subject: Common Debt Reduction Solutions - What Debt Relief Option Is Best For You? [print this page] Common Debt Reduction Solutions - What Debt Relief Option Is Best For You?
If you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from debt spiraling out of control, then you are probably already aware of the multitude of debt reduction solutions available to you. From bankruptcy to consolidation, there are many options available. But which one is right for you? And what do they all really mean?
If you are drowning in debt already, the one thing you really don't want is to make it worse. This article can help you find the solution that will help you, instead of the things that may end up hurting you. Debt reduction solutions are many, but are not all equal.
Debt Consolidation Promises and Failings
One of the most commonly advertised debt reduction solutions is debt consolidation. Debt consolidation is the taking of many payments to many creditors and reducing them down to a single payment, usually to the debt consolidation company. This can, in theory, reduce the amount of money owed.
But it can also hurt. If the debt reduction company offers you a loan, be careful! Usually, to be in a situation where you need debt reduction solutions, you are a terrible credit risk. As such, any loans offered may be laden with huge interest rates. Be careful and do your research before signing paperwork, it probably won't help your situation to have a loan with an interest rate in the mid-20s to pay off.
Debt reduction agencies can help, but it is important to remember that they are business, and businesses are looking to turn a profit.
Your Home As A Debt Reduction Solution
There are good debt reduction solutions out there. Many of the good ones revolve around having a home. Homes equal equity, and equity equals lower fees and costs.
The two big options are home equity loans and cash-out refinancing. A home equity loan is a loan against the value of your house, and usually has a low interest rate. This allows you to use money gained on a low interest rate to pay off money owed with higher interest rates. Cash-out refinancing increases your home loan to more than the value of your home, allowing you to use the extra cash to pay bills. This also has a lower interest rate than most credit cards or other debts. But since you'll be making payments for many, many years you should not jump into this solution without truly thinking it through.
There are literally dozens of other debt reduction solutions available, and the key is good decision making to find the right one. If a deal seems to good to be true, it is.
