Debt Consolidation: A Saviour Or Burden?

As we step into the New Year it appears consumers are starting to make waves, wanting to make a positive out of difficult times many are determined to attempt to get their finances in order and to try and make 2011 a positive year.

Marketwire announced on their website this week “credit card debt consolidation and debt relief programs continue to be one very bright spot during this era of government bailouts and economic uncertainty … times are tough in everyday America.”

Banks are beginning to tap into the debt consolidation loan sector making debt consolidation loans more accessible for consumers.

US bank, Wells Fargo, have announced this week they’re ready to offer debt consolidation loans in alignment with other banks. They have advised customers they will be able to get a debt consolidation loan even if they do not have any collateral.

According to Marketwire, “debt consolidation is a debt relief program whereby several debt payments are combined into a single monthly program payment. In some cases, debt consolidation may involve a new loan being taken out to pay off existing loans and debt.”

Personal finance expert and radio host, Dave Ramsey, mentioned in his book “The Total Money Makeover” lower interest rates on debt consolidation may be appealing than the rates consumers may currently be paying on credit cards. Ramsey continues by stating: “Lower payment exists not because the rate is actually lower but because the term is extended. If you stay in debt longer, you get a lower payment, but if you stay in debt longer, you pay the lender more, which is why they are in the debt consolidation business.”

Bank Rate has advised consumers to “weigh the pros and cons of other debt management options, including signing up for a debt management plan with a credit counseling agency, working out a debt settlement or simply transferring high-interest credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate.”

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