There are different ways to consolidate debt, the most typical one being an unsecured debt consolidation loan usually offered through major banks or debt consolidation companies.
Other loan options are home equity lines of credit, credit card balance transfers, and direct or private student consolidation loans.
Opting for a secured loan, however, will put your assets in jeopardy and may result in a precarious fiscal situation if you are not able to keep up with your scheduled payments.
Also, consider the interest rate you will qualify for as well as possible costs and fees such as early repayment penalties.
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Another important factor to consider when comparing debt consolidation options is whether the loan will be unsecured or secured by a form of collateral—which can be easier to obtain if your credit is affected.If you have already weighed the pros and cons of debt consolidation and have informed yourself about the credit implications of defaulting on this type of loan, the next step on your list should be to look for a lender or debt consolidation company that upholds consumer financial laws and meets certain minimum qualifications.For that reason, our editorial team has compared debt consolidation companies based on several factors, including compliance with federal regulations, employee certifications, and average consumer ratings and reviews.We sometimes offer premium or additional placements on our website and in our marketing materials to our advertising partners.Partners may influence their position on our website, including the order in which they appear on a Top 10 list.