Planning to devise a permanent solution to the problems of debt? The chances of success, to be exact, are lesser, given the features which characterize the debts. Debts are the result of the disequilibrium in the relationship between income and expenditure. Whatever be the income of a person, they seem inadequate to suffice the unlimited expenses. Thus debts are bound to emerge again and again.

This must not however discourage us from finding a solution to the debts. Debts can make lives difficult. You will have creditors making regular phone calls and then dropping by at your house demanding the amount lent out. With the creditors making a scene, the personal image and the credit is badly marred. The mind is heavily stressed and some people may even contemplate suicide.

But how many of us do actually take the step to end ones life? Only a handful of us; because we value our lives and because we know that ending ones life is not going to solve the problem of debts. The creditors do not intend to leave the amount. Once the principal borrower deceases, they catch the co-borrowers or the dependants of the principal borrower.

A simpler method of getting rid of debts is debt consolidation. Debt consolidation can provide relief from the debts without burdening the borrowers. Debt consolidation as the name goes consolidates or brings the various debts on the borrowers account together. The debts could have been dealt individually, but this would have been a tedious process. The consolidation of debts helps to generate the feeling that they are not as invincible as they appear.

Once the debts are consolidated or brought together, they are ready to be settled. The borrower will have to choose from a variety of ways of debt consolidation. In the following section we shall discuss the methods of debt consolidation in detail.

Debt consolidation through credit cards:
Credit cards can be an excellent method of debt consolidation. There is no requirement of the collateral. This saves the users from the fear of losing assets in case they are not able to repay. However credit cards are very costly. The interest rate charged by the credit card companies is very high. The manner in which the user negotiates the interest rate will decide the actual interest charged on the balance transfers.

Debt consolidation through debt consolidation loans:
Borrowers who want to save on the interest rate would do best by repaying debts through a debt consolidation loan. The interest rate is minimal. The debt consolidation loans are traditionally used and preferred most because of the flexibility that they offer. The burden on the borrower is reduced by spreading the loan amount on the various months making up the term of repayment. People having resources can pay off the loan amount without waiting for the term of repayment to end, provided the lender does not forbid a premature repayment. The borrowers can decide on the manner in which the interest is to be charged.

Debt consolidation through home equity loans:
Home equity loans are secured loans. These are generally issued against the home as collateral. The minimal risk calls for a lesser interest rate. The repayment of the home equity loan is similar to the debt consolidation loans. However, the borrowers must be regular in the monthly repayments to the home equity loan. Otherwise the home may be repossessed to make the default good. The home equity loan can be used for purposes other than debt consolidation, if the borrower so desires.

Debt consolidation through credit counselling:
Credit counselling agencies help in the settlement of loans by payment plans. The borrower will be required to make monthly repayments to the payment plan suggested. Credit counselling can agencies provide tips on how the debts can be prevented from erupting again.

Debt consolidation through cash-out refinance:
Cash-out refinance helps to refinance mortgages and other debts. These mortgages and debts are refinanced either to get an improved interest rate or get benefited on the increased equity in ones home.

Debt consolidation through debt settlement:
When consolidating debts through debt settlement, the borrowers are to make the repayments to the settlement company. As the balance on the debt falls, the settlement company repays the balance of the debts. The main advantage of debt settlement is that the borrowers are freed of dealings with the creditors. Creditors contact the settlement company for any queries related to debts.

Debt consolidation through rapid debt repayment:
The method of debt repayment repays the debts according to the priority. A monthly repayment is to be made towards the payment of debts. The high interest debts are to be repaid first because more is the delay in the repayment, more will the cost be.

Since there are massive differences between people and their conditions, no one method can be imposed on all. Each method has its own pros and cons. while some may be benefited by a debt consolidation loan, others are not. A proper study of the individual condition either by oneself or by people having a proper knowledge of the field can help find the best method to fight the monster named debt.

Summary
Debtors are not short of means to consolidate debts. There are a number of ways other than the traditional debt consolidation which can be used for settlement of the debts. This article explains the various methods of debt consolidation and the people which they will be suitable for.

James Taylor holds a Master’s degree in Commerce from JNU he is working as financial consultant