Debt consolidation is plagued with a poor rep. many believe it is no better than filing bankruptcy. With all this scary information surrounding debt consolidation it can make people leery.
The truth is that debt consolidation is not the same thing as filing bankruptcy. Debt consolidation proves you are taking steps to pay back your debts. Debt consolidation when you pay back 100% or a portion of your debt and bankruptcy usually results in you paying none of the debt.
There are different types of debt consolidation and they have different impacts on your credit score.
Debt Management programs are available to help eliminate your debt but there is a catch. The account reps will contact your creditors and negotiate with them to accept a lower amount than you owe as a payment in full. This program is the most common for people who no longer can afford their payments and are getting slammed with late fees and penalties. This type of debt consolidation is most likely where the poor reputation came from as it does affect your credit score very negatively.
However, a debt consolidation loan can create one lower interest payment for all your debt. The loan is used to pay back your creditors in full and allows you to remain in a good standing with them. This method has no negative impact on your credit score or credit file.
Your credit history length creates a portion of your total credit score. It is a small percentage but when you are working to get the best credit score possible it should be considered. When paying off your creditors in full and closing the actual accounts you may in fact be shortening your credit history length. Closing older accounts will have the largest impact. It is a good idea to pay the older debts in full but keep them open.
If you are planning on applying for a mortgage loan or any type loan you should obtain your full credit report that includes your credit score. Keep a close eye on your credit score for any effects each time you pay a creditor in full. Applying for the loan while your credit score is the highest will result in the best possible interest rate.
Keep in mind that if you pay a creditor a settled amount that is lower than the amount owed you will create a negative drop for your score. When you are paying the creditor the full amount owed it will result in a positive impact on your credit score.
You should ensure your debt to income ratio is low enough to afford another loan payment prior to applying for any loan. Make sure you have no late payments for at least 3 months before you apply. The oldest accounts should remain open to keep your credit history length from being shortened.
Debt consolidation can be a wonderful method for eliminating high interest debts if used wisely. Any time debt consolidation is used to negotiate debts it is still considered a default on the loan and your credit score will always be affected poorly. If you have to use a debt consolidation program be sure that it is your only option, you may qualify for a debt consolidation loan instead.
Susan Reynolds is the webmaster for a leading South African Debt Consolidation Portal. For more information visit: http://www.debtconsolidation123.co.za/