Debt Consolidation

Understanding Debt Consolidation Options

Are you confused by the different definitions for debt consolidation?

Debt consolidation is a term used very broadly. It can refer to a debt management plan offered by a credit counseling service. It can mean a cash-out refinance loan or an unsecured loan to pay off debts. Or, it can be used to describe a debt settlement program.

Professional Debt Consolidation Options

Both credit counseling and debt settlement are options for resolving a debt problem that consolidate your payment. Neither one consolidates a debt.

However, in the debt relief industry, both are often referred to as programs that consolidate your debt.

Credit counseling and debt settlement programs both have you send a single monthly program payment that is used to take care of your debt, but your debts still are owed to your original creditors. If you are looking for this kind of solution to solve your debt problems, you can apply with one of Bills.com's pre-screened partners.

To be used most precisely, "debt consolidation" should be reserved for describing options that actually consolidate your debt, not just your payment. For example, say you owe three different credit cards $5,000 each. If you get a $15,000 loan from your bank that pays off all three credit card debts, leaving you with one debt of $15,000, you have truly consolidated your debt. You no longer owe your three original creditors, having consolidated them into one debt you now owe to your bank.

Debt Consolidation Alternatives

The debt relief industry uses the phrase debt consolidation often, where it is used to describe both payment consolidation options and options that truly consolidate your debt. If you are looking to consolidate debt, because you have a debt problem, it is important to understand exactly how the term debt consolidation is used and how its use affects the pros and cons of each debt solution.

• Debt Settlement: Debt settlement provides an aggressive debt solution designed for people in a financial hardship who have trouble making their monthly payments or will soon have trouble making them. Debt settlement firms obtain reduced pay-off balances by negotiating with your creditors. Debt settlement harms your credit rating, but it is the cheapest way to get out of debt while avoiding bankruptcy. Debt settlement consolidates your payments, but not your debt.
• Credit Counseling: Credit counseling services provide two main services. They provide budgetary assistance after reviewing your finances with you. Credit counseling services also can work to establish a Debt Management Plan for you. In a Debt Management Plan, your interest rates are lowered, speeding up the time it takes you to get out of debt. A credit counseling service’s Debt Management Plan consolidates your payment, but not your debt.
• Cash-out Refinance or HELOC: Both of these are true consolidation alternatives. To qualify for either, you have to have strong credit, qualifying income, and enough equity in your house to borrow against. Many people with debt problems cannot qualify for either of these consolidation alternatives.
• Bankruptcy: A Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out your debts, if you qualify. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy restructures your debts. A Chapter 13 essentially is a payment consolidation option, as you will make one payment to the bankruptcy trustee, who will distribute your payment to your various creditors, whom you still owe.

Debt Consolidation Reviews

You shouldn't choose any particular debt consolidation option before you read reviews from people who tried that approach, so you can learn from their experiences.

Similarly, you should read reviews about particular companies you consider hiring. Reading debt consolidation reviews will help you weed out bad players. Pay closer attention to more recent reviews and keep in mind that the internet is a place that often draws more criticism about companies than praise.

Summary

Take the time to understand the terms used in the debt relief industry, before you select the right option for taking care of your debt. When looking into alternatives for consolidating debt, make sure you understand the difference between debt consolidation and payment consolidation. Either solution may be right for you, but it is important for you to understand how each option works, so you can compare the various pros and cons accurately.

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