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Also called a consolidation loan, Debt Consolidation is the replacement of multiple loans with a single loan, often with a lower monthly payment and a longer repayment period.
The FTC defines Debt Consolidation as: You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit. Remember that these loans require you to put up your home as collateral. If you can't make the payments - or if your payments are late - you could lose your home.
What's more, the costs of consolidation loans can add up. In addition to interest on the loans, you may have to pay "points," with one point equal to one percent of the amount you borrow. Still, these loans may provide certain tax advantages that are not available with other kinds of credit.
Source: Federal Trade Commission, "Facts for Consumers"
Did you know?
By consolidating your unsecured debt with a home equity loan, you run the risk of losing your hard earned assets if you default on your payments. You will still pay the full balances on your unsecured debt and must have a low debt-to-income ratio to qualify.
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