Debt consolidation is the process of combining all your monthly debt payments into one manageable monthly payment. There are at least four benefits well worth consideration when trying to decide the best way to get out of debt.

For any debt plan to work, you first have to fully commit to avoid taking on any extra debt while you are trying to dig your way out of the current situation. If you’re ready to make that commitment and stick to it, then you’re ready to be free of your bad debts. Read on…

In debt consolidation, you pick a specific day of each month that you would like to make your payment. Part of the stress of carrying debt is remembering to pay everyone on time. When that doesn’t happen, you incur late charges, over the limit charges, and your once low interest rate may skyrocket because you are now perceived as a higher risk. With a debt consolidation plan, you make only one debt payment per month, which is usually set up as an automatic draft from your bank account.

Debt consolidation also brings welcome stress relief because you condense multiple debt payments into one manageable monthly payment. Now you don’t have to remember multiple payments. As long as you make your one debt payment per month for the life of the plan, all is well.

Debt consolidation also lowers your overall debt payment. People who enter into debt consolidation plans usually have several high interest debts they are trying to overcome. Depending on the method of consolidation (professional help, consolidation loan, refinance, etc.) the repayment terms of your loan are set for a fixed period and the interest rate is considerably lower.

Perhaps the best benefit of debt consolidation is lowered interest. Whether you secure a debt consolidation loan, complete a cash-out refinance, or work with a not-for-profit agency that has established relationships with your creditors, paying less interest on your debt means more money stays in your pocket. Also, more of your hard earned income goes directly to the principal balance. This allows you to pay your debts quicker and with less interest charged over the life of the plan.

Dave Galahad is a freelance writer for ABCMoneySource.com on topics of banking, finance, investing, credit, savings, and debt. At ABCMoneySource.com our mission is to empower YOU with understanding on money matters and quickly find MoneySources to finance your dreams..... All from the comfort and privacy of your computer.