When people get overwhelmed with debt, they have hard choices to make and various pros and cons to weigh. A recent article from the Huffington Post addresses some of these difficult decisions as it compares bankruptcy to debt consolidation.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. People have to make their decisions based on what suits them best and is likely to lead to a better outcome in the long-term.
Let’s say you’re strongly considering debt consolidation. You may feel that it will be better for your credit rating; you may also be able to keep your debt repayments more discreet. Furthermore, the repayment process might seem more simplified for you.
Debt consolidation could be a good solution for you – however, it also has pitfalls. For example, in the long run you may actually wind up paying back more money. A low interest rate and relatively low monthly payments could seem attractive initially, before you realize just how many payments you’ll need to make; if your debt repayments drag on for years, you could lose more money over time. In general, you also need to watch out for unscrupulous debt consolidation practices.
Furthermore, your assets may be less protected; for example, if you default on your debt consolidation loan, you may lose your house if it’s being used as collateral.
Is bankruptcy the right solution for you?
For your particular situation, bankruptcy might be the best solution. However, you need to make sure you’re working with an experienced attorney to increase your chances of securing the best possible outcome in bankruptcy court; this includes protecting as many of your assets as possible from creditors.
Don’t hesitate to contact a Xenia, Ohio bankruptcy attorney to further discuss your case. Your attorney will carefully review your financial details and help you figure out the next steps you should take.