Debt consolidation loans combine multiple and often high-interest rate loans into one loan. One benefit of debt consolidation is that borrowers can choose to pay off the debt over a longer period, thus reducing the amount of their monthly payments. On the downside, borrowers pay more in interest charges. Some borrowers save money in interest, but this is provided that the interest rate on the consolidation loan is much lower than that on the original loans. Borrowers who are repaying high-interest credit cards and other high-interest loans benefit from consolidating their loans. Borrowers who have a good credit rating benefit from consolidation even more because they are likely to get a lower rate of interest.
Borrowers who opt for debt consolidation loans make only one monthly payment, which simplifies their finances. They have one creditor and onr interest rate to deal with.
Dealing with one financial institution is an obvious benefit because it would involve less stress than dealing with many creditors. It is easier to keep track of payments and avoid late payments when borrowers deal with one creditor only.
Apart from paying more in the long run, there are other disadvantages of consolidation. A longer repayment period means that it will take longer to resume control over one’s finances and become debt-free. Borrowers who consolidate multiple credit card debts would not have to meet the minimum payment only. They have to make the same payment every month. Persons who have erratic or seasonable income find this inconvenient. A sudden loss of income (for example, unexpected job loss) may make debt consolidation a burden.
In many cases, consolidation requires offering some valuable asset (vehicle, house) as collateral. While creditors offer a lower interest rate, borrowers who take a secured loan may lose the asset they have pledged. This is one of the major risks associated with debt consolidation. Borrowers who have double the debt can lose their home if some hardship occurs. A home equity loan is a form of secured loan and credit cards are not. Persons who cannot make the minimum payment will not lose their home, although their credit score will be affected. It may be a good idea to apply for an unsecured loan because collateral is not required. These loans carry less risk because the borrower’s home will not be repossessed on default. Lenders, on the other hand, offer higher interest rates because they take more risk.
Borrowers who apply for a consolidation loan may have their application rejected. This will be reflected in their credit file, and persons in this situation may find it more difficult to obtain financing in the future.
Persons who are overburdened with debt have other alternatives, depending on their situation. Among them are debt settlement, declaring bankruptcy, and credit counseling.