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Featured Credit Articles

Bad Credit Business Credit Cards
This article provides useful, detailed information about Bad Credit Business Credit Cards. Before granting credit to a prospective customer, a firm must ask the question: How credit-worthy is this customer? In truth, one mistake in judging the ...

Comparing Credit Card Offers
How do you start to compare credit cards? Finding out the best credit card to suit your needs can be a very time consuming process but one which can save you money and bring you more benefits than just choosing a credit card at random or the one which ...

Making a Credit Card Work For You
Boosting Your Credit-Rating With A Well-Managed Credit Card A considerable obstacle standing between many Americans and the consumer goods they consider a necessary or desirable part of life is a ready way to pay for them. From a new piece of furniture ...




Debt Consolidation Vs Credit Counseling - Exploring Debt Reduction Options
 
With so many debt reduction options available to you, it's easy to get confused on which is the most effective. Debt consolidation allows you to lower interest rates and payments on your own. But credit counseling can help you find other ways to reduce your debt and develop future financial goals.

Going Alone With Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation is a quick way to reduce your interest charges and monthly payments. With secure loans, like a cash out refi, your rates can drop by half or more. You can also select terms that give you a reasonable monthly payment. Remember though that the longer the loan, the higher the total interest charges will be.

Selecting a fixed rate loan also gives you the security of knowing what your payments will always be. There's no worry that a jump in the minimum payment will send you into the red.

It's important to be a careful shopper when selecting a consolidation loan. Differences in rates and loan fees can mean savings of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, online lenders and broker sites help you get quotes in a few minutes. You can also finish your loan application online, with most loans closing in two weeks or less.

Getting Third Party Help With Credit Counseling

Credit counseling brings a new set of eyes to your debt issues. As experts in debt reduction, credit counselors can help you develop strategies for eliminating your debt. This might mean developing a budget with a debt consolidation loan. Or they may suggest using the services of a debt manager.

Credit counselors can point out areas where you can save money, such as switching account holders. They also help you plan for the future by developing a savings strategy. Credit counselors aren't simply focused on reducing your debt; they look at your entire financial picture.

Picking The Best Option For You

Credit counseling is best for those who want to do a total makeover of their finances. It's ideal for those who want to make long term changes, but need help in deciding what are their best financial choices.

For those who strictly want to get out of debt, consolidating your loans is a good choice. In a short amount of time, you can save yourself money with better rates.

About the author:

View our recommended debt reduction services online.



Credit News


The Balance Transfers Blog (blog)

New credit cards may ease travel
Chicago Tribune
The three newest consumer credit cards — two from Bank of America, one from JPMorgan Chase — reflect consumer exasperation with some of the current card "features" that may not look so good to savvy travelers. All three have some advantages that many ...
Credit card balance transfers can help you tackle debt, but be disciplinedHamilton Spectator
Credit Cards with Rewards ExplainedMK News
Best Travel Reward & Airline Credit Card Offers of May 2012The Balance Transfers Blog (blog)
asap News -Business Insider -San Jose Mercury News
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CREDIT MARKETS: Treasurys See Comeback; Other Bonds Rebound
Wall Street Journal
Before Friday, the index had fallen 13% since April and nearly 20% from mid-March, according to Credit Suisse. On Friday, Deutsche Bank analyst Harris Trifon recommended investors take an overweight position in "AJ" debt to capitalize on the price drop ...

and more »

USA TODAY

Credit card perks could cut vacation costs
USA TODAY
Pour yourself a cup of strong coffee and read your credit card agreement. While most cardholders are aware of their card's airline miles and cash-back rewards, many are unaware that their credit card offers lots of other money-saving perks.
Stay at Home Moms Face Credit Card ChallengesForbes
Five Common Credit Report Mistakes College Students Should AvoidFox Business
Holly McCall, Stay-at-Home Mom, Challenges Credit Card Rules, But Questions ...Huffington Post
Daily Caller -Patch.com -Scoop.co.nz (press release)
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Minneapolis Star Tribune

Al-Qaida claims credit for horrific attack in Yemen
Minneapolis Star Tribune
More than 90 people were killed in the suicide attack at a parade rehearsal in the capital. Most were soldiers. A solider injured in the suicide bombing Monday was treated at a hospital in Sanaa. He was one of hundreds injured in the Al-Qaida attack.
Al Qaeda Claims Credit for Massive Suicide Attack in YemenThe Atlantic Wire
Foreign Office minister condemns 'cowardly' Yemen bombingsITV News

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Justice Department Probe of Credit Swaps Said to Widen
BusinessWeek
By Matthew Leising and Jeff Bliss on May 21, 2012 A US Justice Department antitrust investigation into data provider Markit Group Ltd. is expanding to include other companies in the credit-default swap market, according to three people familiar with ...

and more »