LOAN CONSOLIDATION

Whether you're looking to obtain a lower interest rate, or you need an effective debt elimination strategy, a loan consolidation can help. There are many ways to consolidate your bills and save money every month. But before you apply for a consolidation loan, you've got to know how these loans work.
A loan consolidation merges your debts into one new loan, and these loans generally offer reduced interest rates. It doesn't take long to acquire debt. However, it can take years to pay off credit cards and other loans. Loan consolidation is an effective debt elimination strategy. Lower interest rates equal lower monthly payments, and you're able to reduce the principle sooner. There are many ways to consolidate debts. Before choosing a consolidation method, it's vital to explore all options.
How Does a Loan Consolidation Work?
With a loan consolidation, you can combine all your outstanding debts into one new loan. A consolidation can simplify your finances. Rather than submit multiple payments to various lenders throughout the month, you can submit one payment to one lender. And because loan consolidations typically feature lower rates and fixed terms, you can realistically pay off your debt within three to seven years.
Types of Loan Consolidations
There are different types of loan consolidations. You can apply for a secured or unsecured loan consolidation with a bank or credit union. These loans serve a similar purpose. However, the loan qualifications differ. To obtain a secured debt consolidation loan, you'll need to provide the lender with collateral; and if you have a low credit score, they'll require a co-signer. With an unsecured debt consolidation loan, collateral isn't required. Nonetheless, these loans are for individuals with an excellent credit history and sufficient income.
Benefits of a Loan Consolidation
Loan consolidations simply life, and you're able to manage your debt better. With a consolidation, you'll deal with one lender and submit one monthly payment. And because loan consolidations generally feature lower interest rates, you'll save money over the life of the loan. Additionally, an interest rate reduction results in lower monthly payments, which increases your disposable income. Loan consolidations are also attractive because they speed the debt elimination process.
When credit cards have a high interest rate, the bulk of monthly payments go towards reducing the interest. In turn, the principle doesn't decrease. On the other hand, a reduced interest rate decreases interest payments, and a greater percentage of monthly payments are applied to the principle balance.
Things to Consider
If you don't qualify for a secured or unsecured personal debt consolidation loan, contact a debt consolidation agency. Debt consolidation agencies do not approve loans. Rather, they contact creditors on your behalf and negotiate better terms. Debt elimination is the primary goal, and a reduced interest rate along with a fixed repayment schedule can help you reach this financial goal. This consolidation option can stop harassing phone calls, and it's a practical solution for anyone who has considered bankruptcy.
Loan Consolidation Dangers and Warnings
Loan consolidation is not for everyone. And while useful, these loans are risky. Loan consolidations generally feature lower rates than credit cards and other installment loans, which is why they're attractive. However, low rates are subjective, and lenders take several factors into account such as credit history, collateral and income.
Loan consolidations create a new monthly expense, and failing to the repay the loan can have serious consequences. A single late or missed payments can result in an interest rate increase, which can significantly increase monthly payments. And since the majority of consolidations are secured loans, defaulting puts borrowers at risk of losing their collateral.