When people are in debt there are a number of options that can be explored. The best one for you really depends on your circumstances and how much debt or uncontrollable debt you are really in. The best way to assess this is to be honest with yourself. Get all your paperwork out and list your debts one by one. At this stage don't miss any out because you feel 'we can handle that one'. The art of dealing with debt is to look at the whole picture and deal with it all in an honest, open and critical way in order to choose the best vehicle to manage and eventually get out of debt. Which ever way you choose to get out of debt you must be committed to it. For example; an IVA or voluntary agreement usually plans around a five year plan. Therefore, too must be committed to the terms and conditions for five years to get out of debt. On the other hand a debt consolidation secured loan can be set up from five to thirty years. The important factor with the debt consolidation secured loan is to feel comfortable with the monthly repayments and that you can commit to this payment without leaving you short. If you leave yourself short you will end up creeping back into debt as you borrow bits here and there and end up back at stage one. In this case I believe that you should spread your repayments for as long as it takes making sure the monthly repayment is honestly affordable. This way you can begin a fresh with your finances only concerning yourself with one monthly repayment and never letting yourself get into debt again. When you take out a debt consolidation secured loan you must really see this as a fresh start, a new beginning of your financial life so once the secured loan is complete cut up all those credit cards. When loan adverts and applications come through the door rip them up. However, before we go into detail about the debt consolidation secured loan lets look at all the options you can consider to get yourself out of debt to ensure that you have made the right decision.
Debt Consolidation Secured Loan
A Debt Consolidation Secured Loan is a way of merging all your debts into one simple monthly payment. This monthly repayment is often a lot lower than you will be paying for all your debts at the moment. Anyone would be happy with lower monthly repayments. As mentioned earlier you can spread your repayments over a longer period and often the interest rate is lower , often a lot lower! Do be aware though that if your loan id over a longer period you will be paying interest over longer and so the overall actual repayment could in some circumstances be larger.
An IVA is known as the step before bankruptcy. It will effect your credit rating for some time and therefore I believe this avenue should be explored only when a secured loan or other debt managements plans are unavailable to you. An IVA is an official debt repayment plan that, in most cases can reduce the interest you are paying on your debts , sometimes even freeze the debts. It can sometimes reduce the total amount of debt that you owe. An IVA can also give you legal protection from the companies that you owe money to.
Debt Management plans
Debt management plans are an informal process of negotiating with your creditors. Again they can freeze or reduce the interest that you are paying. They can offer extensions on your debt repayment terms or periods of time the debt is spread over.Debt management plans can also sometimes involve writing off some of the debt you have. You should be aware however that these too can effect your credit history. They also often have providers hefty fees written in to the plan. These have on some occasions just increased the money owed dramatically. This has been hidden from customers by concentrating only on the management of a monthly repayment.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




Is Trading With Technical Analysis Profitable?
By: Sylvain Vervoort | 15/11/2009What is technical analysis and is trading based on technical analysis profitable? Lets start with my definition of what I consider is technical analysis of financial price data. Technical analysis is using graphical charts to identify buy and sell patterns every possible way. With statistics proving that using these patterns gives...
How to Make Money With Forex Trading
By: TK Kearns | 15/11/2009There is a great amount of interest in Forex trading lately. This is largely due to the number of people and companies that have been able to make significant gains in their portfolios by taking advantage of the changing currency exchange rates. If you have heard stories about these people...
3 Reasons to Fear Penny Stock
By: Cory Espinoza | 15/11/2009Having constructed a career, not to mention an enormous following, round the investment vehicle known lovingly as'penny stock,' it may seem unusual for me to warn you to fear these hopeful investments. Yet, warn you I can, because I've seen three major reasons why these sub-$5 shares might be too dodgy for you. folks becoming involved with penny stock investments are purchasing the wrong corporations, for the incorrect reasons, and then using the wrong trading strategies with t...
Forex Trading - Cutting Through the Smoke and Mirrors
By: John Eather | 15/11/2009Why there are hundreds of people trading forex market daily. How they are making money out of it? This particular article tells you the essential tricks for making money in forex market. But trader must keep in mind those whole essential criteria for the profitable trade is consistency when it comes to decision making.
How Do You Know Which Are the Best Penny Stocks?
By: Cory Espinoza | 15/11/2009Making an investment in penny stocks is often thought to be a waste of time. Too much risk, for not enough reward is what most people believe. These folks are obviously not aware of the potential for extraordinary profits when the chance is essentially kind of small. And with a little information and tips from someone that's been there and done that you too will soon be investing successfully in penny stocks. First, observe the market attempting to find trends or patterns. T...
Secured Credit Cards - Are They Right For You?
By: Stephanie Andrews | 15/11/2009Secured credit cards are a reliable option for many consumers looking for a new card. How to tell if they're right for you, however, depends on a number of factors. Here are some signs that a secured offer can help your financial situation. You have a Low Credit Score Are you trying...
Chase Freedom Card - What To Consider Before Getting One
By: Stephanie Andrews | 15/11/2009There are many different credit cards to choose from on today's market. While some cater to those with poor credit, others are geared for people with a high credit score. Still others are designed for those with an average rating. If you've seen commercials for the Chase Freedom Card, you may...
Cash Advance Credit Cards - Three Things to Consider
By: Stephanie Andrews | 15/11/2009If you need cash quickly, you may find that it can be hard to get a normal loan at the bank. In today's credit world, lenders are hesitant to lend out money, and that can affect many consumers. If your score is less than excellent, you may have a hard...
UK Bank Charges
By: Fred Inance | 14/11/2007 | BusinessBank charges for unauthorized overdrafts, bounced cheques and returned direct debits are those 'damages'. Bank charges to customers were arrived at by totaling these costs and then making assumptions about the number of customers that are going to incur charges. Bank charges for going overdrawn or for bounced cheques are...
Mortgages In The UK
By: Fred Inance | 10/11/2007 | FinanceMortgage refinancing and second mortgages have become popular as the market tightens and interest rates become volatile. Mortgage refinance provides an opportunity to the people to fulfill their obligations. Mortgages have two components: principal and interest. Mortgage rates generally rise and fall along with yields on Treasury securities, which reflect...
The Meaning Of A Secured Loan
By: Fred Inance | 09/11/2007 | FinanceYou have probably heard the word 'secured loan', 'second charge' or 'homeowner loan' being used especially in the world of finance. You may wonder exactly what is meant by these terms. Some people think that secured loan say for the purpose of a car purchase means that the loan is...
Secured Loan Questions
By: Fred Inance | 09/11/2007 | FinanceWhat is Secured Loan? What exactly is a "secured loan"? A secured loan is a loan secured on your property. The secured loan provides some form of security or collateral, regardless of whether it is mortgaged or owned outright. You can often borrow larger amounts with loans secured on property potentially...
Debt Consolidation Or Secured Loansecured Loan Or Financial Help
By: Fred Inance | 07/11/2007 | FinanceFinancial help is available in the form of welfare benefits, tax credits, grants and loans, and help from your local authority. Students in further education needing financial help with childcare should also contact their college for information, if they are not eligible for Care to Learn. If you are concerned...
Cheapest Loan Opportunities
By: Fred Inance | 02/11/2007 | FinanceYou are considering finance for home improvements, debt consolidation, a holiday home, a car - you name it the question always pops up - which way is going to be the cheapest way to finance. Should I use a credit card, personal loan, HP, overdraft, store card, interest-free credit, catalog,...
Secured Loan Vs Remortgage
By: Fred Inance | 21/10/2007 | FinanceMany people are happy with their current Mortgage but need to raise extra income for debt consolidation, home improvements, a car or as a deposit for a second property. These people often consider using their equity in their property and automatically think of a remortgage but this is not always...