Debt consolidation is a path to getting rid of your financial burdens one payment at a time.
Instead of facing down the barrels of twenty creditors every month, all at varying (and usually sky high) interest rates, you can condense those payments into one bill with an interest rate that varies depending on your ability to repay.
There are so many advantages to debt consolidation that it almost seems like a knight without any chinks in his armor.
But even good things have down sides.
What could possibly be negative about making fewer payments? It all depends on the following factors: The possibility of default: Before you consider debt consolidation, and especially before you decide on it, you must make sure that the option you select will work for the needs of your debt.
You can't always be sure that you are going to be able to come up with a plan that benefits you.
It all depends on the size and extent of your debt.
If you are unable to repay your debt consolidation loan then you stand an even greater chance of damaging your credit in the long term.
So before you decide on debt consolidation, make sure you have selected a plan that is right for you.
The fine print: Do you have a fixed or variable interest rate on the debt consolidation device you are using? Too often, debt-ridden people are so desperate for escape that they sign up for the first flashy thing that seems like it will help.
Unfortunately, plans such as a zero-percent credit card are often successful in attracting their attention, all the while hiding shady gimmicks under the surface.
Just what kind of shady gimmicks? Well, for starters, that zero percent credit card isn't going to last forever.
And when the rate finally does go up, it's much higher than anyone hoping to get out of debt can pay.
And the worst part is that if you don't pay on time every month, you can say goodbye to that terrific rate! The interest rate: When buying into a debt consolidation loan, even from a reputable source, you aren't necessarily doing yourself a service.
In order for it to be a good idea, you must be able to verify that the interest rate you would receive is going to result in a lower payment, when the hard reality is that some debts are not necessarily going to garner you a low enough interest rate to make that much of a difference.
The credit risk: If you choose to seek the help of a qualified professional to help you manage your debt, and that debt management results in a debt consolidation, don't think for a minute that it will automatically help your credit risk.
In fact, it could actually be a black mark on your credit score, because the consolidation technically results in the inability to pay the original loans.
Debt consolidation is usually a good choice for those looking at a better and faster way to escape debt, but there are risks and factors to consider in determining if it is the right choice for you.
Think before you act.