US borrowing · Practical next steps

Debt consolidation reality check

Compare existing debt payments with a proposed consolidation loan, including fees, payoff length and total outlay. Review the risk of borrowing again.

Does consolidation reduce the total cost?

Compare up to three debts with a fixed monthly payment on each. Set an unused balance to zero. This is a constant-payment scenario, not a credit-card minimum-payment forecast.

Hypothetical USD examples. Edit and calculate; results stay on this page.

Check the risks beyond the payment

I compared fees and the full repayment length, not only the monthly amount.
I checked whether the new rate changes or is temporary.
I have a plan for any continuing spending shortfall and new use of paid-off accounts.
I will confirm the old creditors actually received the payoff.

Track actual creditor confirmations. Checkmarks record your review; they do not verify an outcome.

Old debts keep their entered payments, with no new spending, rate changes, fees or redistribution after a payoff. The new loan covers the entered principal balances, which may differ from actual payoff quotes. All periods are monthly.

Primary background, checked November 9, 2026: CFPB consumer guidance.

A lower payment can last longer

The hypothetical default replaces $10,000 of balances. Change the term and fee to see whether a smaller installment increases total outlay. The model does not assume that a paid-off card stays unused or that a lender accepts your payoff amount.

Explore alternatives and counseling · Confirm old-account payoffs · Check cash timing.

Scope and next steps

Educational planning only. Confirm actual costs, dates and terms before making commitments. Financial disclaimer · Editorial standards.