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Consolidate buy now pay later with a debt consolidation loan

Helpful Money Tips

If you overspent at Christmas, you’re not alone. Many of us feel pressured to splash out during the silly season, and this can leave a serious dent in our wallets.

A recent Finder study revealed that 36% of Aussies funded Christmas using a credit card or Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL).

If you’ve paid for Christmas with a credit card or BNPL, you can end up with a long list of individual repayments to cover. This can increase your risk of falling behind, which can lead to late fees and additional interest. A debt consolidation loan can be of use if you want to avoid this.

How a debt consolidation loan can help

Keeping on top of repayments can be stressful, especially if they’re spread across multiple providers. A debt consolidation loan will transfer your existing debts into one account under a single interest rate. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits.

Switch from multiple repayments to one single repayment

It’s hard to keep track of numerous repayment due dates, especially if they all fall on different days. By taking out a debt consolidation loan, you’ll only need to make one regular repayment. You’ll also only have to deal with one creditor rather than several.

Minimise dishonour fees

With fewer repayments to juggle, you’re less likely to incur dishonour fees from missing the odd repayment date. Not only does this benefit your hip pocket, it can also protect your credit score from being dragged down.

Lower repayments

A debt consolidation loan can often mean a lower monthly repayment amount by allowing you to make one payment instead of having to make minimum payments to a long list of providers. This can make it easier to remain within budget and regain control of your finances. Check with your lender to see if you’re able to make extra repayments or pay above the minimum amount. This can help to speed up the repayment process.

Other things to keep in mind

As with any financing option, debt consolidation loans aren’t entirely risk free. Before applying, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of what’s expected from your end. Below are some additional factors to keep in mind.

  • You might retain debt for longer. Having a reduced interest rate and lower repayments may mean that your debt hangs around for longer. But if you’re able to pay a bit extra into the loan, this doesn’t have to be the case.

  • Potential to pay more in the long run. To prevent this from happening, make sure you take out a loan with a credible lender and set up a repayment plan you can actually afford.

  • You may accrue more debt. Poor financial management means you may end up in more debt with a consolidation loan. It’s important to rein in your spending under your new loan and take your repayments seriously to prevent this from becoming a repeat pattern.

Starting off the new year bogged down in debt isn’t ideal. But a debt consolidation loan can help you regain control of your finances and get back on track in 2020.

If you’re ready now, apply for a debt consolidation loan with Fair Go Finance today.

Written by Bessie Hassan – a money expert at Finder