Overwhelmed by debt? It may be time to consolidate
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The start of the New Year is a great time to evaluate your financial status and set goals for savings and more. If multiple debts are hurting your ability to meet monthly expenses and save at the rate you want, debt consolidation can help.
Debt consolidation works by transferring your debt from multiple—and often high-interest—sources into a single loan or line of credit. Not only is it easier to pay a single bill to one source, but consolidated debt options have lower interest rates that allow you to pay off your debt faster, which, in turn, frees up cash for savings. However, when choosing a consolidation tool, there’s more to consider than just the interest rate.
Why 0 percent interest may not be in your best interest
At first glance, a 0 percent interest credit card may seem like the best option for debt consolidation. But, as with many good things, the 0 percent interest offered on cards doesn’t last. Most introductory rates are in effect for six to twelve months, at which point the balance owed racks up interest at the card’s regular variable rate (sometimes up to 30 percent)—a rate that’s higher than other consolidation tools, like personal loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC).
In addition, if you are late or miss a payment during the 0 percent window, you void the introductory 0 percent offer and immediately begin accruing interest charges. FYI, in December 2024, the average credit card interest rate was 24.43 percent while HELOCs clocked in at 8.55 percent and personal loans came in at 12.31 percent.
Benefits beyond low interest rates
If you’re looking for a consolidation option that gives you a bit more control and benefits that don’t disappear over time, you should consider either a personal loan or HELOC.
As the name suggests, a personal loan is a lump sum loan paid to you that you can use to pay down debt now. You then pay back the loan at a fixed rate over a fixed amount of time. One advantage of a personal loan is that you choose the term length and amount for the loan. This allows you to manage repayment of any debt on your terms. Qualifying tends to be quick and uncomplicated (no collateral required), and you may even be approved the same day.
HELOCs, on the other hand, do require collateral in the form of equity in a home or property. Like a credit card, a HELOC requires you to establish a line of credit that you can then draw from over time to pay down debt. While the interest rate for a HELOC is not fixed, it’s likely to be lower than the rate of a standard credit card. The downside of a HELOC is that if you are unable to pay it off in full, the lender can claim whatever property you put down as collateral.
Take control now
While there’s no way to make debt disappear, debt consolidation offers a means to save money on interest, simplify payments, and take control of your finances. But don’t wait. The sooner you get started, the more you’ll save and the closer you’ll be to long-term financial stability.
BIO
Mary A. Coughlin is the Vice President, Manager of Residential Mortgages at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank. She has more than twenty years of experience in residential and indirect lending. She has been a Top Ten Mortgage Loan Originator in Berkshire County for multiple years. Mary is a passionate advocate for finding the right lending solution for customers while ensuring a smooth and collaborative process with underwriters, processors, and the lending institution.
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