Debt consolidation shouldn't be the first step you take when you find yourself in financial trouble; it should be one of the last, followed only by declaring bankruptcy. Although debt consolidation is promoted as an easy answer to problem debt, it carries difficulties of its own, including the urge to accumulate more debt after your credit card balances are gone.
Consolidation can be tough, particularly if you don't have a house. The easiest way to consolidate your debts is to take out a home equity loan. Equity loans are inexpensive when compared with other types of loans, and the interest is deductible from your taxes. If you don't have a home, how can you borrow money?
If you do not own a home, you can still find financing to combine your debts into just one manageable one. There are a few options available to you:
Consolidation company - There are organizations who can assist you with your money problems. consolidation agencies can create a management plan that will allow you to pay down your obligations. They can also negotiate with your creditors to possibly waive fees and reduce interest. Consolidation companies are often for-profit services; you will have to pay them a fee to use them. On the other hand, it may be your only solution if you cannot find other sources of funding.
A personal loan - Not possible for many debtors, but you might be able to get an unsecured loan from a bank or a credit union, particularly if you have a relative or friend who is willing to cosign the loan. Be aware that if you cannot pay, your cosigner will be legally responsible for repaying your debt. You don't want to lose relatives or friends over a loan.
A credit card loan - You should be able to borrow from a credit card, if you have to. A number of companies offer short-term, low-interest loans for balance transfers if you apply for a new account and move a current balance over from an old one. This can be problematic; failing to heed the cardmember agreement by paying late could cause your rate to go up, which will make a bad situation worse.
Getting out of debt problems can be a difficult chore. There are many ways to do it, and it is possible to do so even if you do not have a home. It just takes patience and diligence.
©Copyright 2007 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of
Retro Marketing , a firm devoted to informational Websites, including DebtGoAway.net, a site about
debt consolidation and credit cards, payday loans and personal bankruptcy.
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, credit counseling, payday loans and personal bankruptcy and HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to mortgages and
home equity loans.
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