Bill consolidation, simply put, is the act of bringing multiple bills together in order for a lump sum to be paid off. For many people, this is seen as a great service, as it allows them to make fewer payments, albeit larger ones. However, others see it as more of a hindrance than a benefit. For those that are looking to consolidate their own monthly payments, here are some pros & cons that the likes of Robert Jain can draw your attention to.
PRO - Every payment can be made at once. If you have multiple payments to make each month, consolidating them saves time. Instead of having to write out multiple checks or send numerous online payments, you can simply distribute a single sum. For many people, this reduces the headache associated with financial endeavors. This is just one of the perks that names like Bob Jain can tell you about.
CON - Once you create a plan, you must stick to it. The reason why this may be seen as a con is that it boxes people into payment plans that they may have difficulty paying. If you cannot make the entire payment one month, it can have a negative impact on your credit score. What this means is that if you wanted to take out a loan, your chances of being approved will be lessened. Understand what you're getting into before setting said plan into motion.
PRO - The likelihood of being late with payments is decreased. Let's say that you have multiple payments that you must cover, not all of them being automatic. There's a possibility that you will miss one of them, which is where bill consolidation comes into play. When you can bring all your bills into a single payment, it ensures that every amount is accounted for. When you make payments on time, it will do wonders for your credit score.
CON - Interest must be accounted for. Another reason why many people are against the idea of bill consolidation is the interest that must be paid. Interest rates can increase over the course of time, meaning that the average person will end up paying more than what they originally owed. Of course, this can be solved by simply paying off bills in full, as opposed to simply covering the minimum. Nonetheless, this is a downside that should be noted.
PRO - Every payment can be made at once. If you have multiple payments to make each month, consolidating them saves time. Instead of having to write out multiple checks or send numerous online payments, you can simply distribute a single sum. For many people, this reduces the headache associated with financial endeavors. This is just one of the perks that names like Bob Jain can tell you about.
CON - Once you create a plan, you must stick to it. The reason why this may be seen as a con is that it boxes people into payment plans that they may have difficulty paying. If you cannot make the entire payment one month, it can have a negative impact on your credit score. What this means is that if you wanted to take out a loan, your chances of being approved will be lessened. Understand what you're getting into before setting said plan into motion.
PRO - The likelihood of being late with payments is decreased. Let's say that you have multiple payments that you must cover, not all of them being automatic. There's a possibility that you will miss one of them, which is where bill consolidation comes into play. When you can bring all your bills into a single payment, it ensures that every amount is accounted for. When you make payments on time, it will do wonders for your credit score.
CON - Interest must be accounted for. Another reason why many people are against the idea of bill consolidation is the interest that must be paid. Interest rates can increase over the course of time, meaning that the average person will end up paying more than what they originally owed. Of course, this can be solved by simply paying off bills in full, as opposed to simply covering the minimum. Nonetheless, this is a downside that should be noted.