Is DIY Debt Consolidation Right For You?
Managing your own debt reduction plan can be very gratifying, and these questions can help you determine if a DIY method is your ticket to a debt-free lifestyle
Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?
Weigh the pros and cons of this debt-relief method before making a decision.
Cherry-pick your debt consolidation company
6 things to look for when choosing a legitimate debt consolidation company.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the best way to reduce your debt. Understanding what each debt-reduction method really entails can help you make better, more informed decisions as you get started handling your debt.
Debt consolidation options: Which can work for you?
Debt consolidation converts multiple debts, typically credit card balances, into a new loan with one monthly payment. This reduces the chances of incurring late fees or overlimit charges when you forget to make a payment on time.
The true cost of that cancelled debt
If you're considering asking to have a debt cancelled, make sure you understand how that could affect your tax return.
Debt consolidation: 6 factors to consider
Debt consolidation involves transferring several credit card or loan balances into one new loan or account. Depending on your situation, debt consolidation can reduce finance charges on credit card debt and simplify paying your bills.
DIY debt consolidation: 3 secrets for success
You're sinking fast in credit card debt, and there's not a life preserver in sight. Loans and balance transfer offers involve applying for more credit. Follow these tips for rescuing yourself from the dangers of excess debt.
Personal spending rises as income slips
Personal income declined in August, but personal consumption expenditures rose, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
3 reasons for consolidating credit card debt
Are you paying more than one credit card bill each month? Have you overlooked a bill and incurred penalty interest rates or late charges? Consider credit card debt consolidation for simplifying debt management chores.
Balance transfers: A way to ease credit card debt?
Credit card consolidation can simplify debt management, especially if you're dealing with a stack of credit card bills every month.
Debt consolidation: 5 pros and cons
Using credit card balance transfers and debt consolidation loans for tidying up your financial house of blues may or may not work. Consider these arguments for and against debt consolidation loans and credit card balance transfers.
Extreme makeover: debt reduction edition
You may need an extreme makeover to finally get that debt reduction plan moving forward. Start with some of these tips to get you on track.
Credit Card Laws: No Debt Reduction Help
Recent legislation designed to provide clear communications between credit card companies and their customers does not assist consumers with paying off debt faster. If you're slogging through a swamp of credit card debt, here are some debt reduction solutions.
Debt Consolidation and Debt Management: Three Options
Whether you do it yourself or get debt help, debt consolidation and debt management methods can help you eliminate debt faster. Debt help is available through certified credit counseling services.
Debt Consolidation and Debt Settlement Programs: How They Work
Excessive credit card debt can ruin your finances, your relationships, and your wellbeing. Choosing a debt management option depends on how much you owe and what you can afford to repay.
Financial Aid and Resources for Graduate Students
A number of financial resources are available to help graduate students fund their educations. Read on for a discussion of some helpful options.
Debt Help, Debt Consolidation Help Avoid Bankruptcy
Although the Federal Reserve reports that consumers reduced their use of credit cards by about 3.75% in May, many card holders continue to receive notices of increasing fees and interest rates. Get debt help today to eliminate debt problems later.
What You Need to Know About Parent PLUS Consolidation Loans
You can find information about consolidating PLUS loans, applying for a Direct PLUS Consolidation Loan even if you only have a FFEL PLUS Loan, and calculating your consolidation loan interest rate.
Consumers Should Shop Around When Looking for Help With Their Debt
In this sour economy, more people find they need help to climb out of debt. Those considering consumer credit counseling should shop around so not to fall prey to an unscrupulous agency.
Educational Loan Forgiveness Programs for Teachers and Other Professionals
In addition to student educational loan forgiveness or cancellation programs available to teachers, here are some programs for those in other careers.
To Stay or Not to Stay with the FFEL Program
According to a flash survey conducted by Student Lending Analytics, over 30 percent of responding postsecondary institutions are changing or considering a change from the FFEL program to the Direct Lending program for the 2009-10 academic year.
Debt Consolidation Loans Can Result In More Debt
Debt consolidation loans can help to reduce the interest you pay but also pose a risk to those unwilling to change their habits.
Can't Get a Debt Consolidation Loan? Here Are Five Steps You Can Take Anyway
Five techniques for using credit cards for debt consolidation to organized debts and reduce interest costs.
Debt Consolidation: Climbing the Mountain of Debt, One Step at a Time
A series of small debt consolidation steps can help you get debt under control.
Mastering Your Debt: Debt Consolidation and Three Other Positive Steps
A debt consolidation program may be an option if you cannot come up with a good debt management plan on your own.
A Twelve-Point Debt Consolidation Check-Up
Using this twelve-point debt consolidation check-up can help you save money and keep your debt under control
Beyond Debt Consolidation: Five Next Steps
Five steps to take after debt consolidation to make sure the program works.
Even with Bad Credit, Here Are Six Debt Consolidation Moves You Can Make
These six debt consolidation options may still be open to you even if you have bad credit.
Is Borrowing from Your 401(k) for Debt Consolidation the Right Choice?
Borrowing from a 410(k) can cost substantially more than other debt consolidation options when properly evaluated.
Five Principles of Debt Management
Debt consolidation programs and other techniques are crucial to managing debt effectively
Debt Relief Options: Desperate Measures for Desperate Times
Many people face a financial crisis sometime in their lives, whether from major illness, job loss, or simply overindulging. If excess debt has you backed into a corner, solutions like debt management plans and debt consolidation can provide an escape.
How to Work with a Debt Collector
If you have let a debt slip by the wayside, then chances are that you eventually will be contacted by a debt collector. The first impulse of most individuals…
15 Tips to Grow the All-Important Emergency Fund
In many of the articles that you will find here on DebtHelp.com, a constant suggestion (or command, rather) that you will hear is…
Subprime Credit Cards for Consumers with Poor Credit
Subprime credit cards are designed for subprime borrowers -- that is, consumers who have had some difficulty in the credit department and may be considered “high risk” by potential creditors. Often such borrowers can obtain…
Credit Card Insurance: Do you need it?
The next time you sign up for a credit card, pay attention to what comes along with it. Generally either along with…
The ABC's of FDIC
You almost certainly see the common words “Member FDIC” when you walk into your bank or financial institution, and this probably gives you…
The Secret World of Prestige Credit Cards
Chances are that unless you have a prestige credit card, then you do not know too much about them, and most credit card companies…
Using Software for Money Management
As far as debt consolidation and money management is concerned, the computer just might be your new best friend -- a fact with which you may be familiar since you are, in fact, reading this article!…
47 Creative Money-Saving Tips
1. Do not buy things just because they are cheap.It is human nature to want to take advantage of a great deal, but do not purchase something…
Consumer Protection Laws Regarding Debt
No matter what your money troubles may be, take comfort in the fact that there are laws in place to protect you and your finances. Read on for a brief overview…
Paying Down Debt or Saving for the Future: Which comes first?
When money is tight, it must be used especially wisely. Maybe you are struggling each month to make ends meet and want to use that small amount of money left over in the best way possible. On the other hand, maybe you…
Paying off Debts: Who to Pay First?
Many individuals find themselves in debt not just to one lender, but to various lenders who have provided them with a wide variety of financial products and services. When everybody demands to be…
Ignoring Debts: Attractive Option or Disaster Waiting to Happen?
It might seem like the perfect solution to that stack of bills taunting you on your counter: to push them out of sight and…
Common Debt Consolidation Pitfalls
Failing to weigh in small costs when completing a balance transfer. A common method of cutting costs…
Good and Bad Ways to Use Credit
Good Uses of CreditBuild up your credit score. In order to build your credit to prove your creditworthiness to potential lenders, you need to use credit responsibly…
What is a Charge Off?: Prevention and Recovery
The term “charge off” has a negative connotation to it, and with good reason. But what does it really mean?…
33 Money Management Tips for Kids
Financial literacy is crucial, and the sooner that individuals develop money skills, the better. By teaching children…
Top 20 Causes of Debt: Part I
It never has been easier to incur large amounts of debt. To be a debtor definitely does not indicate that one is irresponsible or immature; rather, sometimes debt is inevitable…
Top 20 Causes of Debt: Part II
11. Not savingWell now, this should come as no surprise! Saving even a minimal amount each month will allow you to build up an account that can help to protect against any unexpected costs, or against a loss of income,…
Which type of Credit Card is best for Me?: Part I
Below you will find an outline of the different types of credit cards from which you may choose, along with recommendations of…
Which type of Credit Card is best for Me?: Part II
Zero or Low-Interest CardsCredit cards that offer 2%, 1%, or even 0% interest rates usually do so for a certain amount of time known as an introductory period. Generally for six months, nine…
Understanding Credit Cards: Part I
The United States is a country consumed with credit cards. Most adults have at least one, nearly all establishments accept…
Understanding Credit Cards: Part II
Credit cards may be either secured or unsecured. Secured cards require that the cardholder deposits a certain amount of money as security to the bank, prior to receiving the card.…
Using Balance Transfers for Debt Relief
Chances are that you may be one of the many, many individuals to find yourself with credit card debt. It is easier to obtain credit…
35 Warning Signs of Debt Trouble
If you can relate to any of the warning signs listed below, then you may be on the verge of serious debt trouble and should consider carefully your different debt consolidation options:You have been denied approval…
Debt Consolidation for Married Couples
Financial issues and debt are difficult for nearly everyone to deal with and to plan for, so when a couple marries the…
Florida Debt Collection Laws and Statutes of Limitations
If you have found your way onto this page, then chances are that you are on the receiving end of calls or letters from a collections agency demanding payment on an old debt. You probably want to know about…
New York Debt Collection Laws and Statutes of Limitations
If you are receiving calls, letters, or even in-person visits from a collections agency, then you are not alone. While…
California Debt Collection Laws and Statutes of Limitations
There are few financial situations more stressful than having collections agencies calling to get you to pay your debt. Once a creditor has sold or…
How can I get a Bill Consolidation Loan to pay my Debt?
With bills piling up around you, various due dates, multiple interest rates, and different monthly payments, a simplification of your finances…
Free Debt Consolidation (Credit Consolidation)
While searching through your debt consolidation options to find the best course of action, cost almost certainly is a factor.…
Personal Loan Debt Consolidation
When the bills are piling up and it becomes difficult to juggle multiple payments to multiple creditors, many people decide to obtain…
What is the Best Loan and Debt Repayment Program?
Incurring debt sometimes is necessary in order to meet one’s financial and personal goals, or to make payments for necessary…
Bad Credit Debt Consolidation
Difficult financial situations often require new plans of actions, and with various useful alternatives for debt consolidation, there are many ways for individuals…
Can Christian Debt Consolidation Work for Me?
Individuals who find themselves in financial trouble often consider working with a debt consolidation company. Such companies assist consumers…
How do Interest Rates Work?
When you borrow money from a lender and have a debt that must be repaid, you are charged interest on your account. Interest is a percentage of…
Non-Profit Debt Consolidation
There are many debt consolidation companies that claim to be non-profit, but it is important to distinguish exactly what that label means in such a context. When it comes to debt consolidation,…
Business Debt Consolidation
Just as consumers sometimes find themselves buried in debt, so too do businesses. When revenue no longer covers…
Common Debt Myths Uncovered
1). Debt is a tool that you must use to build up wealth.This long-standing myth assumes that you must spend money to make money. While it is true that many very…
Medical Debt: Part I
People who face large amounts of debt often have done nothing irresponsible; careless spending and poor financial planning are not the causes of many such hardships. In fact, almost 40% of all adults…
Medical Debt: Part II
If you are faced with an excessive medical bill, know that there are many other people in similar situations and that there is a way out. The most important piece of…
Debt Validation: Pay only what you must
Collections practices are notorious. Consumers are hounded for payment sometimes by all means necessary – legal or otherwise. Usually, such measures are not…
Statutes of Limitations
Could you be working hard to pay off a debt that you no longer are obligated to pay? All traditional debts have statutes…
Who is my State Attorney General?
State attorneys general have a very big job, the responsibilities of which are hard to pin down because they are so vast. In the broadest sense, attorneys…
Debt Settlement: Knock out Debts One by One
Take a look around: do you see yourself surrounded by bills that you cannot pay? Unsecured debt, such as credit…
Your Rights when Fighting Debt Collectors
Debt collectors have but one goal in mind: to collect your debt. It can be easy to become intimidated…
Credit Unions: Credit Where Credit Is Due Part 1
The “best” financial institution might not be what you think. New problems call for new solutions,…
Credit Unions: Credit Where Credit Is Due Part 2
There are three primary reasons to consider investment in a S&L: competitiveness, flexibility and innovation.…
Credit Unions: Credit Where Credit Is Due Part 3
One reason that credit unions inherently are innovative is because of their greatly varied membership. Tailored to each group of members,…
Business Debt Management Part 1
One of the most exciting things I ever do is help someone to start a new business. Although it is very hard work…
Business Debt Management Part 2
Except in rare cases, the traditional way to stretch business debt into profit dollars is with someone else’s money. To do this, a business must…
Common Questions About Debt
The old saying is quite accurate: “Only two things in life are certain: death and taxes.” The number one question…
Debt Consolidation Mistakes
It is relatively easy to explain the pros and cons of debt consolidation but learning how to attempt debt consolidation correctly can be a little trickier. Problems stem from feelings of…
Debt Consolidation: Rulings Can Make Consolidation Safer
It is easy to view the world of lawyers and debt counseling from either a “glass is half-empty” or “glass is half-full” perspective. Fortunately, an optimistic attitude…
Do it Yourself Debt Consolidation
Just because you are having debt problems does not mean that you necessarily have to see a credit counselor. There is no law outside of a…
How to Stretch Your Income
One of the goals of debt consolidation should be to end the cycle of too much month left without enough money at the end of your paycheck. The first step in stretching…
Manage Your Debt Management Plan
Avoid financial organizations that push you into a debt management plan (DMP) as your only option before they spend a significant amount of time analyzing your financial situation. In another debthelp.com article,…
Military Personnel Debt Consolidation
The Department of Defense is worried. While American service personnel often face danger overseas, they and their families also…
Consolidating Debt: Savings Strategies Part I
Good money saving habits have much to do with knowing when to act – when to push, and when to pull, when to give…
Consolidating Debt: Savings Strategies Part II
Really Save Look at the simple power of compound interest. Compound interest can work for you while you are saving, and it is the surest way to make…
Debt Consolidation Companies Part I: When to Seek Help
When you are in of need debt and credit counseling, you don’t need it tomorrow - you needed it yesterday. Choosing the best company to…
Debt Consolidation Companies Part II: What to Look For
So you review your budget, calculate those sky-high interest rates, and determine that debt consolidation could save you a lot of money, stress, and time.Most credit…
Debt Consolidation for Senior Citizens
Few people have more financial choices, yet more opportunities to be overwhelmed by those choices, than senior citizens. Seniors…
Debt Consolidation: No House? No Problem.
Debt consolidation can be a great alternative to an often overlooked group of people – those without a home. People who need to manage debt…
When Debt Consolidation Part III: What to Expect
Once you have decided that it is time to seek help for your debt situation, and have determined which kind of agency is best for you, you should know what to expect…
Consolidating debt for families who do not own homes
If you do not own a home, you still have several options for consolidating your debt. If you have at least average…
Credit Card Debt Help for Senior Citizens
The AARP recommends credit counseling / debt consolidation services to senior citizens as alternatives to bankruptcy.The most important advice for…