You have probably heard the term “bill consolidation” before, but what does it really mean? Simply put, bill consolidation (debt consolidation) means to transfer all of your current debts into one solitary loan, where one monthly payment takes the places of several individual payments. In most cases, bill consolidation refers to unsecured debt like credit cards or personal loans (anything that does not have an asset to back it up).
Why should I choose bill consolidation?
High interest rates. If you have several different forms of debt [i.e. credit cards, loans, etc] then most likely they all have varying interest rates. Store credit cards can have especially high interest rates. If you choose to consolidate your bills, then you will be combining both high and low interest rates from all of your debts into one payment. This will usually result in a lower interest rate overall, which can help you get out of debt faster.
Getting a handle on your out-of-control finances. Bill consolidation can provide a solution to many of the problems you might be experiencing if your finances have gotten out of control. Often times, consolidating can reduce your debt anywhere from 40-60% by eliminating extra interest and fees. It can also put a stop to threats and harassing calls from debt collectors and help you rebuild poor credit.
If you are considering bankruptcy. Many people don’t realize that bill consolidation is a good alternative to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can be a lengthy and costly process, which will result in ruined credit for 7-10 years. For more information on bankruptcy you can check out www.nolo.com.
Can I still consolidate my bills if I have bad credit?
If you currently have a poor credit score, you are probably wondering how you could get approved for another loan in order to consolidate your bills. Well, it is possible. There are a great number of debt consolidation companies that would be willing to work with you. You may not be able to get the lowest rate available, but it will still be lower than what you have now. Bill consolidation can also help you gradually improve your credit score by paying off all of your current debts and creating one monthly payment. As long as your pay your new payment on time, you will be well on your way to getting out of debt and rebuilding your credit.
You can check your credit report once every twelve months for free. Beware of companies that make you pay for your credit report because many times, you will be automatically enrolled in a monthly fee. Read the fine print and be sure to check your bank account regularly!
