Regulators with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency began pressuring card issuers to raise minimum monthly payments. The new law for minimum payments went into effect at the end of 2005, and several credit card companies have already doubled their minimum monthly payments from 2% to 4%. If you are a homeowner, you may want to consider a debt consolidation loan through a mortgage refinance or home equity loan (second mortgage) because it will not only reduce your debt, but you also may get a 100% tax deduction on the interest you pay on your loan.

If you have a loan under $10,000 you'll find it hard to consolidate it. Most lender will not consolidate your loan unless you have more than $10,000. But there is always a way if there's a will.

Read important details you need to know before you apply to consolidate your student loans. Get the latest news and learn what precautions to take to ensure a safe transaction.

In this day and age debt consolidation is becoming more and more common. It seems that many people have gotten in over their heads with credit card debt, student loans or other expenses, brought on by genuine need such as a death in the family, loss of income, ect.