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Debt Consolidation Solutions Ways to consolidate your debts yourself

There are many options for a debtor to consolidate his debts in this day and age. The most common ones you have heard or seen so far are probably those commercials on late night television from debt consolidation companies that promise to help you fight and win over your debts.

There are also many government aid programs that seek to help debtors get out of debts. But these services usually require that you fulfill certain requirements and a minimum amount of debts before you are applicable to join their programs.

You can choose to consolidate your debts yourself if you know the options available for you.

Home Owners
The best option for home owners would be to take up a home equity loan to borrow against the value of your home. This can usually be done without any other mortgages. A home equity loan is usually a fixed amount of money repayable within a fixed period of time. These loans often offer the lowest interest rates and payment method.

Note that home equity loan interest can be variable and you also run the risk of losing your home if you fail to pay your loan.

People with Good Credit Rating
If you still enjoy a good credit rating, you can choose to consolidate your debt with credit cards. With a good credit rating, credit card companies are willing to grant you a lower interest rate if you transfer all other card balances to them. You can call all your card issuers to get a quote from them and compare them before you sign up the best offer available.

Remember to request for a fixed rate and to waive any transfer fees to transfer your card balances.

Life Insurance Policy Holder
You can have the option to borrow from your life insurance policy at a premium interest rate to solve your debt problems. The advantages is that you are not stressed up to repay this loan and that your life insurance benefits will be reduce by any amount that you borrow.

Different life insurance policies have different guidelines for borrowing. It is best to consult your insurance agent before you proceed to borrow against your insurance policy.

Do check out the above options if they are available to you. With good planning and actions, you will be able to clear your debts in 3 to 5 years.

Debt Consolidation Services – 3 Things To Watch Out For With Debt Consolidation Companies

Debt consolidation services can provide a valuable service by lowering your interest rate with creditors, enabling you to pay off your unsecured loans and bills in a short period. However, there are companies that would rather take your money than help you. To avoid such scams, watch out for the following.

Low Monthly Payment Claims

While debt consolidation companies can lower your interest rate which might lower your payments, they cannot negotiate lower minimum payments. Creditors no longer accept smaller payments since 2004, not even for hardship cases.

One trick companies use is to lure customers in with a low quote, only to jack up the required payment in a months time. By that time you have already paid out fees, which arent refundable.

Upfront Fees

Another shady practice is to charge large upfront fees when a company is claiming non-profit status. Legitimate companies will either charge a small monthly fee between $14 to $69, depending on the number of accounts. The other fee structure is to charge a reasonable fee for each account handled; typically for-profit companies use this structure.

If you are being asked to pay thousands, especially with a cashiers check or money order, look for another program.

Offering Debt Negotiation Programs

You should also be suspicious of companies that pressure you to use other programs, such as debt negotiations. First of all, debt negotiations or settlements usually will not improve your credit situation. Secondly, you will be charge high fees for something you can do on your own. And finally, companies who specialize in debt consolidation have no incentive to see you flounder with your finances, unlike those offering other services.

When you are looking for a debt consolidation program, ask questions about the program, fees, and amount of time to repay your bills. Take advantage of the internet and research several different agencies.

Since debt and bill consolidation varies with the number of accounts involved, you should expect a phone consultation before you receive any quotes. With your quote you should receive detailed answers, including pay off dates for each account and exact fees. And if you feel uncomfortable with the agency, feel free to walk away. A consultation is not a commitment on your part.

Debt consolidation service is offered by many companies online. In most debt consolidation service programs a certified counselor helps you access your financial situation and help you create a spending plan that will allow you to live while taking care of your debts. A good debt consolidation service will also go so far as to negotiate with creditors, attempting to get you a better deal on your interest rates and payments.

Many people find themselves in a situation where they are overwhelmed by debt. Many circumstances can come into play here to create this situation. Medical issues, sudden debts, and unforeseen expenses all can contribute to the need for debt consolidation services. It isnt a service used only by people who cant control their spending habits as is often believed. At times debt consolidation is simply a smart move to control ones interest rates. Whatever the reasoning these services are easy to use.

Most debt consolidation services can negotiate terms for lower interest rates and get companies to waive late fees. The counselors at debt consolidation companies are there to work with the creditors so that you dont have to. They act as an advocate for the client and their financial security.

The process of debt consolidation may also require the education of the consumer in areas of debt management. Most debt consolidation services will provide that education as a part of the over all program. This is something that debt consolidation service companies feel is an important part of the entire process.

For homeowners if they want to reduce interest rates and lower their monthly payments or if they have gotten into trouble and need help, debt consolidation service may be where they want to turn. Doing this will help a homeowner avoid possible bankruptcy and save their home at the same time. Debt consolidation requires that the home owner put up their home however with the right financial guidance this shouldnt be an issue. A debt consolidation loan allows the homeowner to borrow up to 125 percent of their property value in some cases.

Debt consolidation services can help you begin over again and get back on your feet no matter what the reason is that you need them for in the first place. The stigma that debt consolidation services carried with them for so long no longer apply. More and more people are beginning to see the benefits to using a debt consolidation service.

Replacing several high interest loans or credit cards with one consolidation loan can not only lower your monthly payments, but also save you money due to the lower interest rate on the new loan.

Look at the rates you are paying on your unsecured debts, i.e. credit cards with a rate of between about 13% and over 35%. These are obvious replacement loan candidates. Auto loans and store credit cards are other loans that should be paid off.

If you can get a second mortgage or refinance your current first mortgage, use these funds to pay off these unsecured loans. You should be able to currently save several thousand dollars in interest payments alone. I am assuming a total loan amount above the home debt to be about $20,000.

The other advantage to this plan is to reduce your monthly payments by a substantial amount. This also should allow you to gain a payment schedule that you can easily meet and even reduce quicker over time. Make sure you can pay off this new loan with extra payments with no penalty. It is a good place to put some of that extra money you have each month.

This idea also takes some solid research on your part. All banks and mortgage companies do not operate the same way. Also you want to find the best rate you can get for your debt structure.

Look to these sources for your consolidation loan: Local banks, local mortgage brokers, and the newest provider for these loans, the internet loan providers. There are many companies fighting each other to make these loans to folks like you. Take advantage of your popularity.

Sometimes, debt consolidation companies can discount the amount of the loan. The debt consolidator will buy the loan at a discount, usually when in danger of bankruptcy. The wise debtor can easily shop around for consolidators who will pass along some of the savings. Consolidation usually affects the ability of the debtor to discharge debts in bankruptcy. Its prudent to weigh this decision rationally.

Take your future in your own hands and make this happen for your financial health. Saving money and paying off your debts faster will open your life to a freedom you have not enjoyed for a long time. A family with minimum debts has eliminated a potential family problem and replaced it with freedom. Do your self a favor and become debt free.