

    Homeowner Debt Consolidation: Removes Debts Instantly
    Best Syndication, CA - Nov 4, 2008
    If you are a homeowner and want to get out of the debts, then you should consider availing homeowner debt consolidation. Homeowner debt consolidation is a ...


    Best Syndication

    Debt Consolidation Benefits: Advantageous Way Of Repaying Debts
    Best Syndication, CA - Oct 31, 2008
    Debt consolidation is one of the more popular ones. It is a method that eases the repayment on your multiple debts. All you debts are consolidated under a ...

    Debt-Consolidation - Google News

    home | index |site map
    © 2006