Debt Relief In Connecticut

Debt can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are options for debt consolidation in Connecticut. Asking for help is the first step toward financial independence. With hard work and determination, you can break the cycle of indebtedness and regain your financial stability.

Are you one of those who owe a lot of money to credit card companies? In Connecticut, the average person has over $7,000 in credit card debt. That debt can take years or even decades to pay off, especially if you’re only making minimum payments.

Connecticut Credit Card Debt Stats

• Average card debt per household: $7,304 
• Average credit limit available: $18,783
• Most popular credit card: Cash back rewards.
• Average credit utilization ratio: 29.95% 
• Number of cards: 3.23
• % of delinquent accounts (the last 90 days): 6.84%
• Average credit score: 690 

Options For Debt Relief In Connecticut

There are many ways to manage your debt and get relief. Familiarizing yourself with the laws that protect consumers and the different strategies that are available can help you find the best solution for your situation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation can be a helpful solution for consumers who find themselves struggling to manage multiple bills. By consolidating their debt into a single loan with a lower interest rate, they can save money on interest payments and get back on track financially. There are several different ways to consolidate debt, including taking out a personal loan or using a home equity loan or line of credit.

Regardless of the method you use, the goal is to reduce the amount you pay in interest by consolidating your debt at a lower rate. However, it is possible to end up paying more in interest depending on the rates of your individual debts and the new loan, as well as your credit score. Therefore, it is important to do your research and compare rates before consolidating your debt.

Doing debt relief in Connecticut does not reduce the amount of debt you have; it simply decreases the number of debts you owe. While this strategy can reduce the stress of juggling multiple bills and creditors, some consumers end up in deeper debt after consolidating if they don’t address what led them to get into debt in the first place.

Also, keep in mind if you use a home equity loan or HELOC to consolidate unsecured debt such as credit cards and medical bills, you put your home at risk should you have trouble paying the new loan.

Refinance

Refinancing your mortgage or car loan can save you money on your monthly payments. By taking out a new loan with a lower interest rate, you can reduce the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan. You may also be able to extend the term of the loan, which will lower your monthly payments even further. In some cases, you may even be able to do a cash-out refinance, which allows you to take out a lump sum of money against the equity in your home.

Don’t be fooled by the promises of a lower monthly payment through refinancing. You will likely end up paying more in the long run by extending the term of your loan. Before making any decisions, be sure to understand all the terms and conditions involved with refinancing, as well as any potential consequences. For example, refinancing federal student loans may cause you to lose access to forbearance and deferment options.

Balance Transfer Card

There are a few different ways that you can go about tackling your debt. One option is to take advantage of a low or promotional balance transfer rate on a credit card. This can be helpful if you have good or excellent credit and can qualify for a card with a low-interest rate and a high enough credit limit to cover all or most of your debt.

With this approach, you would transfer the balances from your high-interest credit cards to the new card or use it to pay off other bills. For this strategy to be most effective, you would need to pay off the new debt before the promotional rate ended, which is typically anywhere from 12 to 21 months. However, like with debt consolidation, some consumers who use this strategy may be tempted to run up the credit cards they pay off again if they don’t change their spending habits.

Credit Counseling

Credit counseling can be extremely beneficial when it comes to addressing both short-term and long-term debt management issues. A counselor can help you establish a budget and come up with a plan to pay your creditors. Although there is usually a fee associated with counseling, many nonprofit agencies offer some resources for free.

Debt Management

Debt management plans can be very helpful for consumers who are struggling with their debts. However, these programs can take a long time to complete and often come with monthly fees. On average, debt management plans take four to five years to finish and typically cost $25-$35 per month.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is an option that you can consider when you are struggling to pay your debts. This process can help you get a fresh start by wiping out your debt and giving you a clean slate. However, it is important to note that bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for seven to 10 years and may impact your ability to get credit during that time. There are two types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is a total liquidation of assets, while Chapter 13 is a structured repayment plan over three to five years. Talk to a financial professional to figure out which option is best for you.

Final Thoughts

No one likes to find themselves in debt, but it can happen to anyone. Fortunately, there are ways to get out of debt, even in Connecticut. State and federal laws provide consumers with various protections against overzealous creditors, but it’s best to try and get a handle on your debt before it gets to that level. Balance transfers, refinancing, and negotiations with creditors are all possible options that can help improve your situation.

Connecticut Cities

  Clearone Advantage, Credit Associates, Credit 9, Americor Funding, Tripoint Lending, Lendvia, Simple Path Financial, New Start Capital, Point Break Financial, Sagemore Financial, Money Ladder, Advantage Preferred Financial, LoanQuo, Apply.Credit9, Mobilend