One of the most frustrating parts of being in debt is trying to figure out all of your different payments. It seems like just when you’re on top of your finances, another bill arrives in the mail and throws you off kilter again. For people trying to pay down their debt, this inconsistency can be very upsetting and discouraging. If you want to manage your debt, bill consolidation might be a good option. Bill consolidation is not for every situation, but it might help you.Paying Off Debt – Bill ConsolidationHow it WorksBill consolidation works by bringing all of your debt under one lender. The lender then charges you one monthly payment for your debt instead of the multiple payments you have had in the past. Sometimes your single payment is even lower than your multiple payments combined.Usually, you can start bill or debt consolidation by applying for a secured loan. Your home or property secures this loan, so you must be completely sure that you can make your new monthly payment before you sign on the dotted line. Once you have your new loan, you can use it to pay off your old debt. than your current bill situation. Consolidate if you can get a better interest rate or if you are having trouble
making your minimum payments on your current debt.When it WorksDebt/bill consolidation works when you can actually get a better arrangement for yourself than your current bill situation. Consolidate if you can get a better interest rate or if you are having trouble makingyour minimum payments on your current debt.Don’t consolidate if you are close to paying off your debt or have great interest rates. Because a longer term will cost you more in interest, it could be detrimental to your finances to consolidate under these circumstances. Also, don’t consolidate unless you’re committed to paying down your debt. Because you secure your new loan against your property, you could lose your home if you continue to accrue new debt and have trouble making your minimum payment on your consolidation loan.Why it WorksYou may wonder why another lender would want to take over your debt and make life easier for you. Lenders make money off the interest that you pay, as well as fees and other charges. They also can take your home if you’re not able to make your payments, so they’re able to offer you lower interest rates than other creditors.Often, to help you manage your debt; bill consolidation will extend your payment term. The result is that your lender gets to charge you Interest over a longer period of time, which can increase the total amount of interest you have to pay. Now, you may cringe at the idea of paying your lender more in interest, but if your bills are completely unmanageable, paying that extra interest could help you pay off your debt. Missing payment can also cost you a bundle in extra fees, so you might just save money over the long run.Take a look at your consolidation options and at your current finances. It is much better for your finances if you can cut out a few extras and pay off your debt in a few years than it is to consolidate. However, if you are legitimately having trouble making ends meet, debt or bill consolidation might be the best choice for you.