Debt consolidation article: Understanding Debt Consolidation

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Almost every person who has ever faced debt problems has thought for one moment about debt consolidation. It sounds like a great way to simplify your situation. It sounds like a way out. A lower payment sounds like what you are looking for.

But thank goodness, there are many people out there that are scared of the step. They take the time to thoroughly understand what consolidation really means. In many cases, the consolidation company simply requires you to take out a second mortgage or a home equity loan. If you do this to pay your debts, you are simply moving your debts around. Yes, you get a lower interest rate, but now your home is at risk. If you continue to charge on your cards, you will be in big trouble.

If you were to lose your job or have an emergency, you don't have to find a way to pay your debts. You have to find a way to keep your home. It is a serious situation.

Some debt consolidation loans don't actually offer you a better interest rate than the individual creditors will. If you are really serious about paying off your debt, then you can often negotiate with the individual creditors for better interest rates. These rates can often be more favorable than those charged by debt consolidation companies (who are probably throwing a fee into your rate).

Consumers with serious debt mistakenly assume that one loan looks better than several outstanding debts on a credit report. However, most consolidation efforts will have a negative effect on credit ratings at first. This is becuase a key portion of your score is made of the length of time you have accounts open. If you close all your accounts for a new consolidation loan, you are cutting your credit history.

Don't just assume that consolidation is the magic solution. You have to realize that your spending is what got you into this situation. Getting a loan will not magically solve your spending issues. Over time, new debt will reappear. Make sure that you are really truly ready to change your habits.

There are many companies out there that are just fronts for unscrupulous lenders looking to cash in on your desperation. Make sure that you know who you are dealing with. Don't pay fees up front. Have a lawyer look over any loan papers before you sign them. Check with the Better Business Bureau and the state attorney general's office for any complaints or open investigations.

That being said, not all debt consolidation is bad. There are some people that really benefit from the help that it provides. It simply depends on your situation. The lower interest rates and ability to pay off your debt faster may be best found in debt consolidation. The key is to make sure that you know exactly what you are getting into and are carefully making decisions about your debt.

About the author of Understanding Debt Consolidation

Martin Lukac http://www.MartinLukac.com , represents http://www.RateEmpire.com , an Internet consumer banking marketplace. RateEmpire.com is a destination site of personal finance, investing, taxes and mortgage rates. RateEmpire.com provides mortgage guides and financial rates and information. RateEmpire.com also operates a financial portal #1 American Financial, found at http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com