Bad debt can reach a point of disaster for the unwary consumer. If debt is creating havoc in your life, get a debt consolidation loan.
What is Bad Debt?
Bad debt is usually defined as unsecured debt, at relatively high interest rates, for purchases which do not have lasting value. Examples of bad debt are credit card balances which have resulted from dining out, vacations, luxury items, etc. Good debt, on the other hand, is debt that is assumed for something of lasting value, such as a mortgage loan on a home. A car loan, moreover, can be considered good debt if the loan is paid off with value still left in the car. When an individual reaches a point of excessive “bad” debt, and when that debt is becoming insurmountable and unpayable, it is time to consider getting a debt consolidation loan.
How a Debt Consolidation Loan Can Help
A debt consolidation loan rolls all bad debt into one loan, with a lower payment than that of the combined payments on the old debts. The goal is to get the debtor back on track, by setting up payment terms which can be afforded and which leave the individual free of bad debt once the loan is paid off. In theory, this can be a life-saver for the person who has allowed debt to get out of hand. In practice, however, other requirements are implied.
First, the debtor must determine what spending practices got him into this situation to begin with. If there is no identification of the causes, then the behaviors will not change, and the continuation of accumulating bad debt is almost assured. A good loan consolidation professional will engage in solid credit counseling, identifying what behaviors must change and developing a plan for these changes.
Second, a long-term plan for developing a budget and staying within that budget must be devised. An ethical debt consolidation professional will assist the debtor in establishing and implementing a realistic budget, so that, once the consolidation loan is paid, the individual may continue a lifestyle which will keep bad debt to a minimum. As well, a plan should be developed for regular saving, no matter how small, so that there will be emergency funds available when needed.
Sacrifice and self-discipline will be required of the debtor. The dangerous debt situation did not occur overnight, and, short of winning the lottery, will not be resolved quickly. It may take a few years or doing without luxuries, but, in long run, being free of bad debt will be well worth the effort. Then, as income continues to rise, the individual is able to pay all bills, save a good percentage, and have money left over for fun.
