Freedom Debt Relief Consolidation Loan: Consolidate and Simplify Debt

Author

Reads 957

Happy woman with red hair holding an envelope for debt payoff.
Credit: pexels.com, Happy woman with red hair holding an envelope for debt payoff.

A Freedom Debt Relief consolidation loan can be a game-changer for those overwhelmed by multiple debts. By combining multiple debts into one loan, it's possible to simplify debt payments and reduce stress.

The average American household has around $137,063 in debt, with many carrying multiple credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages. Consolidating debt can help alleviate this burden.

With a Freedom Debt Relief consolidation loan, borrowers can potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest payments over time. This is because the loan often has a lower interest rate than the combined rates of individual debts.

By streamlining debt payments, individuals can focus on making a single monthly payment rather than juggling multiple bills. This can lead to a greater sense of financial control and stability.

For another approach, see: Is Freedom Debt Relief a Good Company

What Is Freedom Debt Relief Consolidation Loan?

A debt consolidation loan can combine your existing debts into one loan with a single monthly payment and due date.

Credit: youtube.com, Debt Consolidation vs Debt Settlement: Which Is Better? | Freedom Debt Relief

This can make it easier to pay off debts as you only have to track one payment.

You can get a debt consolidation loan that's secured or unsecured, and it may involve interest and fees.

The interest rates, fees, and repayment terms depend on the type of loan you choose and your lender.

Explained

A debt consolidation loan is a type of loan that combines multiple debts into one loan with a single interest rate and payment.

This can simplify the debt repayment process and potentially lower your interest rate and monthly payment.

Freedom Debt Relief is a company that offers debt consolidation loans, but what exactly is this type of loan?

A debt consolidation loan is a consumer installment loan with a singular purpose: combining your existing debts.

You borrow a lump sum of money to pay off creditors for other loans and outstanding balances, then make payments to your debt consolidation lender.

Credit: youtube.com, Complete review of Freedom Debt Relief and how their program of debt settlement works

Debt consolidation loans can be secured or unsecured and involve both interest and fees.

The interest rates, fees, and repayment terms depend on the type of loan you choose and your lender.

Here are some common benefits of debt consolidation loans:

  • Simplify and streamline the debt repayment process
  • Lower your interest rate
  • Lower your monthly payment
  • Lower the total amount of interest you pay
  • Get a set payoff date for your debt
  • Get rid of your debt faster than by making minimum payments on credit cards

You don't have to get all of these benefits to make debt consolidation a worthwhile strategy.

Home equity loans and HELOCs could be better for borrowing large amounts if you have enough equity in your home.

A cash-out refinance could let you borrow against your home without adding a new loan payment.

Personal loans for debt consolidation may be a good option if you have a good credit score and need to borrow less than $100,000.

Balance transfer credit cards could help you consolidate debt at a low (or even 0%) APR.

However, there's almost always a fee for each balance transfer, and the promotional APRs expire.

It's essential to explore your options and consider what type of loan is best for your situation before selecting a debt consolidation company.

What It Does

Credit: youtube.com, How Does Debt Relief Affect Your Credit? | Freedom Debt Relief

A Freedom Debt Relief consolidation loan works by taking out a new loan and using the proceeds to pay off other debts. You can manage the size of your monthly payment by lengthening or shortening the repayment period of your consolidation loan.

The goal is to get a lower interest rate, which can save you money in the long run. If the consolidation loan has a higher rate, it may not be the best option unless you're replacing variable-rate loans with a fixed rate.

You'll want to decide which debts to include in loan consolidation, focusing on accounts with higher rates to lower your interest. Mortgage debt is typically not a good candidate for loan consolidation, as mortgage rates are already relatively low.

By consolidating your debts, you can simplify your payments and make it easier to stay on top of your finances.

A unique perspective: Whole Life Insurance Loan Rates

Types of Loans and Consolidation

You can consolidate various types of debt, including credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. This is because most consumers consolidate unsecured debt, which doesn't hold a physical asset as collateral.

Credit: youtube.com, DON'T Do Debt Consolidation Without Knowing this ESSENTIAL thing

To determine which debt to consolidate, consider the types of debt consolidation loans available. These include home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinance loans, which are mortgages that allow you to borrow against your home's equity. Personal loans and balance transfer credit cards are also common options.

If you have equity in your home, a cash-out refinance mortgage might be a good option, but be aware that cash-out refinancing comes with surcharges that apply to the entire loan. Home equity loans and HELOCs have lower closing costs and can be completed faster than cash-out refinancing, although the interest rates are higher.

Types of Loans

There are several types of loans that can be used for debt consolidation. A personal loan is a common option, offering a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and a set repayment period. They can be a good choice for those with reasonably good credit.

Home equity loans and lines of credit (HELOCs) are also viable options, allowing you to borrow against your home's available equity. Home equity loans typically offer a lump sum with a fixed interest rate, paid back over a period of five to 30 years. Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are revolving lines of credit that allow you to borrow, repay, and borrow again as often as you like, up to your loan limit.

On a similar theme: Introductory Rate

Credit: youtube.com, What Are The Best Types of Debt Consolidation?

A cash-out refinance loan is another option, where you refinance your mortgage to borrow more than enough to pay off your current mortgage. You get the difference in the form of cash you can spend. The money can then be used to consolidate debt, fund large purchases, renovate your property, or cover another large expense.

Balance transfer credit cards can also be used for debt consolidation, offering a 0% or very low interest rate for a period of time. Many people use this option because it can save them a lot on interest charges. However, be aware of balance transfer fees, which range from 1% to 5% and average 3%.

Here are some common types of debt consolidation loans:

  • Home equity loan: A secured loan that allows you to borrow against your home's available equity, with a fixed interest rate and a repayment period of five to 30 years.
  • Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow, repay, and borrow again as often as you like, up to your loan limit, with a variable interest rate.
  • Cash-out refinance loan: A loan that allows you to refinance your mortgage and borrow more than enough to pay off your current mortgage, with a fixed or variable interest rate and a range of repayment terms.
  • Personal loan: An unsecured loan that offers a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and a set repayment period, typically for $1,000 to $100,000.
  • Balance transfer credit card: A credit card that allows you to transfer your balance from another credit card, often with a 0% or very low interest rate for a period of time, but with a balance transfer fee.

Unsecured with Co-Signer

Unsecured loans with a co-signer can be a great option for those with bad credit. An unsecured debt consolidation loan with bad credit can be hazardous for lenders, so having a co-signer can increase your chances of approval.

See what others are reading: Auto Loan Secured or Unsecured

Credit: youtube.com, Pros and cons of personal loans with cosigner

You can get an unsecured personal loan with a co-signer, and it's often your best bet. This type of loan doesn't require collateral, and the co-signer's good credit can help you qualify.

A co-signer is another person on your loan application, ideally with a high credit score and positive credit history. This can improve your odds of getting a debt consolidation loan.

Choose a co-signer you trust, and make sure they understand the responsibilities they're taking on. If you can't pay the loan, they'll be responsible for paying it.

Here are some types of debt you can consolidate with a loan: Credit cardsMedical billsUnsecured personal loansAuto loans (depending on the lender)

Keep in mind that you might not want to consolidate all of your debt. For example, if your consolidation loan interest rate is lower than your credit cards' APRs but higher than your auto loan's APR, you might consolidate the credit card accounts but not the car loan.

Home Equity Loan

Credit: youtube.com, HELOC vs Home Equity Loan: The Ultimate Comparison

A home equity loan can be a great option for credit card consolidation, allowing you to tap into the equity in your home to pay off high-interest credit card debt. This can be especially helpful if you have a large amount of equity built up in your home.

Home equity loans typically offer fixed interest rates, making it easier to budget and predict your monthly payments. These payments can be low since loan terms often extend from 10 to 20 years.

However, keep in mind that closing costs are involved when getting a home equity loan, which can range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. This can be a significant expense, so it's essential to consider whether a home equity loan is the best option for your situation.

If you do decide to take out a home equity loan, be sure to pay it off as quickly as possible to minimize the interest you pay over time. This can help you save money and get out of debt faster.

Benefits and Reasons to Consolidate

Credit: youtube.com, The Truth About Debt CONsolidation

Consolidating your debt can simplify your life and save you money in the long run. You'll have just one monthly payment to worry about, making it easier to keep track of your finances.

By consolidating your debt, you can reduce your monthly payments, lower your interest cost, and even improve your credit score. This is often the biggest benefit of loan consolidation, and it can be accomplished by replacing high-interest debt with a lower-interest debt consolidation loan.

Here are some of the specific benefits of consolidating your debt:

  • Simplify your debt payments
  • Reduce your monthly payments
  • Lower your interest cost
  • Improve your credit score
  • Speed up repayment

By consolidating your debt, you can take control of your finances and start working towards a debt-free future.

Why Consolidate?

Consolidating your loans can simplify your debt payments, reducing the risk of mix-ups and making it easier to keep track of your money. This can be especially helpful if you have automated bill payments set up.

By consolidating your loans, you can reduce your monthly payments, which can be accomplished by extending your repayment period, reducing your interest rate, or both. This can make a big difference in your finances.

Credit: youtube.com, DON'T Do Debt Consolidation Without Knowing this ESSENTIAL thing

Lowering your interest cost is often the biggest benefit of loan consolidation. This can reduce both your monthly payments and interest charges, saving you money in the long run.

Consolidating your loans can also improve your credit score. By lowering your credit utilization ratio and helping keep your payments on track, you can increase your credit score over time.

If you can accomplish one or more of these goals, consolidating your loans may be well worth your while.

Consolidate Payments Counseling

You can consolidate payments with the help of a credit counselor. They'll look at your income, expenses, debts, and goals to make a plan that works for you.

A credit counselor can help you make a budget that fits your lifestyle. They'll work with you to create a plan to manage your debt.

You'll check in regularly with your credit counselor to ask questions and share your progress. They won't judge or shame you if you don't stick to your budget. Instead, they'll encourage you to start again or congratulate you on a great month.

A different take: Credit Debt Help

Credit: youtube.com, The Pros and Cons of Debt Consolidation

To find a credit counselor, look for agencies accredited by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or the Financial Counseling Association of America (FCAA). They're available in person, on the phone, or by video visit.

Here are some benefits of working with a credit counselor:

  • Simplify your debt payments into one monthly payment
  • Reduce your monthly payments by extending your repayment period or reducing your interest rate
  • Lower your interest cost by replacing high-interest debt with a lower-interest debt consolidation loan
  • Improve your credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio and keeping your payments on track
  • Speed up repayment by paying off your debt faster with a lower interest rate or shorter term

Eligibility and Qualification

You can qualify for a debt consolidation loan even with bad credit by taking a few strategic steps. To start, it's helpful to have an estimate of your credit score, which you can get for free on www.annualcreditreport.com.

Lenders want to see proof of steady income, so be prepared to provide documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, or documents showing your income if you're a contract worker or self-employed. This is a crucial part of the qualification process.

A low debt-to-income ratio (DTI) can also improve your chances of qualifying for a bad credit debt consolidation loan. DTI equals your total debt payments divided by your gross income, and most lenders prefer a DTI of 43% or less.

Credit: youtube.com, How Do You Qualify for Different Types of Debt Relief Programs? | Freedom Debt Relief

Consolidating high-interest debt may worsen your DTI, but a fixed loan term can give you a solid end date for your debt. This can be a good option if you're set up to be in debt for decades with minimum payments on your credit cards.

To qualify for a debt consolidation loan, you'll need to offset a low credit score with good income and a low DTI. This means having a steady income and manageable debt payments.

See what others are reading: Low Income Car Loans No Money down

Risks Explained

Debt consolidation loans can be a good idea, but only if you get better terms on a new loan than you have on the debt it replaces.

If you're a problem spender, debt consolidation loans are not a good idea. They can actually lead to more debt, as you may end up running up your credit cards again after transferring your balances to a new loan.

Consolidation loans don't pay off debt, they only move it to a new loan with a new interest rate.

Credit: youtube.com, Is National Debt Relief A Scam? Is National Debt Relief Worth the Risk? | NDR Review

To make sure loan consolidation works to your advantage, you need to decide why you want to consolidate and what you want to achieve. Do you want to pay less interest, reduce your payments, or speed up debt repayment?

A longer repayment period can give you lower monthly payments, but it may also raise your total interest expense in the long run.

Some Business

If you have business debt, Freedom Debt Relief may help on a case-by-case basis. This type of debt can include an unsecured loan taken out to launch a side gig.

There may be tax consequences if creditors agree to settle your debt for less than you owe.

Manage Finances Better

Managing your finances effectively is crucial when considering a debt consolidation loan. You can start by tackling financial challenges, such as high credit card balances or many tradelines, by learning more about debt relief options.

Don't let debt overwhelm you. Debt relief options can help you tackle your financial challenges, regardless of your credit level. Home equity loans offer lower interest rates, but you'll need to qualify for financing and have enough home equity.

Credit: youtube.com, Debt Management Plans vs. Debt Consolidation Loans

Improving your credit score can also increase your chances of securing a debt consolidation loan at more competitive rates. By paying bills on time and lowering credit card balances, you can improve your credit score quickly.

Here are some common ways to improve your credit score:

  • Pay bills on time
  • Lower credit card balances
  • Avoid applying for new credit cards and loans unless absolutely necessary

Fixing errors on your credit report can also help change your score quickly. Start your path to recovery with the first step, and take control of your finances today.

Freedom Debt Relief vs. Other Options

Freedom Debt Relief stands out from other companies due to its excellent customer reviews. However, its fees can be as high as 25% of your enrolled debt amount.

Freedom Debt Relief offers debt settlement and debt consolidation loans by referral to a partner, which can be beneficial for those struggling with debt.

If you're considering Freedom Debt Relief, you should also look at the minimum debt required, which is $7,500.

Credit: youtube.com, Debt Settlement vs Bankruptcy in 2025

National Debt Relief and New Era Debt Solutions also offer debt settlement services, but with slightly different fees and requirements.

Here's a comparison of the three companies:

New Era Debt Solutions has a slightly lower fee range than Freedom Debt Relief, but its minimum debt requirement is higher at $10,000.

Getting Started and Applying

Before you start applying for a freedom debt relief consolidation loan, take a moment to review your credit report. Pull it up and check it for errors, as correcting any mistakes can help improve your credit score and increase your chances of qualifying.

Correcting errors on your credit report can be a straightforward process. If you're applying for a home equity loan, your mortgage lender may be able to help you correct errors in as little as a day or two using a service called Rapid Rescore.

Consider applying with a co-signer to boost your chances of getting approved for the loan. This person should have a high credit score and positive credit history, and ideally, they'll be someone you trust to take on the responsibility of paying the loan if you can't.

Make sure your co-signer fully understands the responsibilities they're taking on, as they'll be just as responsible for paying the loan as you are.

Debts and Eligibility

Credit: youtube.com, Pros and Cons of Debt Relief and Settlement

You can consolidate a variety of debts, but high-interest debt is the most beneficial to target. High-interest debt can be credit card debt, private student loans, or other types of loans with high interest rates.

To be eligible for debt consolidation, you'll typically need to have a steady income and a good credit score. However, some debt consolidation companies, like Freedom Debt Relief, may work with you on a case-by-case basis.

You can consolidate government-sponsored student loans, but you should think carefully before doing so, as they offer payment programs and borrower protections that private loans don't. Government-sponsored student loans generally have low interest rates, so refinancing them might not be worth it.

Private student loans, on the other hand, might be good candidates for consolidation if you can find a new loan with a lower interest rate. Credit card debt used to finance student expenses can also be a prime target for debt consolidation.

Costs and Expectations

Credit: youtube.com, Complete review of Freedom Debt Relief and how their program of debt settlement works

Freedom Debt Relief doesn't charge upfront fees, instead, you pay its fee once a debt is negotiated and a settlement is approved.

The fee is based on the enrolled amount of the debt that is settled, ranging from 15% to 25% of the enrolled debt.

In 2023, the company reached a $9.75 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

Debt settlement clients typically reduce their debt by $2.64 for every $1 of fees, according to a 2020 study by the AADR.

See what others are reading: Predatory Lending Lawsuit Settlement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Freedom Debt Relief program legit?

Yes, Freedom Debt Relief is a legitimate debt settlement company, accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and AADR. Its accreditation ensures a trustworthy and reliable debt relief experience.

Does debt consolidation hurt your credit?

Debt consolidation may temporarily lower your credit score by less than 5 points due to a hard inquiry, but it should rebound within a few months. However, the impact on your credit score is relatively minor and worth considering if it can help simplify your debt.

What are the disadvantages of Freedom Debt Relief?

Debt forgiveness through Freedom Debt Relief may come with costly fees and tax implications. Additionally, unpaid debt can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.