A consolidation makes sense only if you can lower your overall interest rate. Many people consolidate by taking out a home equity line loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC), refinancing a mortgage, or taking out a personal loan. They then use this cheaper debt to pay off more expensive debt, most frequently credit card loans, but also auto loans, private student loans, or other debt.
Jean ChatzkyTake the cards out of your wallet. A debit card is accepted just about everywhere that credit cards are, and you'll be spending money you have - always a good thing.
Jean ChatzkyNo company can promise an end date, but if you have multiple debts, the first one should be settled within a year.
Jean ChatzkyIf you're filing bankruptcy, you will likely want to hire an attorney. But for debt settlement, a company is sufficient, or as I said, you can often do the legwork on your own.
Jean ChatzkyBy definition, saving - for anything - requires us to not get things now so that we can get bigger ones later.
Jean Chatzky