How to Calculate Debt Consolidation
What is Debt Consolidation?
Debt consolidation combines multiple debts into a single loan, ideally at a lower interest rate. It simplifies payments and can reduce total interest paid. However, extending the repayment term can sometimes increase total interest even at a lower rate.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Sum all debt balances to find the consolidation loan amount needed
- 2Compare the new consolidated interest rate to weighted average of current rates
- 3Calculate new monthly payment using the loan payment formula
- 4Compare total interest paid: consolidated vs current debts
Worked Examples
Input
$5k at 22% + $8k at 18% → consolidated at 10%, 60 months
Result
Save $3,000+ in interest, lower monthly payment
Break-even: rate difference matters more than term
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