All About Financial Matters

Debt Consolidation - The Pros and Cons

Debt consolidation essentiality means taking one loan to pay off all other loans. It’s almost always easier to pay off one loan at a lower interest rate or fixed interest rate, than to pay off many at varied rates. Most individuals have a credit card debt, a mortgage, and sometimes a second mortgage to pay off. Now with three loans and three different interest rates, it is far more difficult to manage the payments than to pay off just one loan.

The idea is usually to take a secured loan to pay off the other unsecured loans. A secured loan is obtained against any asset, usually a house. Taking a loan against an asset provides for a lower interest rate as compared to the unsecured loan. This is why most people take loans against their asset to improve their cash flow and reduce the net amount paid to lenders. If the interest rate is lower, the net amount paid to any lender will also be less.

Online debt consolidation:

Debt consolidation can also be done on the internet. Online debt consolidation is getting popular, as the financial data remains safe and confidential. There are many debt calculators and loan calculators available on the internet to help people consolidate their loans.

There are some requirements such as valid income proof, residential proof, and age proof when applying on the internet. Online debt consolidators provide far more data than any other collectors.

Should everyone go for debt consolidation?

Although debt consolidation is a good idea, there is a caveat. One should go for a debt consolidation only when one is sure that he/she will be able to pay off that one single loan in time. Loans like credit cards are unsecured loans, so in case of default nobody can take any physical asset away. In the case of a secured loan, it is entirely possible that default may result in foreclosure of the home, or the lender secures the asset, thereby one could lose a physical property. This is why until one is sure that the secured loan payments can be met, it is essential that no consolidation be done.

In case there is some confusion, a tax advisor or help from a debt consolidation agency may be taken. They may help one decide what the best option is financially. The lenders also provide many experts who can assist in this process. Debt consolidation is a complex process, and a lot depends on the expected future cash income. If done carefully, it can relieve much pressure from debtors. Lenders are also usually cooperative in such instances and much of the interest rates and debt can be negotiated.

This however is the last resort and should not be done habitually. Debts like credit cards can be controlled through careful spending. If such debts are avoided in the nip of time, there will be very little need of debt consolidation.

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Banking For Students And Graduates

If you are a student or have recently graduated, then there a large number of bank accounts and financial products designed specifically for you. Although students used to be much derided for the large government grants they received, those days are long gone and students today have to be financially astute in order to avoid large debts. If you are a student or recent graduate then here are some tips about the types of accounts to look for.

Why so many student accounts?

Student and graduate accounts are more and more common, and they usually have a wide range of features and good rates. Although students are generally fairly poor and cannot pay back money they borrow, banks want to offer these accounts to students in the hope that they will remain loyal to their company once they are earning good money.

Student accounts

When you go to university you might have a simple current account, but the best thing to do is to open a dedicated student account. Student accounts offer a wide range of benefits, including vouchers and discounts for clothing and record shops. However, the most important part of your student account is the interest-free overdraft

Overdrafts

When you are at university it is likely that at some point you are going to need an overdraft facility to handle the fees whilst not bringing in a lot of money. Therefore it is essential that you pick an account with a good interest-free overdraft limit. Try and find the bank that has the highest level of interest-free overdraft, because any unauthorised borrowing will cost you a lot of money.

Overall package

Although the overdraft limit is important, you should look at the overall account package. Look at other fees and charges that the bank applies to your account, as well as the extra benefits on offer. Some student accounts will offer students a credit card with their account amongst other benefits. Try and find the best overall account package for your needs.

Dedicated support

In addition to the account benefits, you need to make sure that the student account you choose has dedicated support, as this can help you when times are tough. An even better option is a bank that has a branch on your campus, because a dedicated student bank manager is more likely to be sympathetic to your financial difficulties. Online banking is also something to look out for, as this can help you move funds and pay bills quickly when you need to, as well as helping you to closely monitor your spending.

Graduate accounts

Once you have finished university, many banks will offer you an upgrade to a graduate account. It is worth looking at these when you get your student account, as the right student and graduate package can really help you to move smoothly from student to worker. Whatever package you choose, don’t be afraid to move accounts and banks, and shop around before you make any decision.

Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot.
Please visit us at thriftyscot.co.uk/Banking-Savings/ Current Accounts and thriftyscot.co.uk/Banking-Savings/Graduate_Accounts.html Graduate Accounts
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