Low interest bill consolidation can help people buried under a mountain of ever-increasing debt get back on their feet again. High rate credit cards, loans with fluctuating rates, and dozens of creditors sending monthly bills and demanding payments can frustrate the calmest of individuals. Reorganizing these debts under one loan with one solid rate and one monthly payment provides a way for many individuals to better manage personal debt. Rates are generally lower than the average rate of current bills. Installments are smaller, giving consumers the opportunity to use surplus funds to reduce debt even further. Low interest bill consolidation is convenient and can give great hope to those in despair. Credit card debt, student and car loans, as well as debt attached to high rates can all be consolidated into one account with a lower rate. Low interest bill consolidation generally comes in two types. Secured loans are based on collateral, an item that is used to ensure repayment of the amount borrowed. If the debtor defaults or doesn't pay back what is owed, the collateral is taken. Secured contracts generally come with lower rates because they are secured. Unsecured consolidation loans usually have higher rates but still lower than credit card rates. Without the security of collateral, individuals must have good credit to be approved. The higher a consumer's credit rating, the lower rate he or she can qualify for. However, regardless of the loan type, low interest bill consolidation doesn't reduce personal debt. It simply combines debt under a lower rate that is more management for the consumer. Because payment terms are usually longer, even with lower rates and installments, the final payout amount could be greater than the initial pre-consolidated debt. Plus, some creditors will add additional fees to compensate for what they lose in lower interest or charge penalties for early payoff. In some cases, it could be worth a higher rate to avoid such penalties.
Some of the best options for low interest bill consolidation are through home equity. Home equity loans tend to carry the lowest interest rates of any loan type. Those rates are often tax-deductible up to $100,000. There are several options for consumers who have built up enough equity in their homes to use for personal debt repayment. Since rates are fixed, refinancing a home can actually reduce the rate on a home mortgage, if timed right, as well as outstanding debt. The debt is rolled into the mortgage. This could result in higher mortgage installments, plus additional closing costs. These fees can outweigh the amount saved on interest. Consumers can also take out a second mortgage loan to repay debts. Payments and rates are also fixed. Payoff terms range between 10 and 30 years, and there is no prepayment penalty. Thirdly, home equity lines of credit are open lines of credit that can be used over and over again as the balance is paid down. Lines of credit have very low variable rates and a draw period of 5 to 10 years. However, early termination of a line of credit does result in a penalty fee. In all of these cases, an individual's home is used for collateral. Defaulting results in the loss of a home. In addition, consumers with little equity built up could have difficulty selling a home or if they do sell, could be stuck with an even larger debt.
Individuals with good credit can take advantage of special credit card offers as a type of low interest bill consolidation. Many credit cards will offer low introductory rates for transferred debt. If used properly, these offers can help consumers greatly reduce their debt load. However, financial advisors warn them to use these offers with caution. Offers are usually only good for a limited amount of time - usually six or twelve months. Once it expires, resulting rates can be quite high. If payments are missed or late, high fees are charged. These card offers also have a lot of conditions, so consumers must read the fine print before choosing this option. Plus, new credit cards can tempt consumer to purchase even more. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) Before taking this option, check with current credit card companies to see if their rates can be adjusted. Many companies will negotiate rates to keep customers around.
Consumers have many other options to take advantage of as well. Hiring a professional who specializes in low interest bill consolidation can be helpful. These services set up a new loan with a lower rate and one monthly payment that is comfortable for the consumer. Debt management counselors help people in debt by negotiating with creditors to reduce the total amount of debt. The consumer pays one installment to the counselor who then pays all the creditors. However, the consumer remains responsible, even if the counselor makes a late payment. Credit ratings will drop and it can do more harm than good. Individuals can also borrow against their own retirement accounts with no pre-qualification or credit checks required. Rates are generally low and are paid right back into the account. Be careful to borrow against the account. Withdrawing from the account is subject to a 10% penalty, and if the borrower loses his or her job, the amount must be paid immediately. Low interest bill consolidation can be a great way to repay outstanding debt, but each option must be weighed carefully to make sure it doesn't end up costing the consumer more than the original debt. The goal is to get out of debt, not pay more. Always compare the final payout amount of several options before deciding on a final plan of action.
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