Debt Consolidation Calculator
Debt Consolidation Loan
Wouldn’t it be nice to make just one payment per month instead of several? Most of us not only have a mortgage payment. We have car payments, credit card payments, student loans, etc.
If you have been living in your home for a reasonable amount of time and you have acquired enough equity, you might want to consider a debt consolidation loan.
A debt consolidation loan is using the equity you have acquired in your home from monthly payments and appreciation to pay off all of your outstanding debt, leaving you with one monthly payment instead of several. Consolidating your debt has the potential to save you a lot of cash on a monthly basis if you have accumulated a lot of debt.
The interest rates on credit cards alone are considerably higher than that which you would receive on a mortgage.
Another benefit is the interest you pay on your debt consolidation loan is tax deductible, unlike your other debt.
Consolidating your debt is a great way to save money, but don’t just dive in. Take the time to educate yourself about the mortgage industry and definitely shop around for the best deal. The mortgage industry is very competitive, so let them compete for your business.
Another benefit to consolidating your debt is that it will help your credit score go up.
The accounts you have outstanding that you owe money to are called open trade lines, by paying these off and than closing a few of them to keep your debt under control, you will be effectively increasing your credit score over time, which is how lenders determine your payment history.
Secured Loan Debt Consolidation
Secured loans make your creditors feel more secure about loaning you money. When someone takes out a secured loan, that simply means there is collateral to back up the money they borrowed. This could be a car, or more commonly, a house. There are pros and cons to getting a secured loan as opposed to a standard loan for debt consolidation.
Home Equity Line of Credit - Perhaps one of the most common secured loans is the home equity line of credit. This loan amount is based on how much equity you have in your home. Once you take out this type of secured loan, your house becomes collateral. The most positive aspect of a secured home equity loan is that the money you borrow is tax deductible. For instance, if you have $5,000 in credit card debt, you can roll that over into a home equity line of credit. The credit card payments are not tax deductible, but the home equity loan is. In contrast, standard debt consolidation loans are not tax deductible.
Interest Rate Advantages - Another advantage of using a secured loan for debt consolidation is the interest rate. For many people, credit cards are the source of their debt problems. Credit cards have enormous interest rates. Since secured loans are "secured" by collateral, they tend to have significantly lower interest rates.
After discussing the pros, it is important to understand the con of using a secured debt consolidation loan. Again, many people use a house or a car to secure these types of loans. If you happen to default on the loan and cannot make payments, your house or car will be in jeopardy. A house is usually the largest asset someone owns. You do not want to put your most valuable asset at risk.
For some people, debt consolidation is the best option for their financial problems. Be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons before choosing to use a secured loan for your debt consolidation.
Debt Settlement Vs. Debt Consolidation
Debt settlement and debt consolidation both offer ways of reducing your debt. Debt settlement eliminates part of your loans, while debt consolidation reduces interest rates. Even though debt consolidation has the least impact on your credit score, there are cases when debt settlement is a better option.
Lower Debt
The goal of both debt settlement and debt consolidation is to lower your debt. Debt settlement companies negotiate with your creditors to sometimes reduce the amount of your loans. You will be charged a fee, and the debt reduction will remain on your credit score for seven years.
Debt settlement can reduce your debt 10% to 50%. To get the most out of the program, pay off the rest of your debt as soon as possible. Also, close accounts that you don’t plan on using to raise your credit score.
Debt consolidation pays off your high interest debts with a low interest loan. Home equity loans provide the lowest rates, but personal loans can also be used. With rates lower on your debt, you can pay off the principal sooner by making the same monthly payments.
Credit Score Implication
Reducing your loans through debt settlement is a serious mark to creditors. You credit score will drop, making you ineligible for conventional loans. But you can apply for subprime credit after a year. After a couple of years of good credit habits, you can then apply for lower rate conventional loans.
Taking out a loan to consolidate your debt will have a slight impact on your credit. Since your debt isn’t actually increasing, you will only be hit for opening another account. By closing your paid off accounts, you can partially offset the penalty. In a short period though, you will be in good credit standing if you follow best practices with your credit.
Financial Choices
No one financial choice fits everyone’s needs. While debt consolidation has the least affect on your credit report, additional loans may be too expensive. In extreme cases, debt settlement can help to avoid bankruptcy. Before deciding on an option, look at what companies are offering in terms of rates and fees. And if you need additional advice, talk to a credit counselor who can take a look at your finances and offer suggestions.
by : Jennifer Hershey and Carrie Reeder