Debt consolidation is becoming a widely talked about way of getting out of debt.
People are wanting to eliminate or reduce their debts and get a fresh start.
They cannot get a fresh start if it is tainted by ruined credit ratings.
So do these consolidation programs really work and what do they do to your credit? With all the talk of bankruptcy and corrupt settlement programs, the answer may surprise you.
Debt consolidation is one of the few debt remedies that may have a positive impact on your credit scores.
Consolidation can even stop the negative credit marks that normally occur when you fall behind in your debts.
This is accomplished by paying off the debt, with a low interest loan.
This loan can be secured through assets, or a personal loan that is unsecured.
Either option offers an interest rate that is far below the average credit card interest rate of 23% APR.
Since these high interest loans are paid, they can no longer affect your credit.
In fact, they show as paid, which can help your credit.
Consolidation loans should also have good terms.
This means that they have a while to be paid back in full.
Longer terms reduce your monthly payments, but increase the total cost of the loan.
This can be offset by using the savings to pay against the principle, or original amount of the loan.
By paying against the principle, you reduce the amount of time you have to pay on the loan and the total cost of the loan.
When you have paid off the consolidation, your credit reflects a successful payoff of another loan.
That has another beneficial affect on your credit.
Debt consolidation agencies can not only get you out of debt, but can put you on the path to credit recovery.
Anyone that struggles with debt should look into consolidation services.
They work and when used properly, can get you out of debt quickly, with no damage to your credit rating.