Curious about loan consolidation with your spouse? Depending on the loan type, you may have good reason to do so. Learn more about consolidating loans with your partner and getting your finances in order.
Learn more about debt and loan consolidation with your spouse.
How Does Loan Consolidation Work?
Loan consolidation takes your debt and creates one new loan, with a simpler repayment plan. Borrowers with loans from multiple sources or several loans from one lender might consider consolidation. Typically, you can save money on interest by obtaining a fixed rate as well as lowering your monthly payments with a longer repayment period.
However, debt that is attached to collateral generally cannot be consolidated. Mortgages, home equity lines of credit, car notes, and other secured debts do not qualify for consolidation. Additionally, debts from lawsuits or back taxes are not eligible.
That leaves credit card debt, medical bills, and other personal debt. If you are struggling with these forms of debt, then consolidation is an option to consider.
Can I Consolidate Student Loans With My Spouse?
You may be wondering if consolidation is an answer to student loan debt relief. Most federal loans are eligible for Direct Consolidation, including Direct, Stafford, Perkins, and more.
Fortunately and unfortunately, you cannot consolidate students loans with your spouse. The passing of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act 2005 ended the ability of married couples to consolidate their federal student loans. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, keeping the loans separate does come with some benefits.
First, if anything should happen to the marriage, reorganizing consolidated student loan debt would be difficult to say the least. Plus, you might save on interest depending on rates and loan amounts keeping them separate. Don’t forget that you do lose some benefits when loans are consolidated. Finally, not being able to consolidate loans with your spouse might give you a chance to rethink consolidation altogether.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
