What are debt consolidation companies? What is debt consolidation in the first place? Debt consolidation refers to the practice of taking out one loan and paying off other loans and liabilities so that one has one big loan that has better terms. This means that if one has taken out many smaller loans, such loans are then consolidated and repaid as one. When we talk about favorable terms, we mean issues such as lower interest rates, lower repayments either monthly or quarterly, and so on. If you want to take out such a loan, you can contact lenders specializing in debt consolidation so they can educate you on the same and the best way to go about it.
How Does Debt Consolidation Work?
For people who are saddled with multiple loans and credit cards, they can pay off such loans and liabilities by consolidating them and repaying all of these in one big loan. Payment will be made on the new debt until it is fully repaid. The process can be done at one’s bank, credit union, or even at a debt consolidation company.
One of the reasons creditors are for debt consolidation is that it is a good assurance that the borrower will repay their loans all at one time in one lump sum. All loans are transferred to one lender and the borrower pays for the debts at one time to one debtor. For the people who have a problem repaying their loans, debt settlement is recommended. This is a situation where the borrower negotiates with a lender for better terms to help them repay the loan.
What is a Debt Consolidation Company?
A debt consolidation company offers the service to people who want to roll all their loans into one major loan that they can pay over a certain period. Many debt consolidation companies exist solely for this service. One of the best ways to have better interest rates when consolidating your debt is by having a good credit record.
So, how should one go about finding the best debt consolidation company? What are some of the factors that one needs to consider? We shall discuss this issue in this article.
Here are things to look for in the best debt consolidation companies:
1. Does it Have Agency Affiliations?
You want to be sure that the company you engage in is registered with the right associations. These are the National Foundation of Credit Counseling or the Financial Counseling Association of America. If the company you are engaging in is part of any of the above associations, then it is reputable enough. Engage such a company.
2. Does it Have Non-Profit Status?
Some debt consolidation companies will claim to be non-profit. This is a good way to attract people who need to consolidate their debts. To be sure of this status, you should ask the company to produce a certificate as proof of non-profit status. If the company hesitates to produce the certificate, you can take that to be a cause for suspicion.
3. Beware of Bait and Switch
Beware of some companies that will try to advertise the best debt consolidation services while they offer another product when they contact you. This is what is known as the bait and switch tactic. As such, pay attention to their ad and ask as many questions as possible. If the lender wants to propose any other service other than debt consolidation, then you can refuse their service.
4. Consider the Interest Rate
The interest rate that you will pay for the consolidated loan should be lower than what you are currently paying on the various outstanding loans. You should not just focus on a lower repayment but consider the interest rate as it indicates the success of the consolidated debt.
5. Consider the Loan Terms
Remember the overall loan terms should help you to repay the consolidated loan in the shortest time possible. It should also be as economical as possible. Some debt consolidation companies could propose a longer repayment period but one that would mean you will pay more in the end. Interrogate the company about its terms and conditions before you decide to commit.
6. What are the Fees and the Costs of the Service?
This is yet another factor that has a big bearing on the debt. Depending on the company, some fees and costs are involved when closing the new loan. Some of these fees can be upfront. Does the lender offer to add these fees to the total cost of the loan? If this is the case, remember you will pay interest on these fees for the period of the loan.