It is possible to manage your debt but of course, it isn’t necessarily easy. There are many difficulties and problems associated with managing debt and when you have so many things to juggle at the one time, you may feel as though it is an impossible task. This is why it is always best to simplify things if you can and if you can simplify matters, you will find it a lot easier to take control of your life and move forward in the most effective manner.
One of the best ways in which you can consolidate your debt, particularly if you have a number of different debts and loans, is to consolidate your debt. The concept of consolidating your loan is a solid one, and in theory, it makes sense. Taking all of your individual debts and rolling them into one debt that you pay off with a single payment each month is often the advice that experts will provide. Some of the most obvious benefits of this approach include:
- Less chance of forgetting a payment you need to make
- The chance to find a lower rate of interest
- Having fewer companies looking for you to service debt
- Peace of mind that you are taking a step in the right direction
These are all positive outcomes and big factors in why so many people look to consolidate debt. However, one of the most important aspects of consolidating debt comes with being able to find a loan rate that is more affordable than the rate of interest you are currently paying. If you switch to one big loan but are paying a higher level of interest, you don’t have any benefit of consolidating, and this would be a bad step.
Find the Best APR Available to you
The issue that many people have is the fact that if you have a bad credit rating, the chances of finding an attractive rate of APR are slimmer. This is because many financial lenders and companies will not loan to someone with bad credit and if they do offer a loan to someone with a poor credit rating, you will find that the rate of interest is so high that there is no benefit in making this switch.
This is why you have to try and find the most attractive rate of interest possible and this is where the option of a guarantor loan should become attractive. With a guarantor loan, it doesn’t matter what your credit rating is. This is because the role of the guarantor is the most important aspect, not your credit rating.
If you find someone that is willing to provide you with support and stand as your guarantor in applying for a loan, you will be able to find a loan that can allow you to consolidate all of your other debts. This provides the platform for moving forward with your finances, which is something that everyone should be looking for.
Know what you are getting into
If you do go down this route, or whatever financial path you take, it is vital that you understand what you are getting yourself into. No matter the financial agreement you take, you should always consider the fine print and make sure that you understand the terms and conditions. You should also make sure that you know how much you are borrowing, what the cost of borrowing is and what you should be looking to pay every single month. This may sound like simple advice but you would be surprised at the number of people who overlook these matters when looking to take out a loan.
The problem with this is that if you don’t understand the consequences of a loan, taking the loan out may cause you more problems in the long run. It is advised that you consider the implications of guarantor loans and how they work.
In an era when finding finance is becoming increasingly difficult, there is a great deal to be said for the added support and opportunity provided by a guarantor loan. However, there is no getting away from the fact that just like any loan, if a guarantor loan is used incorrectly or frivolously, it can lead to further problems.
Consolidating debt is a great idea, and it is something that most people should look into. However, it is important to take debt consolidation seriously because if you don’t, you may find yourself in a lot more difficult than you were in when you started.
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn’t sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.