By consolidating your debt you can rebuild your credit by making
on time payments, paying off your debts, and increasing your
cash reserves. Depending on your debt load, you can improve your
credit situation within two years, enabling to qualify for
better loan terms.
Consolidating Debts
The idea behind consolidating debts into one monthly payment is
that your rates and payments will be lower. With these lower
payments, you will have an easier time making monthly payments
with enough
left over to save or pay off the principal.
You can consolidate your debts with either a home equity loan or
a personal loan. Home equity loans have a tax advantage with
their interest being tax deductible. You can choose from fixed
terms or a flexible line of credit.
Personal loans also allow for debt consolidation. These
unsecured loans are based on your credit history and income
level. They also have no or low closing costs with flexible
payment terms.
Making On Time
Payments
To improve your credit history, make on time payments. The
easiest way to do this is through automatic withdrawal. You can
set this up with most lenders or through your bank. Just by
making on time payments for two years, you can improve your
credit score.
Paying Off Debts
Your debt liability is also a factor in your credit score. By
making an effort to pay more than the minimum payments, you save
on interest costs while improving your credit. Also plan on
using
extra cash from tax rebates or employment bonuses to pay
down your debt.
Increasing Cash Reserves
Increasing your cash reserves can protect you from a financial
emergency and improve your credit score. Ideally, you should
have 6 to 12 months of living expenses saved.
If you don't have reserves now, start creating them before you
make extra loan payments. This way you won't have to use your
credit for any unexpected expenses.
Finding Lenders
As with any
type of financial decision, you should research
lenders. Online financing companies allow you to request near
instant quotes. While you want the lowest rates, be sure that
fees are also reasonable.
About the author:
See my recommended Debt
Consolidation Companies online. Carrie Reeder is the owner
of ABC Loan
Guide, an informational website about various types of
loans.
