Femaledebt

Swimming in heavy credit card debt sometimes means getting deeper in debt simply because of high interest rates. The IRS no longer allows credit card interest as a deduction. If you use a home equity loan to consolidate and pay-off your bills, you could actually save cash three ways: 1. No interest accrues on your credit card balances, 2. Your new loan could have a lower interest rate, lowering your monthly mortgage payment, and 3. At the end of the year, three IRS allows you to deduct most if not all of the interest from your mortgage.

One possible glitch in the system is a variable rate loan. If your home equity loan has a higher interest rate, the potential exists you could have more out of pocket expenses than you had before.

While equity loans usually offer a lower interest rate, the closing costs could be higher. And, some lenders could charge a pre-payment penalty, almost forcing you to stay in your home rather than sell if a potential buyer makes an offer.

One way around these restrictions is a home equity line of credit. Those usually dont carry any closing costs, and there usually arent any pre-payment penalties.

If you have extremely good equity built up, you may want to consider cash-out refinancing. No matter what your home is worth, borrow only enough to pay off the existing mortgage and a specified amount you need to spend. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, but you only have $100,000 to pay-off. Borrow more than the existing mortgage, but less than the homes market value. You will then have lower payments, and probably less restrictions for an early pay-off.

Debt consolidation mortgage loans can help you lower your interest rates and monthly payments. With reduced rates, you can also pay off your debt sooner. However, reducing your equity could subject you to private mortgage rates. You may also end up spending more on interest payments by delaying payments.

Saving With Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates are much lower than credit card or unsecured loan rates. Consolidating your debt with a refinanced mortgage or home equity will reduce your payments simply by having a lower rate. By paying the same monthly payments, you can pay off your debt rapidly.

Your interest is also tax deductible with a mortgage or home equity loan, where your credit card interest isnt. Student loan interest is also tax deductible and shouldnt be consolidated for a higher rate.

Reducing Your Payments

Consolidating with a loan also allows you to reduce your payments by picking longer terms. So if your income is reduced or you have other financial obligations, lengthening your payments can give you some breathing room in your budget.

Paying More In Fees And Interest

The cost of a mortgage can be more than what you are paying in interest charges if you have a small amount of debt. To refinance a mortgage, origination fees can add up to thousands. Other types of home equity loans can cost hundreds or nothing to open. You may also have to pay private mortgage insurance premiums if dont leave 20% of your equity in tack.

Delaying payments can also add up interest payments, even with a lower rate. For example, a loan amount of $10,000 will cost $11,587.10 in interest for a 30 year loan at 6%. That same amount will cost $5,896.71 for a 5 year loan at 20%, which is what most credit card payment plans are like.

Deciding To Pay Down Debt

Consolidating your high interest credit can help pay off your debt by providing structured payments. You can also lower your interest rates, making repayment easier. However, be aware of the costs and shop around for low rates and fees. To get the most out of a consolidated loan, choose short terms to avoid making large interest payments.