Refinancing Debt

Credit cards companies sweeten the lure of their advertisements with offers to transfer already existing credit card debt to their card at lowered interest. Financial agencies offer home refinancing at lowered interest rates, low down payments and no closing costs. If your credit card debt is high or you are struggling to make your house payments, this might save some money in the short term, but this can be risky to both your credit rating and the balance of your debt. Some of these rates are temporary and increase in a few months or a year. So, when is refinancing a good idea? Minnesota bankruptcy lawyers can advise you further on this, but for now, here are some general guidelines:

Refinancing Your Home

• If you can refinance your home for the same amount of time left on your original mortgage or a lower interest rate and without overwhelming additional fees, then do it.


• If you have a bank loan and can refinance with another bank loan with all of the above conditions included, then do it.


• If you can refinance your home for substantially less than its market value and come out with substantial cash to apply in other areas, then do it.

Refinancing Your Credit Cards

• If you can refinance your credit card balances for a lower interest rate and all the other terms of the loan are comparable, then do it.


• If you are not in default in your mortgage or in financial trouble and a refinance on your home to pay off high interest credit card debt has tax advantages, a lower interest rate on the mortgage and the loan is for the same of less than the length of time left on the original loan, then do it. A word of warning though, DO NOT refinance your home solely to pay off credit card debt unless there are advantages for the cost of the mortgage as well.


• If you can transfer your credit card debt to another company for less interest and no fees associated with the transfer, then do it.

Some Don'ts:

Don't let a tenacious creditor talk you into refinancing to satisfy their debt. These folks are trained in the arts of intimidation and they're very good at it. However, their parent company is often reluctant to pursue debt through the court system and they're left only left with the option to intimidate. This debt can be negotiated better through a credit counselor or by contacting the debtor directly.

Don't refinance your credit card debit with a loan you have secured with tangible property, such as your home or vehicles. You may be putting these previously unencumbered assets into jeopardy if you have to default on the credit card balances or declare bankruptcy.

Minnesota bankruptcy lawyers can offer you more advice and suggestions than are listed here, so contact one of them for more complete information. Even if bankruptcy seems to be an option on your horizon, contact Minnesota bankruptcy lawyers before you make any major changes to your present financial situation.



For experienced, knowledgeable and trustworthy bankruptcy assistance, contact the attorneys from www.legalhelpers.com. Call toll-free 800-260-1402 today for your initial free consultation or come into one of their 100 offices across the country.