Common Myths About Debt Consolidation Programs

By Dana B. Thompson


A lot of people are coming up with the wrong assumptions about debt relief because they are confused about the similarities and differences of each program. Debt consolidation is probably where most consumers are having a difficult time understanding because it is such a broad debt relief term to begin with.Debt consolidation simply refers to the efforts of a debtor to simplify their debt payment methods by combining their funds into one manageable payment scheme. The goal is to make the process easier so as to make debt relief more attainable. The two words alone does not necessarily signify debt consolidation loans. Not all consolidation efforts need a loan to make it possible.

To help relieve you of the confusing ideas about debt consolidation programs, here is a list of popular myths about the two different debt consolidation programs: credit counseling/debt management plan and debt consolidation loans.Credit Counseling/Debt Management Plan.Myth: All programs are the same.Fact: The general idea of debt consolidation may be the same but the details will vary depending on the unique situation of the debtor. It is very important that you identify your financial weaknesses and strengths and discuss it with your credit counselor. This will help you come up with a plan that is suited to your capabilities and will have a higher chance of success.Myth: All credit counseling agencies are non-profit organizations.Fact: While most of them are not for profit, there are companies who offer paid services. They are still legitimate but be sure to conduct your due diligence to be certain.Myth: Credit counseling agencies have varying creditor payment methods.

There are several websites on the internet that offer a free service to determine which government debt consolidation programs are available to your unique financial situation. There is no obligation and no fees to get more information online. Once you determine that consolidation is the path for you and you have your debts under control, you can continue to work toward repairing your FICO rating over time. For many, working with a counselor to learn skills for keeping spending under control and learning how to live within ones means can be helpful to avoid a repeat of this situation down the road. Since kids learn by example, you will be teaching your children these life skills too.

Whenever a person feels that an institution is questionable, then it will benefit them to ask for more information from that company. Getting all the facts about the potential consolidation process is important and nothing should be a surprise to you. If the bank does not want to let you read contracts before you sign them, then you should be suspicious of their behavior.It is always important to think critically about your own debt. Some people think that they need to consolidate when they can really just talk to creditors directly. Finding the best program is easiest when you understand your personal needs.

Once you are able to determine the best debt consolidation programs that are available, then you can let go of the stress caused by financial hardships. Any person deserves to live a healthy life where they do no have to constantly worry about bankruptcy. Just because a person is having a hard time with their finances does not mean that they can never find a solution that is right for them.

When using a free website to determine which federal government debt consolidation program is right for your needs it is important to remember that there should never be any obligations of fees when requesting a free online quote for any government or private debt relief service. Once you have decided on the program that best suits your personal needs you can begin to work towards lowering your debt and repairing your FICO score. Many who consolidate their debts also choose to work with a trained debt counselor to develop a healthy financial plan for the future, and to avoid falling back into the debt trap.Military debt consolidation loans are offered to the family members of military personnel who are on duty and also for the retired officials. Agencies that favor these kinds of loans are Military Debt Management Services, Military Debt Management Agency, and AAFES. The lending institutions offer better help to such officials and assist them to sail through the troubled waters. Financial institutions lend their hands in assisting military debt consolidation by arranging services to convert their loans to an affordable monthly payment. They offer debt settlement services and negotiate with the creditors to lower the interest rates. There are certain lending companies which are dedicated to the military debt consolidation services. The government is very keen in these kinds of programs after all these persons have dedicated their life for the security of the country.

What is Debt Consolidation? The basic concept behind an effective debt consolidation program is that the debt that a person has accumulated will be bought out by the company and then repaid at a more affordable rate by the original borrower. It is effectively a debt transfer system, but can play a huge role in lightening the financial burden we find ourselves under.For example, a person may have credit card, personal loan, auto loan and a variety of other debts amounting to $50,000. Because these loans are from different lenders, and have different interest rates applied to them, the overall cost can be significantly higher than it needs to be. But by managing debts effectively the cost is reduced.

So, instead of a combined monthly repayment cost of $1,500, through debt consolidation, it can be repaid at one interest rate over a longer period of time, thus reducing the repayment to perhaps $1,000. That leaves extra cash to use for other obligations.The Long-Term Advantages.There is a clear advantage in signing up to a debt consolidation program in that a range of individual debts can be gathered into one, making it much more manageable. But there are more pluses to the equation.

Finding a Nonprofit Debt Consolidation Firm.With the assistance of these nonprofit firms, the debtor can easily avail the debt consolidation programs without having to spend extra cash, which is generally the case when hiring the other professionals. Thus, for the debtor to get such ideal services, it is important for him or her to enroll with a local nonprofit debt consolidation firm. While doing so, it is ideal that the debtor try to gather or the necessarily information regarding the performance of the debt consolidation firms in his or her facility.

What to Watch Out For.The majority of companies offering debt consolidation programs are on the Internet. This in itself has pros and cons, with the chief pro being an accessibility that it hard to match. However, the cons include the risk of unscrupulous operators taking advantage of consumers. To avail of the program, it is necessary to sign a contract, but the terms of any contract need to be examined before it is signed. For example, the company may apply extra fees and charges, and charge heavy fines to any borrower who fails to make payments to them on time. In managing debts effectively then, there can be risks.However, check the firm with the Better Business Bureau for information, and read the small print on contracts carefully. Then, only sign the debt consolidation agreement if fully satisfied everything is alright.




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