If you have a lot of debts to settle, a lump sum payment may be too expensive to consider. Your only viable option might be to use a debt consolidation loan. Debt consolidation loans allow you to combine all your debts into a single, lower interest rate loan. This will not only help you minimize your debt, but you will also find it useful if you have high-interest rate debts to pay. There are basically 4 types of debt consolidation loans you can consider;
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Home Equity | Types Of Debt Consolidation Loans
The first one is Home Equity. A home equity loan is a loan that’s taken out using the equity in your home as collateral. You typically must have a fair amount of equity in your home and good credit to qualify for a home equity loan. While the interest rates are typically lower than other types of loans, the drawback is that your home is now on the line for your credit card debt. If the payments become unaffordable, you face foreclosure on your home. Because of that, it’s generally not a good idea to use a home equity loan as a debt consolidation loan. Unless you’re sure you can meet up with the payment.
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Credit Card Balance Transfers | Types Of Debt Consolidation Loans
With a credit card balance transfer, you transfer your credit card balances onto a single credit card, ideally with a low-interest rate. Low balance transfer interest rates are typically promotional rates that expire after a minimum of six months. If you choose to transfer balances, make sure you know when the low rate will expire and the regular interest rate that will go into effect for the remaining balance. If you want to use a credit card balance transfer as a debt consolidation loan, you’ll need a credit card with a large enough credit limit to hold all your credit card debt.
While this option might look more attractive, there is a downside to consolidating debt with a balance transfer – a hit to your credit score. Putting too much debt on one credit card could have a negative impact on your credit score as your credit utilization goes up. However, as you pay down your balance, your credit score will rebound.
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Personal Loans
Personal loans can be used as debt consolidation loans if you can borrow a loan large enough to cover all your balances. A personal loan is an unsecured loan that has fixed payments over a fixed period of time. Once you’re approved for a personal loan, you can use it to consolidate your debts.
Depending on your credit rating, you could have trouble getting approved for a personal loan. If you have bad credit you may be approved but at a higher interest rate. Or you may not be approved at all. Taking a high-interest rate personal loan would let you combine your balances. But you may not save money in the long run.
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Debt Consolidation From Banks
Banks and credit unions also offer debt consolidation loans for the sole purpose of combining your debts. Debt consolidation loans vary, so it’s important that you choose wisely. These loans ideally have a lower interest rate than the rates you’re currently paying. Be aware that sometimes the lower monthly payment is achieved by increasing the repayment period. It could mean that you pay more interest overall because of the longer repayment timeline.
Choosing a Loan Type
Know that with any type of debt consolidation loan, you’re not getting rid of your debt. Instead, you’re simply shuffling it around so that it becomes easier to pay. You’ll feel like you have less debt and may be tempted to borrow more. Practice discipline and avoid borrowing until after your debt consolidation loan has been completely repaid. Even then, it’s important that use good judgment in taking on additional debt.
