Statistics suggest that as much as 1,057,686 people in the US have filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy during the 12-month period ending March 2010. People consider filing for bankruptcy an easy way of getting out of debit. However, the fact is that bankruptcy hurts credit ratings for several years, during which the person is not allowed to take any loans.
Hence, in situations of mounting loans, consolidating all loans into a single account is a wise decision. Debt consolidation allows one the comfort of paying through a single account, rather than keep track of multiple accounts and make separate payments. It also offers you the following benefits.
1.Lowered interest rates
2.Easy payment through one source
3.Avoid charges like late fees
4.Reduction in payment period
5.No calls from various creditors
These benefits notwithstanding, one needs to be cautious about consolidating loans. Here are other useful points about loan consolidation.
How Much to Pay for Debt Consolidation?
Consultants usually charge two types of fees for a debt consolidation program:
1.One time representation fee: Fees charged for maintaining communication with creditors.
2.Monthly representation fee: Fees paid on a monthly basis for handling monthly payments along with their distribution to creditors.
Points to Remember While Opting for Debt Consolidation
Here are some tips to remember while choosing a consolidated loan:
1.Choose a reputable debt consolidation company
2.Always go for free consultation before opting for a program
3.Give your consent to a plan that suits your financial position
4.Be careful about the initial fees charged
5.Do not opt for a plan that has a low rate of interest but high repayment period.
6.Do not include low interest payments in your plan.
7.Avoid taking personal loan with high rates of interest.