Friday, 11 April 2008

Make Your Credit Card Debt Affordable

By Martin Tan

Credit card debt is a growing national problem. Companies are reporting that over 50 percent of credit card accounts are 90 days or more past due. Many Americans are finding they have overextended spending with credit cards and struggling to reduce the debt. Credit card consolidation programs provide a mean of resolving the debt in a more affordable manner.

The goal of a credit consolidation program is to combine the loan debts and make one monthly payment that can be paid off in just a few years (about 3-6 years in most cases). Consolidating debt often qualifies for lower interest rates based on the amount of the combined loan.

Research options available will ensure that the new loan will not cost much or more than the individual loan payments combined. There are non-reputable companies that avoid giving the best rates. It is important to know your options before making a decision. Avoid signing any documentation during emotional moments. Calculate the current payments makes for ease in comparing proposed consolidation payment amounts and allow you to determine which offers the best option.

Once a consolidation loan program has been chosen, payments need to be made as scheduled. A single payment is made on the consolidation provider and the provider of the consolidation will pay the creditors on your behalf. These payments must be made on time!

Late payments will put the loan status in jeopardy and the creditors may have the option of resuming collection activities or increasing the loans interest rate as a result. Stay in touch with the assigned credit counselor (or "consolidation specialist") and keep him/her abreast of any situations or changes. This will prevent the account from being returned to collections for payment.

Though your consolidation program is making your payments for you, it is still your responsibility to read the monthly statements from your creditors. Your interest rate should be reduced and you should no longer be accruing late fees. If either of these doesn't look right or the consolidation company isn't paying the right amount, contact your counselor to discuss the problem. company is paying your creditor the right amount.

There are quite a few different debt consolidation loans, and the right one for you will depend on your specific situation. Some loans have a higher monthly payment for a short period of time while others offer a lower payment spread out over several years. Let common sense prevail here and look for the loan with a monthly payment you can afford.

Some loans will have a fixed interest rate and will not allow you to make extra payments over time. If at all possible, find a loan consolidation program that will allow you to pay more when you can!

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