Debt Consolidation – When Should You Consolidate

Exactly when is the right time to consolidate anyway?  You hear a lot of debt consolidation pitches.  You read about the benefits of debt consolidation.  Does this mean you should consolidate because experts say it’s good for your finances?  This article will try to shed light on when debt consolidation is called for.

Should you consolidate because you have multiple debts?

Not necessarily.  Definitely, a necessary condition for debt consolidation is the existence of multiple debts.  However, you don’t have to consolidate your loans just because you have a lot of loans.  If you’re not finding it hard to cope with your loans, then you may go on as you are doing though, of course, you may think of restructuring your loans and paying some off just so you can get the best rates and terms possible.

Should you consolidate when you are receiving credit collection calls?

Yes, you should begin looking at debt consolidation options when you are already receiving collection calls.  Credit collection agents are some of the most persistent personnel in the world.  After all, most of them get paid through commission.  Thus, they’re deeply committed to making you pay.  Unscrupulous debt collectors would even begin harassing you just so you’d e bugged enough to make a payment.

If you’re at this advanced stage, the best way would be to approach a reputable debt consolidation agency.  There are debt consolidating agents who will let you consult for free, and they can certainly help you sort through your financial problems.  However, going to a professional debt consolidation agency will give you more options such as in-house debt financing.  If they don’t offer in-house loans, they can still find you a good debt consolidation loan and even negotiate your current loans with your creditors.

However, do take note that this type of debt consolidation has repercussions on your credit record.  However, this professionally guided debt consolidation option is best if you truly need help with your financial problems.

When’s the perfect time for debt consolidation?

It is when you are finding it hard to cope with your loans that you should consolidate.  Ask yourself the following questions:

1.Do you have more than two loans?
2.Do you get confused about your various loans’ monthly due dates?
3.Do you have to keep calling customer service to ascertain interest rates?
4.Have you missed one or more due dates because of a payment mistake (i.e. you sent payment for one loan to the wrong creditor)?
5.Have you defaulted on one or more of your loans?
6.Are you paying mostly interest and not making headway on your principal?
7.Are you finding it difficult to meet minimum dues?
8.Are you sending out at least one check every week?

If you answered YES to all or almost all of the questions above, then you may have a problem brewing on your hands.  This is the perfect time for debt consolidation – when the problem is at its early stages.  At this point, you can obtain a secured loan (say home equity loan) and use the proceeds to pay of every single loan you have.  This will not have an adverse impact on your credit record – in fact, it may even enhance it.

Simply put, the right time for debt consolidation would be when you’re having problems coping with multiple debts but are still in control of your finances.

Are You Having A Hard Time Dealing With Debt?

Are you having trouble paying your bills? Receiving dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?

You’re not alone. Many people face financial crises at some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or simple overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. The fact is that your financial situation doesn’t have to go from bad to worse.

If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.

Developing a Budget
The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your “fixed” expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.

Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.

Contacting Your Creditors
Contact your creditors immediately if you’re having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it’s difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don’t wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.

Dealing with Debt Collectors
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal law that dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you. A debt collector may not call you before 8 a.m., after 9 p.m., or while you’re at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn’t approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honor a written request from you to stop further contact.

Credit Counseling
If you’re not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can’t work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can’t keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that just because an organization says it’s “nonprofit,” there’s no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or pressure consumers to make large “voluntary” contributions that can cause more debt.

Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.

Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.