Are you a veteran struggling with debt? It may be time to consider consolidating your debt to lower your interest rate and streamline payments. While it can be challenging to find a loan with bad credit, there are options available to veterans. Here we’ll provide some options for debt consolidation loans for veterans with bad credit.
VA Backed Loan Options
Unfortunately, the VA doesn’t offer debt consolidation loans. They do offer home loans so refinancing your mortgage may be an option. This can help you save money to pay off other debt. Additionally, if you already have a VA home loan, veterans can use their home equity reserves to pay for debt consolidation. Home equity reserves grow over time as the home’s value increases and with each mortgage payment. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible, however.
Military Credit Unions and Banks
Financial institutions like Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA provide loan options tailored to veterans, often with more flexible credit requirements. Navy Federal Credit Union offers debt consolidation loans from $250 to $50,000 loan amounts and terms starting at 8.99% APR, according to its website. According to USAA, it offers personal loan rates as low as 10.04% APR. There is also no application fee or early repayment penalties. Loans start from $1,000 to $100,000.
Look into Assistance Programs
Organizations like Operation Homefront and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offer financial assistance, grants, and loan resources to help veterans consolidate and manage debt. For example, Operation Homefront has a Critical Financial Assistance Program that addresses critical financial shortfalls, including mortgage payments, rent, utilities, car repairs, home repairs, overdue bills, critical baby items, and groceries. Financial assistance is in the form of a grant, not a loan, and paid directly to service providers.
Get a Secured Loan
If none of these options work for you, consider applying for a secured loan. A secured loan is when you use collateral like your home or vehicle to get approved or to get a better rate. You also might consider adding a co-signer to improve your chances of securing a loan. You may also need to improve your debt-to-income ratio by paying off smaller debts first before consolidating.
Withdraw Money from Your Thrift Savings Plan
Another option to pay off your debt is to withdraw funds from your Thrift Savings Plan. You will incur penalties and have tax implications for early withdrawal if you are younger than 59 1/2 years old. Consider your overall retirement picture before you request to withdraw funds.
Debt Consolidation Options for Veterans with Bad Credit
As you can see, there are many options for debt consolidation loans for veterans with bad credit. Make sure to research all your options before making a decision and choose the option that makes the most sense for your financial situation. Is there anything else you want to know about debt consolidation for veterans? Let us know in the comments.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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