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Living costs are at an all-time high, and many have to turn to loans for immediate relief in times of financial crisis. Payday loans are popular in this regard due to their quick approval process. However, they can put borrowers in the vicious cycle of borrowing and repayment of debts.
Payday loans are high-interest and short-term loans with the due date for repayments on the borrower’s next payday. Their outrageous rates can make it challenging to repay the debt quickly, negatively impacting your credit scores. Most payday lenders have access to the borrower’s bank accounts and carry out automatic repayment withdrawals, leading to severe stress, especially if you cannot make the repayment and manage your daily finances simultaneously.
In situations like these, payday loan consolidation offers a beacon of hope as a potential solution. These loans let you combine several repayments into a single one with the benefits of lower interest rates and a longer repayment frame.
How Does Payday Loan Consolidation Work
Payday loan consolidation is when you combine multiple payday loans into a single personal loan and repay it over a more extended period in instalments with lower interest. To get a payday loan consolidation, you must begin by assessing the amount of payday loans they have, their total interest, and your ability to pay it back on time.
You must first apply to your bank or credit union for a personal loan. You will then structure a repayment plan outlining the new interest rate and the time frame for the repayment. If approved, you will get a lump sum to pay off your payday loan in full. Now, you can make monthly payments on your new personal loan. It is essential to do your research and choose a suitable consolidation option, which can include the following:
Debt management program: These are programs where the credit counselling agent negotiates with the lenders on behalf of the borrowers for favourable repayment plans
Debt consolidation loans: if you choose this option, you pay off the existing loan by securing a new loan with lower interest rates
Negotiating with lenders: In this method, you contact the lenders individually for favourable repayment terms.
Debt consolidation is often considered when the burden of managing multiple payday loans becomes overwhelming, and borrowers are seeking a more structured and potentially cost-effective solution.
Benefits of Payday Loan Consolidation
Simplified repayments: Consolidating multiple loans into a single monthly payment simplifies the process and makes it easy to manage a timely repayment. The interest rate is fixed, so you have a constant amount to pay every month, eliminating the risk of missing payment and unpredictability of the amount you owe. This consistency gives you a clear overview of your monthly expenses and the loan amount so you can effectively formulate your budget and gain control of your finances.
Improved credit score: All loan repayments you make will be noted by the credit bureau. The more timely you make your repayments will positively affect your credit score.
No rollovers: A consolidated plan helps avoid rolling over your loan, which can compound your overall debt and additional fees. This reduces the extra stress and anxiety associated with a payday loan a borrower may experience.
Better loan terms: The repayment time of the consolidated plan can range from six to 12 months, while you have to repay all your debt on the next pay day with payday loans. It also facilitates you with the option of monthly instalments, eliminating the need for rollovers. While a new loan requires an origination fee of 1% to 5%, the overall costs are still much lower than the payday loans’ ultra-high annual percentage rates (APRs).
Drawbacks of a Payday Loan Consolidation
Before applying for one, it is crucial to thoroughly assess your circumstances and consider the potential drawbacks of payday loan consolidation. Loan consolidation interest rates can vary between 6% and 36%. You can only qualify for a lower interest rate based on your creditworthiness. A lower APR is not guaranteed and depends on several factors, like the new loan terms and effective negotiation with the lenders.
Additionally, many consolidation companies are involved in fraudulent practices and scams, so it is essential to do thorough research and keep your finances safe. A consolidated loan is a temporary financial relief, and if you fail to regain control of your budget, you may need to reapply for a new loan for additional amounts.
Alternatives to Payday Loan Consolidation
If payday loan consolidation is not a convenient option for you to shift to, you can consider the following strategies and programs:
1. Mutual Aid
You can use personalised local options to eliminate your payday loan. Community networks and your support group can help you out. You can look for government assistance programs for people needing financial support and research their terms and eligibility criteria to apply.
2. Credit Counselling
Credit counselling programs assess your financial situation and then facilitate you by providing practical budgeting advice to manage your finances. This can improve your money management skills and understanding of finances to gain control of your long-term financial health. They also formulate debt management plans for you by negotiating with creditors.
3. Debt Avalanche
The debt avalanche method involves prioritising the repayment of either the smallest balance (debt snowball) or the one with the highest interest rate (debt avalanche). This builds momentum for your repayment and motivates you.
4. Credit Card Balance Transfer
You can also transfer the high-interest payday loan amount to a credit card with lower interest rates. Some credit cards also offer promotional periods of zero or very low interest for balance transfers.
5. Extended Repayment Plans
Most payday loans can offer extended payment plans free of cost if you cannot pay in full on time. However, this option is not widely known, and people usually go for a loan rollover instead. It is vital to research all available options before making a decision.
Endnote
In conclusion, payday loan consolidation is a practical and effective strategy for individuals burdened by multiple payday loans. Consolidating your payday loans is a proactive step toward gaining long-term financial health by breaking out of the vicious cycle of debt associated with the rollovers of high-interest, expensive payday loans.
Getting professional assistance for payday loan consolidation is crucial to getting personalised solutions to address immediate debt and long-term financial planning. Professional counsellors from legitimate companies also help you avoid scams and provide legal and regulatory knowledge of your rights as a borrower.