1. Thou shalt understand interest rates
There are two common types of interest rates: fixed rates and variable rates. The fixed rates will remain constant throughout the duration of the
repayment period, protecting you from unfavorable fluctuations. A variable rate will react to changes in rates and involves additional risk.
2. Thou shalt seek debt counselling
Loans are confusing, and with the amount of different products on the market, finding the right one can be quite tricky. Debt counselors, who are
generally registered with the AICCA of the NFCC, will help you with several things: First, they can give you financial planning advice so that you don't fall
into debt in the future. Second, they can negotiate with your creditors to make your repayments more comfortable for you, for example by eliminating late
fees or lowering your interest rate.
3. Thou shalt go with a debt consolidation firm that has a solid reputation
Just because it's a non-profit organization doesn't mean it will benefit you in particular. Shop around and find the deal that best suits you. After all,
if you were browsing around for suits, you wouldn't want to end up with a $400 armani suit that was 6 inches too broad at the shoulders. The same thing goes
for loans.
4. Thou shalt read between the lines
Before you sign that thirty-page contract, make sure you've read each and every clause of it. Some lenders will add payment protection insurance that you
won't know about but that ends up costing you dearly. Look for hidden costs or charges, and do the math! If you can't figure it out yourself, then ask a debt
counsellor to help.
5. Thou shalt think of the future
Put otherwise: Is the deal cost-effective in the long run? Are there early settlement fees associated with your current loans? If your debt
consolidation loan's monthly repayment is more expensive than the individual loans, then it's defeated its purpose. Also note that you will be making
payments for a longer period of time, which means that ultimately you will pay more in interest. Make sure you follow commandment #4!
6. Thou shalt take thy time
The more you rush into things, the more you might end up losing. It's mathematical.
7. Thou shalt plan, financially
Many people who need debt consolidation might have avoided falling into debt in the first place had they planned their financial affairs better. Even if
you're one of those people, it's never too late, and a little budget planning can go a long way.
8. Thou shalt understand that an offer that sounds to be true probably is
There are many things that a company can do to embellish its offer: lower monthly repayments, etc. Understand that all of these things are interconnected:
for example, a lower monthly repayment means you'll be in debt for more time. If you can't see a catch, better be safe than sorry: follow commandment
#2.
9. Thou shalt become thyne own expert on debt consolidation
This one's easier said than done, but the more you read about debt consolidation, the more you'll begin to realize the tricks various companies will
employ to lure you, and the more trivial it will be for you to throw out the bad ones.
And last but not least...
10. Thou shalt never take a loan that is beyond thy means
As common sense dictates, you should always make sure than any loan you take out is affordable for you. Debt counselors can help you with this. Don't be
tempted to immediately take up the first good offer that you find!
