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Here are why debt consolidation is good for you in Malaysia: simplified finances, reduced monthly payments, improved credit score and lowered interest rates.
Debt settlement involves costly third-party negotiations, whereas debt consolidation uses a new loan for a more efficient, direct repayment plan.
Managing multiple debts can be overwhelming, which is why debt consolidation is good for those looking to streamline their finances and regain control over their financial future.
If you’re feeling the strain of keeping up with different interest rates, payment schedules, and financial institutions, debt consolidation might be the answer you’ve been searching for.
In Malaysia, debt consolidation offers a practical way to reduce monthly payments and simplify your financial obligations.
In this article, we’ll explore why debt consolidation is good for you, how it works, and when you should consider it.
Why Debt Consolidation is Good for You?
1. Reduced Monthly Payments
A key advantage of debt consolidation is the chance to reduce your monthly payments by extending the loan term. This can make monthly budgeting easier and relieve financial stress.
However, it’s important to note that the total interest paid over the life of the loan could increase.
To get a clearer picture of your new payments, using a loan consolidation calculator can provide estimates of the new monthly amounts.
2. Improves Credit Score Over Time
Initially, you might experience a small dip in your credit score caused by the hard inquiry from applying for a new loan.
However, debt consolidation can lead to long-term improvements in your credit score.
By paying off high-credit accounts, your credit utilisation rate decreases, which positively impacts your credit score.
Additionally, making consistent, on-time payments on your consolidated loan will further improve your credit score over time.
3. Simplifies Financial Management
Debt consolidation simplifies financial management by combining multiple debts into a single loan, lowering the number of payments and interest rates.
By consolidating your debts, you reduce the risk of late or missed payments and gain clearer visibility into when your debts will be fully paid off.
4. Lower Interest Rates
If your credit score has improved since you took out your previous loans, you may qualify for lower interest rates through debt consolidation.
These savings can be substantial, particularly if you avoid overextending the loan term.
Plus, you can secure the most competitive rates by shopping around and pre-qualifying with various financial institutions.
5. Speeds Up Debt Repayment
Debt consolidation can also speed up debt repayment by offering lower interest rates, which allows for monthly savings.
You can use these savings to make extra payments, shortening the repayment period and reducing long-term interest costs.
However, it’s crucial to proactively make additional payments, as debt consolidation often extends loan terms.
When Should You Consider Debt Consolidation in Malaysia?
1. Good Credit Benefits
If you have a strong credit score, you might qualify for a bank loan or credit card with better terms, making consolidation more advantageous.
2. Budget Compatibility
If your budget can handle the new monthly payment without compromising essential expenses, consolidation can be a viable option.
3. High-Interest Debt
Consider consolidating your high-interest debts into one loan with a lower interest rate to save money and manage your debt more efficiently.
4. Multiple Monthly Payments
Simplify your finances by merging multiple monthly debt payments into one, thus reducing the risk of missed payments.
5. Desire to Lower Payments
If you want to reduce your monthly financial burden, consolidation can lower your overall payments and provide relief.
6. Variable to Fixed Rate
Convert variable-rate debts to a fixed rate through consolidation for more predictable and stable payments.
7. Spending Habit Reformation
Consolidation can provide a fresh start if you’re devoted to changing your spending habits and avoiding additional debt.
Debt Consolidation vs Debt Settlement: What’s the Difference?
1. Debt Settlement
Debt settlement involves engaging a third-party company to negotiate with your financial institution to accept a lump-sum payment of less than the total outstanding balance.
While this can reduce the amount you owe, these companies typically charge fees ranging from 15% to 30% of the total debt.
Additionally, such arrangements can sometimes be scams, so choosing a reputable company is crucial.
At Citywide Advisory, we assist clients with debt settlement by ensuring they have the funds needed to fully settle the discounted amount they negotiate with their bank.
2. Debt Consolidation
Debt consolidation consists of taking out a new loan to pay off the total balances of your existing debts.
This method does not generally involve paying a third party, except for potential origination or administrative fees associated with the new loan.
Debt consolidation requires the borrower to assess all their debts and formulate a strategy to repay them using the new loan.
This approach aims for a more efficient and potentially less costly repayment plan.
But when should you seek a loan agency to assist with debt consolidation? You can seek help if you’re experiencing the following:
Credit card usage exceeds 70%.
Debt Service Ratio (DSR) is over 70% of net pay.
CTOS score is below 550.
Late payments are recorded in CCRIS.
SAA, trade references, etc.
Please note that at Citywide Advisory, we do not handle cases involving legal issues, summons, or bankruptcy.
Why Was Your Bank Loan Application Rejected in Malaysia?
Applying for a bank loan in Malaysia can be challenging, and several factors might lead to rejection:
1. Credit Issues
CTOS score below 550: Banks consider this a high-risk indicator.
Late payments: More than two months overdue within the last six months.
Special Attention Account (SAA): Flagged accounts.
Trade references: Exceeding RM1,000.
Legal issues: Including bankruptcy (Citywide Advisory does not handle cases involving legal issues, summons, or bankruptcy).
2. Income Factors
Recent employment: Less than six months at your current job.
Income in cash: Unverifiable income.
No EPF contributions: Employment without EPF contributions.
Contract or freelance work: Considered unstable income.
3. High Debt-to-Service Ratio (DSR)
DSR over 70%: Monthly instalments exceeding 70% of net income make approval unlikely.
In situations like these, bankers cannot assist clients in securing a loan. Applying to these circumstances would not only waste time but could also worsen your financial record.
If rejected, you must wait six months before reapplying to the same bank, and each application can lower your CTOS score by 30 to 50 points.
Moreover, a CTOS score below 550 leads to immediate rejection by some banks.
Citywide Advisory’ Loan and Consultancy Services
Citywide Advisory is a trusted bank loan and debt consolidation agency in Malaysia, offering an array of financial solutions, including:
Personal loan services
SME loan services
Mortgage loan services (to purchase a new home, refinancing and cashback purposes)
Collateral loan services
We also provide tailored loan advice customised to your individual circumstances, considering a variety of factors like:
Required loan amount.
Urgency of the need.
Property ownership duration.
Income level.
CTOS score, including credit score and history.
Personalised Loan Consultancy Services in Malaysia
Citywide Advisory is the BEST loan advisory service in Malaysia.
Citywide Advisory also offers personalized loan consultancy services, helping clients understand and improve their rejected loan applications for refinancing housing loans and more.
We customise our loan recommendations based on an individual’s needs, considering factors like:
The specific loan amount you require.
The urgency with which the loan amount is needed.
Whether you or your parents own a property that has been held for over ten years.
Your income level.
Your CTOS score (such as your credit score and credit history).
Our goal is simple: to help you find the right loan solution, paving the way to financial stability and debt freedom.
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