What to know about debt consolidation  The concept of a debt
consolidation loan is admirable and intelligent -- pay off a
bunch of high-interest-bearing loans with one loan that has a
low interest rate. But frankly, this is easier said than done,
so if you're thinking of dipping your toe into the debt
consolidation pool, here's what you should consider first.  Good
loans are hard to come by  If you have several loans with
relatively high interest rates, you've never missed a payment
and your credit score is high, you probably will be able to get
what you're looking for from either a bank or a low-interest
credit card that you can then move all of your other debt to.
But by the time most people think that they need a debt
consolidation loan, they are likely struggling with making
payments, and their credit score has probably taken a hit --
meaning your odds of getting a good debt consolidation loan
worth taking are just about nil. In which case, don't do it.
Beware of companies bearing promises  A bank is one