Debt Consolidation Advice

What is a consolidation loan?

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:28:03 GMT

Consolidation loans are one way to help you repay your debts at a lower interest rate with lower monthly payments. If you are having a hard time repaying multiple loans, you may want to consider a consolidation loan. Consolidation loans, also referred to as “debt consolidation loans,” take several outstanding deb...

Using home equity to get out of debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:23 GMT

If you have a heavy debt load, your home equity can help you get out of debt. What is home equity? Home equity is the part of your home’s value that exceeds the amount you owe on your mortgage. Equity builds over time as you make payments to your principal, and also grows as y...

Pros and cons of debt consolidation options

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:23 GMT

Learn the pros and cons of various options for consolidating debt. Once you have decided on debt consolidation as the means to pay off your credit cards, the next step is to consider all your options so that you can find the best choice for you. Some choices are bet...

Getting a debt consolidation loan with bad credit

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:23 GMT

Good use of a debt consolidation loan can help you improve bad credit. If you've racked up a lot of debt and your credit score has deteriorated, a consolidation loan may be a way to improve your situation. You can consolidate several debts by transferring the balances t...

Debt consolidation terms

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:23 GMT

Considering a debt consolidation loan? Understanding some common terms can help you through the process. Instead of making several different payments each month to several different creditors, you can roll all of your debts into one loan, usually at a better rate. This is called debt consolidation and r...

Debt consolidation loans

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:22 GMT

Q: Do LendingTree lenders offer debt consolidation loans that aren't home equity loans? A: Yes, LendingTree lenders offer both unsecured debt consolidation loans and debt consolidation loans that are secured with your home equity. If you own a home, the advantage of choosing a home equi...

Debt consolidation and your credit score

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:22 GMT

Q: If I apply for a debt consolidation loan to help pay off my credit card debt, will that raise or lower my credit score? A: Applying for a debt consolidation loan and using it to pay off your other accounts shouldn’t raise or lower your credit score significantly in the short term. While it does mean you’ve taken on ne...

Dealing with holiday debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:22 GMT

Use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) as an alternative to carrying holiday debt on high-interest credit cards. Going into debt to pay for holiday gifts and entertainment is never a good idea. With careful budgeting and smart shopping, you shouldn’t be left struggling to pay off the balance on your credit card...

Creating a debt consolidation plan

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:22 GMT

Follow our four step debt consolidation plan to take control of your finances and pay off your creditors. If you’ve got a mountain of high-interest debt, you may benefit from taking out a debt consolidation loan. This involves taking out a single, lower-interest loan (often a home equity loan) and using ...

Benefit from a debt consolidation loan

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:22 GMT

Save money and get control of your finances by consolidating several debts into a single loan. It's all too easy to get yourself caught under a heavy load of high-interest debt. If your monthly debt payments have become unmanageable, one way to reduce them is with a debt consolidation loan. W...

Ask an expert: Using a mortgage to consolidate debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:22 GMT

Q: Can I get a single mortgage loan to consolidate my debts such as student loans, car loans and more? A: It may indeed be possible for you to consolidate your debt by rolling it into your mortgage. This strategy can often save you a considerable amount in interest payments. Since credit cards and cer...

Ask an expert: Debt consolidation

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:21 GMT

Q: A friend recently got a debt consolidation loan in order to save money. How can borrowing money help you save? A: A debt consolidation loan can help anyone who is carrying high-interest debt, whether it’s credit-card balances or finance-company loans, such as those you may have been enticed to take out to fin...

A debt consolidation loan can be a wise move

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:21 GMT

Consider some of the following options to consolidate your debt. A debt consolidation loan can be a useful way to combine your debts and save money if you are paying off high-interest rate debt. By consolidating your debts into a loan with a lowe...

Seven steps to getting out of debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:47:21 GMT

Feeling overwhelmed by all the money you owe? Follow our seven simple steps to getting out of debt. Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship.- Benjamin Franklin Gaining control of the urge to splurge is the first part of digging your way out of debt. The second is taking advan...

Using home equity to pay off debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

Learn steps to consolidate your debt and save using your home equity. If your debt load seems insurmountable, using home equity to pay off debt may be something for you to consider. You can eliminate your high-interest, unsecured debt and get a handle on your finances....

In debt up to your eyeballs?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

Don't wait till you're over your head in debt. The time to regain control of your finances is now. You’ve got a beautiful home with a fully loaded kitchen, a family room with a 50-inch plasma TV and a brand-spanking-new SUV in the driveway. Whenever you entertain, your guests congratulate you on y...

How to pay off debt quickly

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

It's possible to get yourself out from under a heavy debt load a lot faster than you think. Carrying a heavy debt load for many years can prevent you from truly enjoying your money. Large debt payments can make it impossible to save for retirement, and the pressure of all those bills can ti...

How to get ahead of debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

Feeling overwhelmed by runaway debt? Learn how to get ahead of debt by avoiding five common mistakes. We’ve all been there: Dreading to open that credit card statement; charging holiday gifts we don’t have the cash to pay for. But just a few instances of irresponsible spending can add up to a big pro...

How do I pay off my holiday credit cards?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

Learn some helpful tips for paying off your holiday credit card bills in no time flat. Admit it. Your holidays were a huge success – the new decorations were perfect, the celebratory feast included all the trimmings and everyone got just what they wanted. But now that the holidays are ...

Buried Alive

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

How to get out from under that mountain of debt. Polonius is the guy in Hamlet who famously warned: “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” Fortunately, he wasn’t living in America. If he were, he’d be appalled at what’s going on today. Based on 200...

Drowning in debt?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

Here are some sure-fire signs that you might be drowning and tips for developing a strategy for paying your debt down. You haven’t answered the phone for months, fearing it will be another collection agency calling. Bills are arriving so quickly you don’t bother opening them anymore. If your debt is getting out of co...

Debt assistance companies

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

If you are teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, a debt assistance company may be able to help. If you are ducking debt collectors and using one credit card to pay off the next, you may be considering turning to a debt assistance company for help. There are hundreds of these companies on the In...

5 reasons to pay down debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:54 GMT

Boost your borrowing power and increase your cash flow by paying down part or all of your outstanding debt. The old adage, "neither a borrower nor a lender be," doesn't always apply in today's consumer economy. Still, it doesn't pay to carry more debt than absolutely necessary. Here are five comp...

3 ways to pay off credit cards

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:53 GMT

Learn how home equity loans, personal loans and cash-out refinancing can help you pay off credit cards. If you are struggling with unsecured debts, you may have decided that it is time to pay off your credit cards. You have several options for doing this, although it is important for you to remember th...

Step 4: Control your spending

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:53 GMT

Use these tips to control your spending, so you can pay off your debt. No matter how much debt your have, the key to avoiding more debt is to control your spending. While there is no magic bullet to getting out of debt, keeping your spending in check greatly increases y...

Step 3: Set a timeline to pay off your debt

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:53 GMT

Setting a timetable for getting out of debt will help you stick with your debt payoff plan. Once you have determined which type of debt consolidation loan is right for you, you need to create a time frame in which to pay down your debt. First, think about your financial goals. Where do you ...

Step 2: Choosing a debt consolidation loan

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:53 GMT

Choose your debt consolidation loan wisely and pay off your debt faster. Now that you know how much debt you are carrying, it’s time to set up a plan to pay it off. A debt consolidation loan can be helpful when trying to eliminate debt, because you have just one loan and ...

Step 1: Know how much debt you have

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:46:53 GMT

The first step to controlling your debt is to understand how much total debt you have. If you are feeling overwhelmed by debt, there are ways to get it under control. But, before you can do that, you have to follow the first step for debt management – figure out how much debt you actua...

How to save money on gas

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:51:57 GMT

Gasoline prices may not fall anytime soon, but you can save dollars and gallons by driving smart. Gasoline will likely continue to take a big bite out of household budgets in 2009. But there are ways to keep your gas expenditures under control. Here are 10 easy steps you can take to keep more mon...

Save on bills

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:51:06 GMT

Adjust your mindset and habits to save money on your utility bills. With today’s rising fuel costs, cutting costs on your monthly utilities can seem more and more like a necessity. By being disciplined, you can save on your bills. Gas Gas is an area that ca...

5 tips to save money every day

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:46:39 GMT

Saving money doesn't have to be hard. Here are five ways you can save every day. Let’s assume that you are already having money for your tax-assisted savings plan (like a 401(k)) deducted from your paycheck. What else can you do to increase your savings? Here are five ways to sav...

How to save big on a small income

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:03:16 GMT

Yes, it's possible to save over $10,000 in a few years even on a modest income. Here's how. If you take $100 a month and place it in a high-yield savings account at 4.5 percent, you’ll save $10,000 in just over seven years -- enough for a 5 percent down payment on a $200,000 house. Start th...

Birthday parties for less

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:17:55 GMT

Birthday parties do not have to cost a forturne with the following tips. Hardly anything brings as much joy to children as birthday parties.  However, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to make it the best birthday party ever, and in the end lose the joy&a...

Ways to save on clothes

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:31:45 GMT

Use these great tips to save money on the clothes in your wardrobe. Dressing stylishly does not have to cost a fortune. There are ways to save on clothes so that you can afford the styles that you want without going into debt. Shop sales wisely Sales can be your gre...

Top five gift-giving mistakes

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:27:46 GMT

Don't waste money needlessly. Here's how to avoid potentially expensive gift-giving mistakes. You’ve given your niece the gift she pined for. The problem is, it’s the wrong size. Or it doesn’t work. Or it cost you an arm and a leg because you didn’t receive the rebate promised on the package....

Ten ways to trim holiday expenses

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:25:40 GMT

Celebrate thrift as well as the season. Use our tips to help keep your savings intact over the holidays. It’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of the holiday season and throw financial caution to the wind. But chances are, come January, you’ll find yourself facing a pile of debt. With some careful pl...

Spend less, get more for your money

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:23:15 GMT

Smart shoppers are strategic about when, how and where they shop. Here are ten tips to help you spend less, and get more value for your shopping dollar. 1. Never use shopping for entertainment, as a social activity or as a balm for hurt feelings or stress. 2. Mak...

Shopping for secondhand furnishings

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:22:02 GMT

Need more furniture or want a new look? Buying secondhand can pay off in big savings and excellent value. Thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, auctions and estate sales are all good places to shop for secondhand furnishings. You can get great bargains on some lightly used items. But others don’t rec...

Saving tips for your summer vacation

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:20:12 GMT

Here are a few savings tips to help you plan - and save for - a memorable summer vacation. Have visions of summertime given you the itch to start planning – and saving – for your perfect vacation? It’s never too late – or too early – to start making changes in your spending habits to pay f...

Saving on car expenses

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:18:32 GMT

As you get older, you may need to make decisions about what your car means to your finances. If you have already established your career, your family and your finances, you probably have a great deal of experience buying a car. But now that your kids are out of the house and you are approach...

Save on groceries

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:16:13 GMT

Follow these easy tips to save money on your groceries. Finding ways to save on groceries can be an asset to your financial planning. It only takes a little common sense and discipline, but there are plenty of savings to be found at the grocery store. 1....

Save on a wedding: Your day on a budget

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:14:22 GMT

When planning a wedding, find ways to save by spending on what is important to you and cutting costs on what isn't. Despite the escalating costs of weddings, there are ways to save on a wedding and still have a memorable day. All it takes is a bit of legwork, sacrifice, and creativity. The guests Bigger is not ne...

Save money on holiday gifts

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:11:02 GMT

Buying gifts during the holidays doesn't have to cost a fortune if you follow these tips. Giving gifts to others is one of the most wonderful things about the holidays.  However, gift giving can also make the holidays very expensive.  With expe...

How to save on a car

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:08:57 GMT

Try these tips to save money on your next car purchase. For most people, owning a car is a necessity. Finding ways to save on a car can be an asset to your financial planning. It only takes a little common sense and discipline to find savings when shoppin...

How to save money when you move

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:06:52 GMT

From doing it yourself to moving in the off-season, use our tips to save on moving expenses. The costs of moving can strain the healthiest of bank accounts. But the following tips can help you keep the expenses under control: Pack yourself Even if you need to use a professional mover, you c...

How to save money on travel

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:04:16 GMT

Start early; be flexible. Our suggestions will help you and your travel dollars go farther. Once upon a time, the farther you traveled, the more you’d pay. That’s all changed thanks to the Internet, flexible pricing and last-minute bargains on everything from airfares to rental cars. Today’...

How to save money on entertaining

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:59:23 GMT

With a little creativity, you can throw a great party without spending a fortune. Think back to your favorite social occasions. Chances are they weren't lavish affairs. They were more likely the evenings when old friends showed up with a bottle of wine and you served up whatever y...

How to save money every day

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:56:40 GMT

Small savings on food, clothing and entertainment can leave you with extra cash for big-ticket items. Saving a dollar here and there every day can add up to thousands of dollars in savings over the months and years. Here's how: Trim food costs Buy food at discount food shops rather than more expens...

Great last-minute gifts

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:52:06 GMT

Finding a perfect gift can be easy and affordable, even when time is not on your side. Haven’t finished your holiday gift shopping yet? You’re not alone. According to the National Retail Federation, last year, 12 million consumers hadn’t even started popping into stores before December...

Great gifts on a budget

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:50:17 GMT

Follow our tips to keep your holiday spending on gifts under control this year. Want to give great gifts without blowing your budget? The National Retail Federation found that the average American spent $672 on gifts during the 2003 holiday season alone. Here are ten ways you ca...

Get the latest smart borrowing tips

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:48:04 GMT

By Brenda Spiering & LendingTree.com If you’re in the market for a new home, or are looking to refinance, you probably find yourself visiting the same Web sites over and over again searching for the information you need. Now there’s a b...

Finding the best cell phone plan

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:45:38 GMT

Shop around for the cell phone plans that include the options, airtime and features that you want. Nowadays, it seems like nearly everyone has a cell phone. And while they can be an annoyance in movie theaters, restaurants, and doctor’s offices, cell phones can be a great convenience, allowing you...

Family celebrations for less

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:42:59 GMT

Use the following tips to make sure family celebrations don't cost a fortune. Family celebrations are a special time.  Whether the family gathers to celebrate a christening, a fiftieth wedding anniversary, or a family reunion, a family celebration can be special witho...

Entertaining for less during the holidays

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:42:07 GMT

Use the following tips to make sure that entertaining during the holidays doesn't cost a fortune. The holidays are a time for entertaining.  There are holiday parties, open houses, and family coming to visit.  It does not have to cost a fortune, however, to entertain during the ...

Enjoy the holidays for less

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:40:11 GMT

Holidays don't have to cost a fortune with the following tips. The holidays are a special time - filled with family, friends, and tradition.  Unfortunately, they are also a time that tends to cost a lot of money.  By following...

Checklist: New Year's bargains

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:37:18 GMT

Clothing. Seasonal clothing, boots and accessories are marked down. Now is also the time to look for wardrobe staples such as white cotton shirts and black, tailored trousers. Replace worn-out under...

Budget killers

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:34:53 GMT

Determining your budget killers can help you make smarter spending moves. Figuring out a monthly budget is one of the best ways to take control of your finances. Determining how much you spend and on what can help you devise a saving and investing plan that can help you ac...

Barter club basics

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:32:33 GMT

Swapping goods or services through a barter club could keep much-needed cash in your wallet. Want to swap? When you were a kid, that proposition might have got you a peanut butter sandwich in exchange for your tuna fish. Today, it might get you a washing machine in exchange for patching up s...

Are you being overcharged?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:30:24 GMT

Americans pay billions in avoidable fees every year, often without even knowing it. Save money with the following tips. Many of the agreements we sign with telephone, television and Internet providers, financial services companies and credit card issuers have extra charges buried in the fine print. As a result, it’s e...

A dozen ways to trim your grocery bills

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:28:58 GMT

Economy begins at home. Here are 12 ways to save money every week by shaving as much as 50 percent off your grocery tab. 1. Know how much you’re spending. When you spend $60 at the supermarket one week and $100 the next, you may not realize that your monthly grocery bill is one of your biggest expenses. Save your rece...

5 money saving ideas for the holidays

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:22:55 GMT

Trying to hang on to more of your hard-earned money? Here are five ways you can do it during the holiday season. During the holidays, spending on gifts and entertaining tends to escalate. Try to trim costs elsewhere by using our tips below. Phase them in one at a time instead of trying to adopt them all at once...