6 Effective Steps to Consolidate Your Debt By John Burton Posted on September 9, 2018 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter One of the top ways to help decrease your monthly payments is by consolidating your debt. Putting all of your loans in one place can allow you to secure a reduced interest rate. Over time, you can save a significant amount of money by having all debts with one lender. However, there are tips you should put to use when making this financial change. 1. Review your credit history There’s no better way to financially help you in some situations than having a high credit score. This will show your lender that you’re serious about repaying the loan and you’ve always done this in the past. However, it’s not uncommon for errors to occur on your report and you’ll want to ensure this isn’t the case. You can do this with ease by carefully looking at this it before working to get your debt consolidated. 2. Shop around It’s important to take time to shop around for the lowest interest rates you can. This means doing the right amount of research and talking to professionals that can offer you the money you need. You may be surprised at the difference you can save by taking time to do this one thing. Never make a serious commitment before taking the time to check with several lenders. 3. Talk to a debt counsellor It can be difficult to remain financially ahead in today’s world. The costs of living are steadily increasing and being faced with emergency situations is less than ideal. One of the top ways for you to get control over your debt and pay it off may rest in speaking to a professional. Consulting with a debt consolidation service could be the key to having the success in this area you need. 4. Consider the fees The process of finalizing any debt consolidation is typically not free. Some fees are usually included in this process, and you’ll want to know what these are upfront. Keep in mind that these will usually vary and working to secure the least fees possible is ideal. Don’t neglect to inquire about these costs before making a debt consolidation commitment. 5. Stick to the plan Once you’ve decided to pay off your debt, it’s essential to work to make this happen. It’s highly unlikely this will occur overnight but setting a goal in place and working to reach it is important. Consider the amount of money you can realistically repay each month and stick to it. Of course, this may mean making some sacrifices but can be extremely helpful in getting your debt paid. 6. Think about the method There are many ways to pay off your debt when it comes to consolidation. You may opt for doing so with a credit card or taking out a personal loan. The main thing you’ll want to consider is the amount of interest you’ll have to pay to make this possible. Regardless of the method, you choose it’s essential to work towards securing the lowest interest rate. Taking charge of your financial life isn’t that easy to do but is entirely possible. One of the top ways to do so is by consolidating your debt and working towards reaching your goal. However, taking the appropriate time to do the proper research before moving forward is essential. This could mean the difference between getting a decent interest rate and a fantastic one. Start today towards getting your debt paid and you can reap the rewards of doing so tomorrow!