Debt Consolidation: Is it Right For Me?

Jun 11
19:21

2007

Matt D Murren

Matt D Murren

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With economic prosperity comes the opportunity to acquire debt. The average household carries over $10,000 in credit car debt annually, and this numbe...

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With economic prosperity comes the opportunity to acquire debt. The average household carries over $10,000 in credit car debt annually,Debt Consolidation: Is it Right For Me? Articles and this number is expected to grow. Credit card companies thrive off on consumers carrying a balance on their cards. Often times, as consumers reach their credit limits, credit card companies will raise their credit limit. The consumer then charges even more – digging a hole that progressively gets deeper and deeper.

With a changing economy, many businesses have reduced their workforces. This can create a situation where an individual had a well-paying job and could manage their monthly expenses. Now, they are faced with less money and the same bills. Some consumers choose not to pay their monthly bills, which will obviously affect their credit score and chances for receiving credit in the future. Some may pick up a second job, while others may choose debt consolidation. But what is debt consolidation and how does it work?

Debt consolidation involves taking revolving debt and combining it into one monthly payment. Some national companies specialize in helping consumers combine their credit cards – usually with a reduced interest rate – into one payment. They have longstanding relationships with various creditors and can often lower a cards APR into the single digits. This allows consumers to pay less per month, while at the same time having more of their payment go towards principle. Debt consolidation is an alternative to bankruptcy, and can have outstanding benefits to some consumers.

It is imperative to understand there are two types of debt consolidation. One program helps consumers cope with their debt by negotiating a lower interest rate with the credit card companies. The balance on the cards will be paid in full at the completion of the program (usually three to give years). A second technique involves not paying the creditors and forcing them to negotiate a payoff less than what is owed. This method will seriously affect the consumer’s credit score, ability to obtain credit, and long-term credit worthiness.

Debt consolidation can have a negative impact on an individual’s credit score. Some credit reporting agencies will report a consumer’s cards as “managed by credit management company.” This can affect a consumer’s chances of receiving credit in the future. It typically does not affect smaller transactions such as buying a car or leasing an apartment – but it can affect the qualification for buying a home. It is important to take this into consideration before enrolling in a debt consolidation program. For those that choose a program that forces the creditor to accept a settlement on the amount owed, credit scores can plummet. In fact, for those that choose this specific program, it is not uncommon for a credit score to drop 100 points or more. Plus, since the creditor is not receiving payments for six months or more, the debt may be turned over to a collection agency, wages may be garnished, or a lawsuit could be pending.

To determine of debt consolidation is right for you, thoroughly analyze your current situation. This method is used as an alternative to bankruptcy, and depending on the method you choose, can affect long-term credit worthiness. While debt consolidation is a treatment for a problem, it does not cure the issue. Changing spending habits and using credit wisely is what provides long-term financial health.

For more information visit:

http://www.debt-consolidation-adviser.com

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