Debt Consolidation โ Simplify and Save on Interest
Compare consolidating multiple debts into one loan. See monthly savings, interest savings, and break-even to decide if consolidation makes sense.
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Only consolidate if you get a meaningfully lower rate Factor in origination fees when comparing options Don't run up new debt after consolidating Consider personal loan, balance transfer, or HELOC
Ready to run the numbers?
Why: Consolidating high-interest debts into a single lower-rate loan can save thousands in interest and simplify your finances.
How: Enter your total debt, average rate, current payment, and proposed consolidation terms. Results show payoff comparison and break-even.
Run the calculator when you are ready.
Debt Consolidation Calculator โ Save on Interest
Compare consolidating multiple debts into one loan. See monthly savings, interest savings, and break-even.
Sample Scenarios โ Click to Load
Current Debts & Consolidation Loan
Consolidation Loan
Calculation Breakdown
Current Debts
Consolidated Loan
Comparison
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For educational purposes only โ not financial advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions.
๐ก Money Facts
Personal loans typically offer 7โ20% rates for consolidation.
โ Lending Data
Balance transfer cards offer 0% intro but 3โ5% transfer fee.
โ Card Issuers
HELOC rates are often lowest but put your home at risk.
โ Industry
Break-even shows when fee is recovered by monthly savings.
โ CFPB
What is Debt Consolidation?
Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into a single loan, ideally at a lower interest rate. This can simplify payments and reduce total interest paid.
Benefits
- โข Single monthly payment
- โข Potentially lower rate
- โข Fixed payoff date
- โข Easier to budget
Options
- โข Personal loan
- โข Balance transfer card
- โข Home equity loan/HELOC
- โข 401k loan (use caution)
When to Consolidate
Good Candidate
- โข Multiple high-interest debts
- โข Can get significantly lower rate
- โข Won't run up new debt
- โข Plan to pay off within term
Not Recommended
- โข Rate won't be much lower
- โข Still using credit cards
- โข Close to paying off anyway
- โข High fees eat savings
Key Takeaways
- โข Only consolidate if you get a meaningfully lower rate
- โข Factor in all fees when comparing options
- โข Don't run up new debt after consolidating
- โข Consider the total cost, not just monthly payment
- โข Have a plan to stay out of debt
This calculator provides estimates. Get actual quotes from lenders.
Consolidation Options Compared
| Option | Typical Rates | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Loan | 7-20% | Fixed rate, fixed term | Origination fee |
| Balance Transfer | 0% intro | 0% for 12-21 months | 3-5% fee, high after |
| HELOC | 5-10% | Lowest rates | Home at risk |
| 401k Loan | Prime + 1% | Pay yourself interest | Miss retirement gains |
Common Consolidation Mistakes
Running Up New Debt
Using freed-up credit cards defeats the purpose entirely.
Extending Term Too Much
Lower payment but more interest paid total.
Ignoring Total Cost
Focus on total paid, not just monthly payment.
Using Home Equity Carelessly
Converting unsecured to secured debt - your home is at stake.
Your Consolidation Action Plan
- 1
List All Debts
Balance, rate, and payment for each debt
- 2
Check Your Credit
Higher score = better rates
- 3
Shop Multiple Lenders
Compare rates, fees, and terms
- 4
Commit to No New Debt
Don't use the credit cards you paid off
Debt consolidation is a tool, not a solution. The key is changing the behavior that created the debt. Use consolidation to simplify and save, but commit to staying out of new debt.
Last updated: January 2026. Shop multiple lenders for the best rates.
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