The Diamond Blog

Swamped with high-interest credit card bills? Or perhaps you’re looking for a way to regain control over your finances or eliminate the hassle of paying for multiple auto and personal loans each month. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s probably time to consider a low interest, tax-advantaged* debt consolidation loan.

Q: What is a debt consolidation loan??

A: Simply put, a debt consolidation loan is a special mortgage refinance that gives you the ability to pay off high-interest credit card debt, auto loans, personal loans, and other lines of credit by consolidating all of those loans into a single loan with one single low interest loan payment! A debt consolidation mortgage loan is refinancing an existing mortgage and taking cash out to pay-off other bills.

Q: Can I benefit from a debt consolidation loan? ?

A: If you have a large amount of debt and you own or have equity in your home, you are a candidate for a debt consolidation loan.

Q: What are the advantages of a debt consolidation loan??

A: First, you have only one loan payment to make each month. Second, because debt consolidation loans are considered less risky, they generally offer dramatically lower interest rates which will save you money and help you to get out of debt faster. Third, a debt consolidation loan can improve your credit rating by getting those nagging credit card bills paid off. Finally, because a debt consolidation loan is considered a second mortgage, the interest that you pay may be tax-deductible*.

A: Yes. If you’re considering a debt consolidation loan to eliminate credit card debt, after you have gotten the loan and paid off all those bills, resist the temptation to run those balances up again. Try to pay for things in cash until your loan has been paid down.

A: Begin by adding up your debt and checking your current interest rates. Next, contact several lenders and study the various loan options that are available to you. Be sure and verify the length of the loan, the interest rate, and whether it’s fixed or variable. Your loan amount and interest rate will vary depending upon your credit, income, and how much equity is in your home.

If you’re ready to reduce your credit card debt, pay off old bills, and save yourself time and money, now is great time to consider getting a debt consolidation loan.

These are a few tips to help you acquire the phone image that you want to project:

1. Have a daily routine. If you set aside a "best time of day" for you when you have your peak energy, you will feel more motivated and energized. Some of us are morning people, and like an early start. Try to handle the bulk of your calls during those times, and chip away at the paperwork later.

2. Try to start your day looking good. This may sound strange, but if you are in sweats and slippers when you phone people, you may feel less charming, and your attitude is affected. You should prefer to shower and dress as if you are going to the office - so your manner is more professional and assured. (If you prefer to work in soft tee shirts and comfortable clothes, choose whatever makes you "feel good").

3. Make sure your space is organized, before you pick up the phone. Ensure that you have note paper and several pens or pencils within reach. Do you have your planner or computer calendar open to schedule appointments? Have a list of all important phone numbers within reach. Are there other reference items you will need - license numbers, phone scripts, sales applications? If you like to doodle while talking, have a separate sheet of paper handy or you will end up making notations and scribbles all over your good working notes!

4. Have good lighting and a comfortable chair. Ergonomic equipment plays an important role for those people who work from home. Try to get the keypad and chair that fits you so that you can relax while you work.

5. Keep a carafe of coffee or glass of water nearby. If you spend lots of time talking on the phone, you will need to stay hydrated. Don't strain your voice, or you will begin to feel hoarse.

6. Take a short break to get refreshed. Get up for a snack, or short walk around the house to help stretch and renew your energy. Sort your thoughts and write down important items that you will need to take care of before making the next call. Send the email you promised so that it does not weigh on your mind while you are discussing business with the next client.

7. Avoid distractions around the house. It is great working from a home office and be able to take care of domestic issues, but don't let the small daily things interfere with your occupational tasks. If you are listening for the dryer to indicate the cycle is done, you will not be listening attentively to the client on the phone. Close your office door, tell the family to keep the TV low and make your environment as phone-friendly as possible.

8. Let technology work for you. A cordless headset for the phone allows freedom of hands to type on the keyboard, take notes, or doodle!

9. Take a deep breath before you dial and SMILE often! You will sound relaxed and people can hear the friendliness of a smile. We all need to do it a little more often.

10. Let go of anything negative that happened previously. Remember that each day is a new day and if you don't feel your best you can reschedule some tasks for another day.