2007-04-20 16:31:26 · 12 answers · asked by atur.service 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Not usually a good idea. It's not that they're evil or anything, but if you consolidate your debt, you aren't addressing the initial problem, and more often than not, you end up back in the same situation as before the consolidation, but with one more big debt than the first time.
Once you've addressed the bigger problems, a consolidation might be ok, but it is never a solution to the problem.
2007-04-20 16:33:15 · answer #1 · answered by skip742 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It would be a blessing if you stopped spending any money that you don't have left over after making your debt consolidation payment. But most people don't. They keep their credit cards open and continue to use them. So, in a year, they're maxed out again, but now they have max credit card payments plus a debt consolidation loan. The only real solution is to pay off your debt as quickly as possible and while you're doing it, live on a cash basis. Difficult and requires discipline, but it is the only answer.
2007-04-20 16:35:10 · answer #2 · answered by Still reading 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While the idea sounds good, these companies are notorious for the outrageous fees and making the payments on which everyone has agreed late. The debt consolidation will affect your credit score negatively and the late payments will just make it worse.
If you need that single payment, try getting a loan to consolidate all your debt. Make sure you stop using all your credit cards, so that you do not end up in the hole again.
Save the money in fees and do the same thing yourself
2007-04-20 16:36:33 · answer #3 · answered by Matt 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are asking about businesses that 'help' people with managing their payments then i say "Nay." They are in business to make money. They make money by charging you for the 'services' they provide. You can do all the services yourself and use that money to reduce your debt. Call your creditors. Ask for forbearance, reduced interest rates, waiver of fees, longer time to pay, etc. Close all of your credit cards so that you cannot charge anymore.
If you are asking about getting a debt consolidation loan to reduce your payments then I say "Yea." Just be sure it's a lower interest than you're paying now and close the other accounts when they are paid off. Good luck.
2007-04-20 18:25:50 · answer #4 · answered by Santal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I looked into one about 7 years ago and I didn't like how they were in control of all my money. I never signed up because they basically babysit you until your debt is paid off. They tell you how much to spend on everything.
I would recommend trying to get a loan either from a bank or MBNA, which is now Bank of America, and use the money to pay off as much of your debt as possible. I went through MBNA, consolidated 3 high interest rate credit cards and got out of debt in 2 years.
2007-04-20 16:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by MigrainBoy161 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"A debt consolidation program helps to get out of all high interest debts. There are various types of debt consolidation loans.
Home equity loan is one such debt consolidation program where a person can use home to get a loan.
This is a secured loan and the interest rates are low compered to unsecured loans.
Selecting a online debt consolidation is very easy as it allows you to total all your debts into one small payment."
2007-04-22 02:15:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yea, as long as you don't add more debt to the consolidation. It will take you a while to get out of debt, but once you do, it's great! My paycheck is finally mine!
2007-04-20 16:34:14 · answer #7 · answered by needtoknow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can consolidate your debt on your own and dont't really need a program to do it. There is a really cool new debt consolidation alternative that is available on a web site called Prosper.com. Prosper.com is a peer-to-peer lending alternative that removes the big banks form the mix and places people who need money in contact with people who are willing to lend it. The way it works is that people who need money request it, and other people bid for the privilege of lending it to them. Prosper makes sure everything is safe, fair and easy.
On prosper.com my partner and I have established a group called Addventure Capital. We are two professionals with 20+ years experience in the financial services industry. It is our goal to help people like you by creating debt consolidation loans and helping you get your loan funded. We will personally endorse your loan request and consider investing in your loan ourselves. Follow our guidance and you’ll have the best chance of getting your loans funded. We have clear – mathematically proven – strategies to maximize your chances of getting the money you need.
In order to take advantage of our services you need to follow the link below and join our group. Through analysis we have found that the most important factor in whether a loan gets funded on prosper.com is a group leader endorsement. If you join our group and apply for a loan through prosper.com via our group we will endorse your loan and help you get it funded.
For more information follow the link to:
https://www.prosper.com/groups/group_home.aspx?group_short_name=AddventureCapital
Click on “Join Group” on the right side of the screen and everything else should be self-explanatory.
2007-04-24 14:35:32 · answer #8 · answered by FinanceGuy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cursed/Nay
2007-04-20 16:33:15 · answer #9 · answered by fade_this_rally 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say they are not a blessing because they end up damaging your credit while they play around with your money.
2007-04-20 16:34:52 · answer #10 · answered by hombre_riendo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋