There’s no doubt you’ll have heard plenty about debt consolidation loans – our TV screens are full of adverts promising freedom from financial worry, and the internet is positively flooded with solicitations to lock in a low rate with a refinancing package.
If you’re having difficulties keeping up with your bills and credit repayments, or even facing the prospect of recovery action on overdue installments, then the idea of debt consolidation can be very seductive. By combining all your current debts into one single loan, the theory goes, you’ll be benefitting from both a reduction in your monthly repayment amount and a lifting of the stress caused by constantly having to juggle your finances.
But is debt consolidation really as simple as all that? Of course there are benefits to restructuring your financial life in this way, and the adverts aren’t shy of pointing out the positive side, but before embarking on this course of action there are a few negative aspects you’d be well advised to consider. Only then can you make a fully informed decision on whether debt consolidation is right for you.
Firstly, in order to...