Be Careful with Your Personal Loan DebtMuch like credit cards, personal loans are handed out to almost anyone, regardless of past credit history. If you are willing to accept a high interest rate, high fees, and even higher monthly payments, then odds are, you can find a lender that is willing to give you a personal loan. Yes, in some instances, you may have no other option but to take a personal loan, if your car breaks down, your home needs repair, etc. Taken out for the right reasons, and carefully maintained, these personal loans are okay. People can get into financial trouble, however, by taking out personal loans just for the extra money, or to purchase frivolous items, and then find that they cant make the monthly payments required. People forget that when they borrow money from a lender, they will at some point, be required to pay that money back and applicable fees as well. Many people take out personal loans and then use the money to payoff their credit card debt, and this is okay, if done in the right way. If you can get rid of some monthly payments, and save money, then yes, a personal loan of this nature might be a good idea. People who lack the discipline to keep them from going further into debt with more credit cards and loans, however, shouldnt even consider going this route, as they will often worsen an already bad financial situation. They use their personal loan money to pay off their credit card debt, and leave the accounts open. They see something they want, and rather than try to save the money up to get it with, they whip out that open credit card account, and before you know it, they have maxed them all out again, and now have to pay not only those minimum monthly payments, but their personal loan payment as well. It doesnt take them long to rack up more monthly payments than they could ever hope to pay, and that is where the trouble starts. At this point, if you are smart enough to realize and admit that you need help, you should really seek out the help of a debt management company, someone who focuses not only on helping you payoff your current debt, but teaching you how to better manage your money, so that you dont end right back up in the same situation. These companies are able to work with your creditors, often cutting monthly payment amounts, stopping fees, and reducing interest rates, so that more of what you pay goes toward your balance, and you get out of debt sooner. If your personal loan debt is unsecured, these companies can help you with it as well, although they specialize in credit card debt mostly. You want to take your time, and do your homework, before selecting a debt management company to handle your accounts. Some of these companies dont really help you at all, so you need to look around. Your creditors may also be able to recommend a company that they routinely work with, which might make it easier for you than browsing through all of the ones found online. You will need to get all of your paperwork together, showing monthly income and monthly debt, as well as all of the balances you own, their interest rates, and normal monthly payments. You will go over everything with a counselor, either in person, by phone, or online via email, whichever you prefer. Once you come to agreement on how much you could pay your creditors per month, the counselor will draw up proposals and send them to your creditors, including of course, your personal loan lender. You will be notified by both your debt management counselor, and your creditors, of when the proposals have been accepted, or if not, the reasons why. Your counselor will then instruct you as to your monthly payment amount and the date it is due, and as long as you make that payment every month, and refrain from spending any extra money, you will be able to get yourself out of debt, and avoid collections calls and hassles from your creditors, as well as save money on fees and interest. In most cases, your lenders will be more than happy to work with you in this manner, but you may get one or two that try to make things difficult for you. Most of them realize that they win as well, by cooperating with the debt management rules, as you will be paying them back the money you owe them, and they wont have to waste, labor, or money in convincing you to pay. You will need to keep in touch with your counselor, and if your situation changes or you are unable to make your payments, let them know so that something else can be arranged. Once you miss two payments, you will lose your program, all fees and interest will again be charged, and your lenders will start calling again. Getting a personal loan is not that difficult, but in some instances, paying it back can be a nightmare. Be careful what you get yourself into! |
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Personal Finance: Deflating your debt - Dallas Morning News
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