What is Better, Bankruptcy or Debt Consolidation?

By : Maria Mbura

There are many options available to us when looking at ways to deal with our debt which can leave us confused. Credit counseling programs, debt settlement, debt consolidation loans and bankruptcy are some of the options we can take. One might want to ask the question what is better, bankruptcy or debt consolidation? I think that one needs to look at each case in its own merit to determine which of the two options offer the best solution to the problem at hand.
To understand lets look at what the two options have to offer.

Debt Consolidation

Some people worry that consolidating ones unsecured debts by the use of a secured loan is risky for us and we are not getting into the root of our debt problem but only replacing one problem with another. Others maintain that debt consolidation provides a permanent solution to our debt issues.

A debt consolidation loan replaces several unsecured loans like credit card debts with one single loan so that instead of making many payments you are now able to make one lower payment towards your debts. This will help to immediately improve your credit score. However one of the considerations to qualifying for a debt consolidation loan is your ability to make the new payment regularly. So a stable source of income or employment is crucial. In most cases the lender will require you to provide some security like a car, house or a co-signor.

Bankruptcy

If you don't qualify for a debt consolidation loan then you might have to consider bankruptcy,
under Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 depending on your circumstances.

Bankruptcy is a complete discharge of some types of debts. It means walking away from your debts including your home and other assets you may have accumulated. Although a bankruptcy is severe and it stays in your credit report for up to 10 years, lately it is becoming a convenient way for people to get out of their financial problems. Individuals who are struggling to meet their debt situation are declaring bankruptcy more and more as the credit crunch continues to bite.

It is still not inclusive as there are some types of debts like student loans and child support among others which are not included in a bankruptcy. Neither of these two options offer everything to everyone. It will all depend on each individuals financial problem.

Therefore if you have to consider what is better bankruptcy or debt consolidation, we feel this is a serious decision to make which would require the consultation with a professional financial adviser to help you look at the options open to you to suit your specific need.