What Is Debt Consolidation?

It doesn’t take much to find yourself in debt. Whether times are difficult, or you simply are living your life to the fullest, debt can sneak up on you. While consumers are always better off being more proactive in managing financials, the cost of living is often too much for the average family to bear. If you find you are having difficulty managing your debt, debt consolidation might be the best way to get back on track. Here’s everything you need to know about debt consolidation.

For Starters, What Is Debt Consolidation?

Debt consolidation uses a single loan or form of credit to pay off all your debt in one lump sum. The goal of debt consolidation is to find the lowest interest rate available on a loan, so you pay off your debt and then have a single monthly lower payment. You save money on interest, find an easier way to manage your budget, and maintain a good credit rating.

Is Debt Consolidation Available For Everyone?

Unfortunately, debt consolidation is only available for those who have managed to keep a healthy credit report. If you have a low credit score, it can become more difficult to qualify for a debt consolidation loan. It’s always best to consider debt consolidation while you are still able to pay your creditors but are finding it more and more difficult.

How Do I Get A Debt Consolidation Loan?

You have two options for debt consolidation:

1. A home equity loan secured by the equity in your home
2. An unsecured loan through a lender

In both cases, you receive a lump sum of money from the lender, which is paid directly to your existing creditors. You then pay one monthly payment to the debt consolidation company until it is repaid in full.

What Is A Home Equity Loan?

Consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit uses the equity built up in your home as collateral against the loan. While this sounds like an easy option, you should remember your home is being put on the line. Because it is a form of mortgage, if you don’t make your payments, the lender can take your home.

Additionally, if you have higher equity in your home than the Illinois home exemption provides, you might lose your protection should you file for bankruptcy. Always understand your rights as a consumer before committing to this type of loan.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Debt Consolidation?

Here are the pros and cons of debt consolidation:

Pros

• You can improve your cash flow by reducing the total amount you pay each month toward debt
• You can reduce the overall amount you pay toward interest while improving payments against the principal owed
• You can seek peace-of-mind by reducing your monthly credit bills to a single bill

Cons

• Not everyone can qualify for a debt consolidation loan
• A home equity loan can put your house on the line
• It can take longer to pay off a debt consolidation loan
• You won’t always find the ideal interest rate to make it worthwhile

While debt consolidation is one of the best ways to avoid drastic measures such as filing for bankruptcy, it’s important to be an educated consumer in order to make smart decisions.

If you have questions about debt consolidation, schedule a consultation with our team by calling (847) 440-5998 or contacting us online.