Most Americans have debt of some sort. In a financial system that could not exist without the concept of credit, there is nothing technically wrong with this. In theory, debt should be a normal part of life. For some people, it is. Paying the mortgage, car payments, and settling credit cards are seen as nothing more than monthly expenses. However, many others are struggling to pay back their debt.
Debt can very easily become unmanageable in America. Banks and lenders offer a wide variety of credit cards and loans. People who run out of money on one credit card apply for another. People who can’t make ends meet this month apply for payday loans. They end up in debt on a few different fronts, with high interest rates and conflicting repayment terms.
For this reason, debt consolidation has become popular. Debt consolidation refers to the process of getting one big loan to cover all of your debt. This can improve your interest rate on high-interest loans, while also making it easier to manage repayment.
Of course, debt consolidation loans are not all created equal. Some will suit you better than others, and there are loans which you should avoid altogether.
Check out the best debt consolidation loans, keeping the following factors in mind.
Upfront Payments
Most debt consolidation loans require an upfront payment of part of the debt. This is one of the most common barriers to debt consolidation for people struggling with debt. Different debt consolidation loans come with different requirements regarding upfront payments, and you will need to find one you can afford.
There are some debt consolidation companies that don’t require any upfront fees. These loans will come with a higher interest rate, but unless it is higher than what you are currently paying on average, they may still be worth it.
Debt Specialists
Debt consolidation can get complicated, especially if you have a large number of loans you are trying to pay off. Deciding which debt consolidation loan is best for you can be tricky. Many debt consolidation loan companies offer consultations with certified debt specialists. They will help you make sure you are not getting yourself into a situation you cannot handle.
Client Reviews
Debt consolidation will not necessarily make your life easier. If you go with the wrong loan company, you may end up in a more stressful situation, even if you are saving some money. This is why it is important to see what previous clients have said about the company. Read reviews and look out for any mention of neglect from the loan company. Look for positive reviews that go into specifics of how debt consolidation made life easier for the client.
Fees and Penalties
Debt consolidation companies will sell their loans to you on the basis of what you have to gain. But depending on the fees and penalties imposed by the company in certain scenarios, you can find yourself losing out. Go through the fees and penalties with care, making sure you’re not going to end up worse off.
Debt consolidation can be extremely helpful to people with multiple cards and loans to pay off. However, if you’re not careful when choosing your debt consolidation loan, you could get into deeper trouble.