Search
Recommended Products
Related Links


 

 

Informative Articles

Borrowing Money to Consolidate Debt
Debt consolidation is usually done by taking out a big loan to pays off other smaller loans. This is called a debt consolidation program. Debt consolidation programs can be very beneficial to borrowers, but may also put you at risk of...

Debt Consolidation can and will ruin your credit!
Yes, Debt Cosolidation isn't a good idea and I'll tell you why. I've done research of my own and found out some disturbing information. You've seen those long drawn out commercials full of promises to get you out of debt. They use words like...

Debt Consolidation with Free Government Grants? One Scam to Avoid
Have you ever seen a commercial or an ad promising “free government grant money?” According to these ads, the government and other organizations give away nearly one half a trillion dollars each year, and all you need to do is apply! The ads go...

UK Credit Card and Debt Consolidation Loans
Your current situation. You have got several credit and store cards and several loans. You are finding it difficult to make the payments each month. Generally you do make the required payments but this means that other parts of your like are...

Why You May Need Credit Card Debt Consolidation
You find yourself in a situation of mounting credit card debt. You have 5 credit cards in your wallet and have been shopping more than you earn. Initially you had no problems managing your funds but it has started to snowball not too long ago. Your...

 
Google
Debt Settlement Vs. Debt Consolidation

Debt settlement and debt consolidation both offer ways of reducing your debt. Debt settlement eliminates part of your loans, while debt consolidation reduces interest rates. Even though debt consolidation has the least impact on your credit score, there are cases when debt settlement is a better option.

Lower Debt

The goal of both debt settlement and debt consolidation is to lower your debt. Debt settlement companies negotiate with your creditors to sometimes reduce the amount of your loans. You will be charged a fee, and the debt reduction will remain on your credit score for seven years.

Debt settlement can reduce your debt 10% to 50%. To get the most out of the program, pay off the rest of your debt as soon as possible. Also, close accounts that you don't plan on using to raise your credit score.

Debt consolidation pays off your high interest debts with a low interest loan. Home equity loans provide the lowest rates, but personal loans can also be used. With rates lower on your debt, you can pay off the principal sooner by making the same monthly payments.

Credit Score Implication

Reducing your loans through debt settlement is a serious mark


to creditors. You credit score will drop, making you ineligible for conventional loans. But you can apply for subprime credit after a year. After a couple of years of good credit habits, you can then apply for lower rate conventional loans.

Taking out a loan to consolidate your debt will have a slight impact on your credit. Since your debt isn't actually increasing, you will only be hit for opening another account. By closing your paid off accounts, you can partially offset the penalty. In a short period though, you will be in good credit standing if you follow best practices with your credit.

Financial Choices

No one financial choice fits everyone's needs. While debt consolidation has the least affect on your credit report, additional loans may be too expensive. In extreme cases, debt settlement can help to avoid bankruptcy. Before deciding on an option, look at what companies are offering in terms of rates and fees. And if you need additional advice, talk to a credit counselor who can take a look at your finances and offer suggestions.

About the author:

View our recommended companies for Debt Solutions.