Did you take out a secured loan that now feels like a weight on your shoulders? It isn’t for everyone, but in some cases, secured debt consolidation can help you get some breathing room, especially when big loans like a mortgage or car payment are looming over you.
Now, this isn’t the same as combining credit card debts and calling it a day. Secured debt consolidation loans have different risks. In this blog, you’ll learn how secured debt consolidation works and situations where it might make sense.
Can You Do Secured Debt Consolidation?
You can absolutely consolidate secured debts. However, the process works differently from consolidating unsecured debt, like credit cards.
With secured debt, you back up a mortgage, car loan, or home equity loan with collateral like your home or car. If you stop making payments, the lender can take the asset tied to your loan.
The collateral is what makes this tricky. Since you promised an asset in exchange for the loan, you can’t consolidate everything with one easy-click loan. Instead, it usually means taking out a new secured loan to pay off one or more existing secured debts.
For example, let’s say you use equity in your home to take out a loan. You would then use that loan to pay off multiple secured debts (or, in some cases, a mix of secured and unsecured debts). The result is one monthly payment instead of several, which can tame the chaos of managing multiple debts every month.
What’s the Catch?
If you’re overwhelmed by multiple payments, consolidation can streamline your finances. With that said, there’s a big tradeoff here. When you consolidate secured loans, you still have to put an asset on the line for the new consolidation. If you fall behind on payments, the risk is much more than late fees: you could lose the asset tied to the loan.
How Secured Debt Consolidation Loans Work
If you’ve already taken out a secured loan, the consolidation process works pretty similarly:
- Apply for a new loan: For starters, look for loans that you can back up with collateral. Home equity loans are a good example. You don’t have to use the same collateral you put up for your existing loan, but you need to offer something that’s valuable enough to cover the loan. In most cases, that’s a car or house.
- Pay off existing debts: If the lender approves your application, the new loan will pay off your existing debt.
- Make one monthly payment: Instead of paying multiple lenders or bills each month, you now have a single loan to manage.
Again, keep in mind that the lender can take your collateral if you fall behind on payments. Secured loans aren’t something to be considered lightly, so think carefully before signing on the dotted line.
What to Consider if Secured Debt Consolidation Feels Too Risky
Secured consolidation loans don’t work for everyone, and that’s okay. A few alternatives to consider include:
- Debt relief programs: Debt relief programs won’t replace your loans (sorry), but they can help you get in control of your finances. They’re great for getting clear on your budget, planning your repayments, or even negotiating with a lender.
- Loan modifications or hardship programs: Have you told your lender you’re struggling to keep up with payments? You’d be surprised how helpful they can be if you’re upfront about your challenges. Some lenders offer hardship options that temporarily reduce your payment or extend your loan terms. It doesn’t hurt to ask!
- Unsecured consolidation loans: These loans also roll up multiple debts into a single payment, but they don’t require collateral. If you don’t want to risk your home or car (which is totally understandable), this could be an option worth exploring.
Choose Stability Over Short-Term Relief
Secured loans can be a great fit if you have a paid-off house or car and need some financial breathing room. Your collateral is on the line, though, so this is far from a risk-free option. Before taking on a secured consolidation loan, make sure you can afford the monthly payments. If that’s not realistic, options like debt relief and hardship programs can keep your head above water.
