Maybe you have a mortgage which has become more than your home is worth. Or you’ve lost your job and your bills are piling up. Some people have a shopping addiction which has put them into the red. Regardless of why your finances are in trouble, debt consolidation may be the answer you seek.

Avoid debt elimination arbitrators. These companies love to claim that your debt can be eliminated, though in reality they know that only bankruptcy can result in total elimination. The best these companies can do is reduce the debt you owe. Surprisingly, this is no different than you could do by calling and negotiating with creditors yourself.

If you are considering a debt consolidation company, do not be afraid to ask a few questions about their counselors. For instance, are the individuals certified? Debt consolidation is a tricky topic, so working with a certified counselor is more likely to get you the results you desire. So, speak up and find out!

Consider borrowing from your retirement account to pay your debt off. Contact the financial institution you opened a 401K plan with to see if you can borrow part of the money you saved up. This is a good way to pay your debt off quickly but you will have to replace the money you took from your retirement plan.

Find a debt consolidation service in your area. These services will negotiate with your creditors and manage your payments for you. You will only have to send money once a month to your debt consolidation account and it will then be distributed to the different creditors the service negotiated with.

Find out whether a debt consolidation company is a “home equity loan” provider in disguise. Some debt consolidation companies really just want you to take out a home equity loan. Don’t let this be you. After all, your home is the most important thing you have. If you find out a company wants you to take out a loan on your home, move on.

It is very important to select a debt consolidation agency with a good reputation. Do plenty of background research and contact your Better Business Bureau to make sure the professionals you are interested in are reliable and properly licensed. Do not hire a debt consolidation specialist who has some complaints pending against them.

If you are considering seeking a debt consolidation loan from a financial institution such as a bank or credit union, spend sufficient time shopping around and assessing what is available. You may be surprised by the wide ranges of interest rates and terms you are offered. By doing your research, you will be sure to get the very best deal.

When trying to pay debt off, you have two options. Option one is to pay off the smallest debts first. The second option is to pay the highest interest rates off first. Both options have their own set of benefits, so choose the option that works for you and begin getting out of debt today.

You can save a lot of money if you receive a 0 % introductory APR credit card offer that allows balance transfers. While you must be diligent and disciplined, transferring a balance from a credit card with a high interest rate allows you the chance to pay that balance off much easier. However, you must be able to handle this form of debt consolidation, or it will not help you at all.

Ask a friend or family member for a loan if you can’t get a loan anywhere else. If they agree, make sure that you tell them when and how you will be paying them back. If you have a set date to repay the money, make sure that you pay them. You do not want to damage your relationship with someone who you are close to.

With the current low home mortgage interest rates, you may be able to refinance your home and take out some of the equity. Be careful to avoid borrowing as much as possible on your new mortgage. If home values should drop even more, you may end up owning a home that is less than the amount you owe on it.

When your debts end up outweighing your income, you are in a really bad state of affairs. Debt consolidation can help you catch your breath, and this article has taught you how to do it right. Use these tips and be sure that your financial freedom is regained once and for all.