Types of Non-Secured Debt Eligible for Consolidation
- Credit Card Debt: One of the most common types of debt consolidated.
- Personal Loans: Unsecured loans that were used for various personal expenses can often be consolidated.
- Medical Bills: Unpaid hospital or medical bills are a candidate for consolidation.
- Utility Bills: Overdue utility bills can sometimes be included in a debt consolidation program, though this is less common.
- Retail Credit Cards: Store cards often carry high interest rates and can be consolidated to manage payments.
- Student Loans: Unsecured student loans, particularly private ones, can often be consolidated, but federal loans usually require specific federal consolidation programs.
- Payday Loans: These high-interest, short-term loans can sometimes be consolidated, although doing so can be more complicated.
- IRS/Tax Debt: While tax debt is technically a secured debt, some debt consolidation companies may include it in their programs. However, this is less common and generally requires specialized services.
- Rent Arrears: Unpaid rent is generally not included in most debt consolidation programs, but there may be exceptions or specialized services for this type of debt.
- Legal Fees: Unpaid fees for legal services can sometimes be consolidated, although this is less common.
- Membership and Subscription Fees: Past-due amounts on gym memberships or subscription services can sometimes be consolidated.
- REPO: Your car has been repoed, and you still have debt against it along with other stacking debt, and you want to lower it to one monthly payment. REPO DEBT CONSILIDATION
FIND FREEDOM FOR CONSOLIDATION PROGRAMS call 1-800-MEDIGAP
Discover Debt Consolidation
When to Consider Debt Consolidation:
- Multiple High-Interest Debts: You have multiple sources of high-interest debt, like credit cards, that you’re struggling to manage.
- Difficulty Making Payments: You find it hard to meet minimum monthly payments or are falling behind.
- Limited Cash Flow: Most of your income is going toward debt repayment, leaving little for other expenses.
- Financial Stress: The burden of debt is causing emotional or psychological strain.
- Poor Credit Score: Your credit score is suffering due to high credit utilization or missed payments.
- Simplification: You’re seeking the convenience of one monthly payment rather than managing multiple payments.
- Cost Savings: You’ve calculated that consolidating could lower your total repayment amount through a lower interest rate.
- Long-Term Financial Goals: High debt levels are preventing you from reaching long-term financial goals, such as buying a home or investing.
Debt Consolidation Discovery Checklist:
Preliminary Steps:
- Assess your total debt amount.
- Make a list of all your debts, including interest rates and monthly payments.
- Check your credit score.
Research:
- Investigate different types of debt consolidation options (personal loan, balance transfer credit card, home equity loan, etc.).
- Compare interest rates and terms for consolidation loans.
- Evaluate fees associated with consolidation.
Financial Analysis:
- Calculate the new monthly payment and compare it to your current payments.
- Estimate how long it will take to be debt-free with and without consolidation.
- Calculate the total amount to be paid under the consolidation loan and compare it to what you would pay without consolidating.
Professional Consultation:
- Speak with a financial advisor about the suitability and risks of debt consolidation for your situation.
- Consult a debt consolidation or credit counseling service.
Legalities:
- Check if there are any prepayment penalties on your current loans.
- Review the terms and conditions of the consolidation loan carefully.
- Consult a lawyer if you have legal questions or if your debt involves legal issues (e.g., lawsuits, liens).
Execution:
- Gather all required documentation for loan application.
- Apply for the consolidation loan.
- If approved, use the loan proceeds to pay off existing debts.
Post-Consolidation:
- Set up auto-pay for the new loan.
- Create a budget that includes the new loan payment.
- Monitor your credit report to ensure debts are marked as paid.
Note: This checklist is intended to serve as a general guide and should not replace professional financial or legal advice. Always consult qualified professionals to assess your individual needs.
Notes:
- Secured Debts: Items like car loans and mortgages are usually not eligible for standard debt consolidation programs because they are secured by collateral.
- Eligibility: Not all debt types are eligible for all debt consolidation programs. Some debts, like federal student loans, may require specialized consolidation services.
- Professional Advice: Always consult with a financial advisor or a debt consolidation specialist to determine the best course of action for your specific circumstances.
This list provides a general guideline and should not replace professional financial or legal advice.
