Wikepedia Definition: Debt consolidation entails taking out one loan to pay off many others. This is often done to secure a lower interest rate, secure a fixed rate or for the convenience of servicing only one loan.

Debt Consolidation Loan: There are two different types of debt consolidation plans available to consumers. The most common being a loan in which the consumer borrows a lump sum of money to pay off all debts. The consumer is then left with one monthly payment back to the lender.

Often these loans are secured with collateral such as a home that is paid for, property, or other items of value.

Although the interest rates on a consolidation loan may be lower than the interest rates of many Credit Cards, the risk factor associated with consolidating in this manner can be high, dependant upon the collateral used in order to get the loan.

Debt Consolidation with Credit Counseling: Not all Debt Consolidation plans are the same with Credit Counseling, however, the overall scope of the plans are similar. Debt Consolidation, mostly referred to as a Debt Management Plan, is the act of consolidating all unsecured debts into on monthly payment.

The monthly payment is made to the Credit Counseling Organization and then sent along to the creditors. Many creditors reduce interest rates, and stop late or over the limit fees for consumers that work with Credit Counseling. This helps consumers pay their debt sooner than if they were to continue making minimum monthly payments on their own.

So what is Debt Settlement?

Debt Settlement is the act of negotiating with your creditors and asking them to settle for less than what is owed on your account.

Debt Settlement is considered to be the most harmful to an individuals credit rating and is generally considered to be a last option before bankruptcy. If you or someone you know is considering a debt settlement service, I recommend reading this article, Debt Settlement: A Costly Escape by Smartmoney on MSN Money.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/ManageDebt/DebtSettlementACostlyEscape.aspx

If you have any questions, would like to discuss your financial challenges, or are just looking for advice, please call us at your convenience. As always, we are here to help and look forward to hearing from you.

Rick Munster

1-877-OUT-DEBT (688-3328)

http://www.DebtReductionServices.org

Debt consolidation however has a darker side. Some companies will take your money and never do what has been contracted. This leads to irreparable harm and loss of more than just money. You, like everyone else have seen the ads for these particular services anywhere that you look. BUT, can you trust them to be straight up and honest with you? That is another question that the reader will have to answer. The answer is most of the time, yes. There are many legitimate companies that will help you. There are also just as many that advertise and run with the money in question.

That is why finding a debt consolidation company that is legitimate is essential. The question is, how do you do so and what to look for in a reputable company. One of the first things that you will need to do is research carefully before you even walk in the door or fill out an internet application. A reputable company will not have a limited time offer nor force your decision. If you come up against any that do, your best advice would be to walk out the door and find someone else to help you.

Debt consolidation companies that are NOT reputable will pull the above things and more. If when you are doing research, you cannot find a contact number or the address is a post office box, do not even consider this company. If you enter one that looks legitimate but they push your decision or make it seem if there is a time limit then DO NOT hand over any financial information! Care has to be taken to winnow out the fakers from the real ones in this case. The old caveat of “Buyer Beware!” needs to be at the forefront of the mind.

Debt consolidation allows for a combining of all your current bills into one monthly payment. It is up to the reader in question to follow the suggestions of this article. While there are many fly-by-nights that prey on customers, there are just as many that are honest and legitimate out there. If you are considering any company, no matter if it is brick and mortar or online, check first with the local bureau to ensure that there have been no complaints against the company in question. If they have no file, then proceed with caution. You want to get your bills lowered, not get them raised.

Find your good debt consolidation company at http://www.getconsolidationonline.com now.

Debtors must conduct good research, in order to find a good debt consolidating company. Debtors must compare and contrast, the services and debt consolidation programs offered by various companies. Debtors can shortlist some of the top debt consolidating companies and contact them for an appointment.

The top debt consolidating companies have a panel of skilled counselors, who have expertise in consumer credit and debt management. These counselors review the financial condition of a debtor, in terms of his credit history and income and suggest a debt consolidation program accordingly. Top debt consolidation companies are generally accredited and offer safe and reliable consolidation services.

Many debt consolidation companies offer free debt consolidation quotes. However, debtors must carefully read and understand the various clauses covered in the quote.

While working with a debt consolidation company, the credit accounts of a debtor are frozen. This ensures that the debtor will not be able to incur additional debts. The debtor has the freedom to discontinue the services of the company at anytime.

Many companies charge a large fee up front. These companies promise to return most of this amount after the debt consolidation procedure is complete. Debtors must verify the credibility of such companies. Generally, top debt consolidation companies clarify all the details of their fees and services before signing the contract.

Debt consolidating companies that advertise themselves as “Top” or “Best” may not necessarily be good. Several websites are actively involved in creating awareness among the debtors about various scams and fraudulent companies.

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