Are you facing an ever growing amount of credit card debt? Are those TV commercials about consolidation starting to sound better and better? Before you make any calls, let’s explain more about credit card debt consolidation.
Credit card debt consolidation isn’t your only option for paying off debt.
What is Credit Card Debt Consolidation?
Credit card debt consolidation groups your debt into one large loan as a repayment method. The new loan usually has a more attractive interest rate than your existing debts, and allows you to have only one outstanding loan rather than many. It would look something like this:
Credit Card Debt #1 +Credit Card Debt #2 + Credit Card Debt #3= 1 New Consolidation Loan
As you repay the consolidation loan, you will make monthly payments. The payment amount will be lower than your original debt payments combined. While your payment is lower, you will spend more money since there will be more interest over the extended repayment window.
Pros & Cons of Debt Consolidation
The pros of consolidating credit card debt:
- 1 monthly payment
- A more affordable payment than with separate debts
- Easier to manage
The cons of consolidating credit card debt:
- Pay more money in interest
- Takes longer to repay the debt
- May not see as much progress as paying off separate debts
- Does not offer any help in changing bad financial behaviors
Alternatives to Credit Card Debt Consolidation
If credit card debt consolidation doesn’t seem like something you want for your finances, consider an alternative, like a debt management program. A DMP is typically offered by a credit counseling agency to those who qualify. In this plan, the agency will secure lower minimum monthly payments or lower interest rates from creditors, making repayment more feasible and affordable for you. They may also help you create a budget and educate you on a better financial framework.
A DMP is not a new loan. You will make one monthly payment to the agency, who then and disburses it to each of the accounts. For providing this service, the credit counseling agency typically charges a monthly fee. This option may be less expensive than a typical debt consolidation plan.
While credit card debt consolidation has some benefits, there are some serious issues to consider. It’s important that you do research so you are able to weigh all the options carefully.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
