Short Guide to Debt Consolidation for Those with Bad Credit

Aug 9
08:22

2011

Devora Witts

Devora Witts

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For those with bad credit and teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, a debt consolidation plan could be the ticket to financial freedom and a better credit rating.

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In these recessionary times,Short Guide to Debt Consolidation for Those with Bad Credit Articles many folks are falling prey to financial problems that may seem insurmountable. Financial situations such as these eight circumstances just aggravate the problem.1) Do you have a lot of creditors?2) Are all your payments set at different amounts?3) Are your debts due at different times of the month?4) Does each lender have a different interest rate?5) Do you have difficulty keeping all your monthly obligations?6) Do you spend a lot time just keeping track of your debt?7) Do debt collectors harass you at home and at work?8) Is your credit bad and getting worse?If you answered yes to three or more of these conditions, you are a good candidate for debt consolidation and management as offered by debt consolidation or assistance firms.Responsible StepDebt consolidation is not a last ditch attempt to dig yourself out of financial difficulty. It is a responsible step in the right direction. Especially if it seems that your finances are spiralling out of control, debt consolidation can be a godsend. Approaching a debt assistance firm can help you avoid missed payment and a worsening of your credit rating and there are plenty of these firms on the American financial market.Shop AroundDo research online and through the Better Business Bureau to find a firm that has good ratings and has terms that accommodate your situation. Compare fees from firm to firm. They can vary considerably. You may even want to call the firm and have a discussion. This will give you a feel for whether or not you can work with them.How Debt Consolidation WorksOnce you have selected, you will gather up all your debt paperwork and spend a few hours with your case manager. The firm will help you by going over your finances regarding your income versus your outgo. They will determine what an affordable payment would be for you in terms of your salary and the size of your debt.Consolidation in ActionThe firm will contact your creditors and advise them of your action. They will negotiate with them to determine a satisfactory payment for each under the circumstances. This should put an end to harassing phone calls, emails, or letters. You will make one monthly payment to the debt assistance firm. They will apportion your monthly payment among the creditors.Alleviating Debt With ConsolidationSix considerations should come in to play when you mull over consolidating your debts with a debt assistant firm.1) If you have large amounts of debt it helps you control it.2) Your debts can be reduced to one monthly payment.3) Your credit scores will improve if you meet your payments responsibly.4) Consolidation is a program easy to enter.5) No up-fronts fees are usually required.6) Consolidation is helpful if you have bad credit.Better Than BankruptcyGetting through a debt consolidation in a responsible manner will give you some peace of mind as well as help alleviate your financial problems. If you fulfill your obligation responsibly, your credit scores will improve. If you miss payments, the debt consolidation loan loses their authority and you will be right back, or worse, where you started from. Debt consolidation beats declaring bankruptcy by a long shot.