Consolidation loans can be very useful in a number of circumstances? they can be used to consolidate multiple loans at a single institution, to eliminate debts and combine them into a single monthly payment, and even refinance old loans into a single loan with a lower interest rate.
Different types of consolidation loans exist for people with a variety of different credit ratings, and are exceedingly useful in credit repair and avoiding bankruptcy. If you're shopping for consolidation loans then the process can seem confusing at times? there are several terms associated with these loans that can leave you scratching your head if you're not familiar with them.
Secured, or unsecured?
In the world of consolidation loans, security has nothing to do with making sure that the money isn't stolen. In this instance, "security" refers to whether or not some property of value (known as "collateral") has been used to guarantee repayment of the loan.
If the loan is secured, then the value of the collateral (which is most often a vehicle such as an automobile or truck, or a piece of real estate such as a house) is used as a basis for the loan.
Consolidation loans that are secured enable the lender to legally take possession of the collateral and sell it off to get their money back if the borrower doesn't repay the loan.
Lenders don't like to possess property in this manner, as it costs them both time and money, but they'll do it if all other attempts to collect on the loan fail.
Unsecured loans, on the other hand, don't require any sort of collateral as a guarantee. There aren't many consolidation loans that are unsecured, and the ones that are usually either combine loans held at a single bank or are for relatively small amounts.
These loans have higher interest rates than their secured counterparts, but don't carry the possibility of having the collateral repossessed and sold (since there isn't any collateral to repossess or sell.)
So what are interest rates, anyway?
The way that banks and other lenders make money off of consolidation loans is by charging interest, or an additional amount that's added onto the borrowed amount at regular intervals.
Interest rates are expressed as a percentage, and that percentage of the remaining amount of the loan is added to the loan every month (or however often the interest is compounded, or calculated.)
The interest rates of consolidation loans can vary depending upon rates set by the government, bank or finance company promotions, the value of the collateral offered (for secured loans), and the credit history of the borrower. Ideally, you want the interest rate to be as low as possible? this means that you'll have less to pay back than you would with a higher interest rate.
You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:
About The Author
John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.
A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine your federal student... Read More
Has anyone noticed how many loan companies now fill up... Read More
You're burdened with crushing debt and at the end of... Read More
Believe it or not, many people do not understand equity... Read More
If you're like thousands of other people who find themselves... Read More
Have you ever seen a commercial or an ad promising... Read More
There are many benefits in choosing a Debt Consolidation Loan,... Read More
Credit counseling companies come in all shapes and sizes. Whether... Read More
Debt consolidation programs are devised to get you out of... Read More
If you believe in the good in people then you... Read More
The average American household has nearly $10,000 in credit card... Read More
Debt consolidation is a popular topic these days. The average... Read More
It is a very common question that people pose to... Read More
If you are in the market for a low interest... Read More
If you have decided that a debt consolidation loan is... Read More
Debt consolidation is often a last resort for people who... Read More
If your objective is to reduce interest rates and lower... Read More
If debt is a way of life for you, it's... Read More
If you are in debt, you have several options available... Read More
Finding solutions to reducing your debt takes some thinking and... Read More
Consolidating loans makes sense but only if you can pay... Read More
However far you are along the road of financial/debt problems,... Read More
The first but definitely not the easiest thought that comes... Read More
Here is a useful guide to Debt Consolidation Loans. A... Read More
You are swimming in debt. You have 4 credit cards... Read More
Credit card debt reduction is an important part of the... Read More
Have you ever seen a commercial or an ad promising... Read More
Many of us find ourselves overwhelmed with bills, bills, bills.... Read More
Feeling like you're on the brink of financial disaster? You're... Read More
Deciding to file for bankruptcy is a decision that should... Read More
In a world where people use credit as much as... Read More
Finding solutions to reducing your debt takes some thinking and... Read More
Many different types of financial aid are available to you... Read More
Credit that cannot be managed or is not being repaid... Read More
A Debt consolidation program starts with evaluating your financial situation.... Read More
The Federal student loan program has benefited thousands of college... Read More
Consumers looking for a way out of debt may want... Read More
Yes, Debt Cosolidation isn't a good idea and I'll tell... Read More
Americans are using credit cards more than at any time... Read More
It is a very common question that people pose to... Read More
A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine your federal student... Read More
It happens to the majority of us, credit card debt... Read More
Are you the victim of a high interest rate auto... Read More
Consolidation loans can be very useful in a number of... Read More
A secured debt is a debt in which the creditor... Read More
If you're like most people, you have plenty of credit... Read More
Planning For Debt Elimination Without Surplus CashPreviously we looked at... Read More
Credit counseling is a useful service for anyone with problem... Read More
Should you find yourself over your head in debt, you... Read More
A Debt consolidation loan: Is a personal loan you use... Read More
Debt Consolidation Debt Consolidation |