It is not difficult to understand why debt is the source of major stress and discord in the lives of those immersed in it. However, all is not lost, because debt consolidation can often provide a valuable solution as long as it is approached wisely. Continue reading to learn more about the options.

Do your research on your potential debt consolidation companies. Not every one of these companies is best for your scenario. Some are not even reputable--there are a lot of "fly by night" operations in this market. Don't fall into the trap. Research the companies fully before making any decisions.

Use bankruptcy as a negotiation tool. online would rather get some of their money back than get nothing at all. Let them know that if your debt cannot be reduced, you will probably be forced to file bankruptcy. This can spur the creditor to resort to a more satisfactory compromise that reduces the debt owed.

Know if you are merely getting an official budget. If you sign up with a debt consolidation plan, you might be set up with a budget, so you know how much you will have to pay each month towards all of your bills. If that's what you're expecting, proceed, but know that some other debt consolidation companies offer you a loan instead.

Debt consolidation doesn't just mean having companies speak to other companies on your behalf. If you are still able to, a traditional bank loan is probably the smartest way to get out of debt. A loan from a bank or a credit union doesn't yield the same drawbacks as other debt consolidation methods do.

There are three types of debt consolidation available to most debtors. The first is a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. The second is a credit card or line of credit which pays off the debts and then has to be reimbursed. The last is a loan from a loved one.

Avoid debt consolidation agencies that pay their employees on a commission. A counselor who is motivated by a commission will be tempted to offer you more financial products than you really need. Find an agency that does not motivate counselors with commissions so you can get an unbiased opinion and useful advice.

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.

To begin intelligently consolidating your debt, the first thing you should do is examine your credit card debt. Credit card interest is exceedingly high, with some companies charging as much as 20 percent. By consolidating multiple credit card debt on to a single credit card you can save yourself a lot of money in interest fees.

Can their fees be explained properly and understood? If the debt consolidation company's fees are complicated and not easily understood, then there is a reason for this. Do not fall prey to one of these companies, but instead find a service that is going to upfront and make things easier for you.

If your debts aren't truly putting you on the bring of bankruptcy, debt management might be a better solution for you. A company will work on your behalf to talk to your creditors and ask them for lower interest rates or payment plans you can handle. This can be a better solution than consolidation in many cases, so try it first.

If you decide to consolidate your debts, be smart about the savings. Since you will be paying less each month on those bills, save as much of the excess as you can and put it in an emergency fund. That way, you will be less likely to get into debt in the future because you will have a small reserve from which to draw from when unexpected things happen.

There can be little doubt that heavy debt burdens are the cause of extreme difficulty and life disruptions for countless individuals. Fortunately, with a bit of solid knowledge about how to achieve peace through smart debt consolidation, help is near. Review the guidance provided above on a regular basis as you make your decisions, and a bright financial tomorrow can be yours.