Get Out Of Debt

The average person juggles numerous bills each month–credit cards, auto loans, personal loans and more! If you’re getting buried beneath paperwork, you may want to consider a debt consolidation loan. Instead of dealing with multiple creditors, you’ll only have to pay one bill each month. And you can get a debt consolidation loan–even if your credit is not-so-perfect–if you secure it with some type of collateral. Here’s how to get approved:

1. Decide on your collateral

Whatever item you choose as collateral for your loan should be one you’re willing to risk, since the lender could take it if you can’t make your monthly payments. One of the least expensive options would be your home, since you could get a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit or a second mortgage. If you’re not willing to risk your house, you could also use an automobile or a boat. Some lenders will accept stocks or bonds, or even expensive belongings such as jewelry or electronics.

2. Find a lender

You’ll need to find a lender that accepts the type of collateral you’re using to secure your loan. Most major lenders and banks offer home equity loans, and many offer personal loans secured with a vehicle or boat. You may have to dig a little deeper to find a lender that will accept jewelry or other belongings as collateral. Check with your local banks and credit unions, and do a search online to find an appropriate lender.

3. Compare loan rates and terms

Before you sign up with any lender, make sure you compare their rates and terms with similar loans. Some unscrupulous predatory lenders may try to take advantage of your situation by charging you a high interest rate or extra fees. It’s always best to compare at least two loans to ensure that you’re getting the best possible rate.

Try using one of ABC Loan Guide’s Recommended Lenders For A Secured Debt Consolidation Loan.

Secured Debt Consolidation Loans are possible even for those with less-than-perfect credit. By using an expensive item you already own–house, car, boat, jewelry–as collateral, you become less risky as a borrower, making it more likely that you’ll get approved for a loan.

If you need to get control of all the bills, paperwork and account statements that keep flooding your mailbox, you might want to consider debt consolidation. A debt consolidation lender can help you merge all those accounts into one single loan. So how do you find one? Try:

Looking online!

Do an Internet search for words like “debt consolidator,” “debt consolidation,” or “debt management.” Chances are you’ll find thousands of companies that can help you consolidate your accounts into one manageable bill. In general, these companies don’t loan you money. Instead, they work with your creditors and you to come up with a monthly payment plan. They take a lump sum payment from you each month, and then divvy it up and send out the appropriate amounts to all your creditors. Essentially, they do your bill-paying for you!

Checking regular banks!

You might also want to consider getting a debt consolidation loan from a regular bank, credit union or other traditional lender. Some will give you a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit, which will provide you with the cash you need to pay off your creditors. After that, you’ll only have to worry about paying off your Home Equity Loan! Others might give you a personal loan or other type of debt consolidation loan, especially if you can secure it with collateral, such as a car or stocks and bonds.

Asking friends and family!

It might seem like you’re the only person who has ever needed to consolidate debt, but chances are you’re not alone. Most folks have found themselves in a sticky financial situation at some point in time. Ask close friends and family if they have any experience with debt consolidation lenders. It’s likely that someone will be able to recommend a service or company that can meet your needs.

Try using one of ABC Loan Guide’s Recommended Debt Consolidation Companies Online.

There are lots of different options for debt consolidation loans, depending on your personal circumstances like home ownership, available collateral and your credit score. Before making a decision, be sure to explore various options so you can find the best loan for your situation.

Sometimes when you are in debt, it feels as if there is no relief in sight. This is because there are so many myths about debt and debt relief. The fact is, there are many different debt relief solutions that you can explore. Take time to research your options and you may be pleasantly surprised. To help get you started, here is the truth about some of the most common debt relief myths.

Myth One: You Must Pay Your Debts in Full

Fortunately, this is not true. Many creditors will agree to debt reduction arrangements, especially if they feel that a debt settlement is in their best interests. For example, if you file bankruptcy, they have a good chance of receiving nothing. Don’t be afraid to contact your creditors and attempt to arrange a settlement that you can both agree on.

Myth Two: Bad Credit Stays With You Forever

Sometimes it seems that there is no escape from bad credit, but in actuality you can improve your credit score. Start by consolidating your debt. If necessary, get a personal loan. Every time you make a monthly payment on time, you increase your creditworthiness.

Myth Three: If You Have No Collateral, You Can’t Get a Personal Loan

Try using one of ABC Loan Guide’s
Recommended Debt Consolidation Companies Online.

Luckily, this is not true either. If you have no collateral, you can get an unsecured personal loan. Unsecured personal loans do not require you to pledge any collateral against the loan. Lenders will loan money to you in good faith, relying only on your promise to repay the loan according to the terms and conditions that they have established.

If you’ve got debt, you’re not alone. Surveys have found that the average person carries about $8,000 on their credit cards, and most people also have car loans, a mortgage, student loans and more. Paying off credit card debt should be your first priority, however, since credit cards typically have high interest rates. Here are three ways to quickly whittle those balances down:

Drop your rate

The average credit card interest rate is about 14%. But many credit cards feature a special, low-rate introductory offer, such as 0% for six months. Transfer your balance to a low-rate card, and more of your monthly payment will be applied to your principal rather than interest, which drops your balance faster. If you can’t find a lower rate card, try calling your current credit card company and asking for a lower rate.

Boost your payment

Making just the minimum payment on an $8,000 balance means it could take more than four years to pay off your debt if you have a 0% interest rate. Paying more than the minimum is the best way to pay off your balance quickly. Send in an extra $100 a month and you’ll be free of credit card debt in a little more than 2 years. Send in an extra $200 a month and the balance will be paid off in just 20 months.

Consolidate it

If you find yourself in need of extra help, consider a loan consolidator or debt negotiator. These professionals can help you negotiate with credit card companies for a lower interest rate or even a new debt amount. A successful negotiation can help cut the amount you owe down to 80%, 70% or even 60% of the original total, and lowering your balance means you’ll be able to pay it off faster.

Try using one of the recommended debt consolidation lenders at ABC Loan Guide in order to make sure the lender is reputable.

Once you’ve paid off your debt, make a conscious effort to stay debt-free. Avoid using your credit cards unless you can pay off your balance each month. Use only cash or debit for everyday purchases, and save up your money for big purchases like appliances and electronics.