Guide to Debt Consolidation

By:
Catherine Brock | Wed, 11/21/2007

  • CHAPTER: 1 Understanding Debt

    Lenders have done such a great job of positioning debt as the American way of life, most people now use credit as if it were the same as cash. But let's face it…your high limit credit card is a poor substitute for a hidden stash of gold coins. If debt consolidation is on your mind, now is the time to review the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of debt.

  • CHAPTER: 2 Debt Consolidation Defined

    If you have chronic debt, it's probably been a while since you held a fistful of dollars that wasn't already spoken for. Debt consolidation may ease up your payments so that you can satisfy your financial obligations and keep a few greenbacks in your pocket.

  • CHAPTER: 3 The Right Time for Debt Consolidation

    The town marshal in High Noon went through considerable soul-searching before deciding to face a band of killers at the train station. In much the same way, you have to look closely at your debt situation to understand what actions you should take. Consolidation shouldn't be pursued lightly; it's a serious remedy for borrowers with serious debt problems. Start your self-assessment by asking the following questions:

  • CHAPTER: 4 Types of Debt Consolidation

    It's time to make one point very clear: Consolidation will backfire if you don't swear off all future debt purchases. Just as the outlaws of The Wild Bunch went looking for one final hold-up, you're about to make your last credit decision. A few considerations will readily reveal which consolidation program is right for you.

  • CHAPTER: 5 Avoiding Debt Consolidation Scams

    Any Gun Can Play is a lesser-known western film involving three characters who betray one another repeatedly in a search for gold. This storyline might sound familiar because the same thing happens in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Do you know which is the copycat and which is the original? In lending, too, it's often hard to tell.

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