Got debt? No judgment — just solutions
Start fresh with debt consolidation from Ent
It’s not about why — it’s about what’s next
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With Ent, you have a way forward
Life happens. Debt happens... But getting back on track happens, too. Stress less and start solving with a free consultation and a plan personalized to your situation. No judgment, no confusing bank lingo. Just real help, one step at a time.
Lower your payments
Reduce your rates and monthly payments with a consolidation plan that fits your budget.
Make one easy payment
Combine your debts into one manageable payment and forget the stress of juggling multiple bills.
Pay your debt off sooner
Save money on interest and get out of debt faster with a customized repayment strategy.
Get support at every step
Access expert guidance, financial coaching and other tools to keep your finances on track.
Want a future with less debt? You’ve got this.
The first step is paying down debt. Then, it’s about building a future with less debt. Our Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) are ready to help you create a plan to keep debt in check, build savings and reach your money goals. All at no cost to you.
Find solutions that fit your situation
| Balance transfer credit card | Personal loan | HELOC | Cash-out refinance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for: | Low-interest short-term debt | Fixed-rate consolidation | Using home equity for debt | Large debt consolidation |
| Credit score needed: | Good to excellent | Fair to excellent | Good to excellent | Good to excellent |
| Interest rate: | 0% intro APR, 9 or 12 months | Fixed, varies by credit | Fixed or variable, typically low | Fixed or variable, typically low |
| Loan amount: | Up to credit limit | $1,000 - $35,000 | Based on home equity | Based on home equity |
| Repayment terms: | 9 or 12 months (0% APR) | 1-7 years | 10-15 years | 15-30 years |
| Learn more | Learn more | Learn more | Learn more |
Build your debt management expertise
In Q3 2024, Americans spent 11.3% of their disposable income on household debt payments (St. Louis Fed, 2024). Still, some households suffer massive debts, using over 50% of income to service debt. When your debt payments consume too much of your monthly income, lenders view you as a riskier borrower. This results in unfavorable loan terms, higher interest rates, or loan denials.
Understanding how to improve your debt-to-income ratio helps you qualify for better financing options. In simple terms, your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) computes the percentage of your income that goes toward paying debts each month. In this article, we’ll explain how to compute your DTI ratio, what is a good debt-to-income ratio, the best debt-to-income ratio for various loans and strategies for lowering it.
What is cash-out refinance? It is a mortgage option that lets homeowners replace their existing home loan with a new one and, in the process, convert a portion of their built-up home equity into cash. In other words, if you have substantial equity in your property, you can refinance it for a loan amount that exceeds what you currently owe. The difference between the new loan’s principal and your remaining mortgage balance is then disbursed to you as a lump sum of cash.
A cash-out refinance can be a powerful way to consolidate debt, fund home renovations, or address pressing financial needs. Moreover, mortgage refinance rates are often lower than those of credit cards or unsecured loans. So, how does a cash-out refinance work? Read on for details and the pros and cons.
Be the next Ent success story
“My home is part of me. I was going through a rough time, so I sold off everything I could of any value and still was not able to make it. Initially when I went in, I was looking just for a personal loan. I don’t look good on paper, but I do pay my bills. But Kelly heard my story, she listened to me. So she ended up doing a HELOC. She doesn’t know how important she was to me. I’m grateful for her. I’m grateful for everybody at Ent. She kinda saved my life, saved my home — saved me.”
Rhonda C. (member since 2016)
Watch Rhonda’s full storyDebt consolidation FAQs
Debt consolidation can make managing your debt a lot easier — and maybe even more affordable. Here’s how it helps:
- Fewer payments to track
Instead of juggling multiple bills, you’ll have just one loan to manage. That means less stress and a lower chance of missing a payment. - Lower interest rate
If you qualify, moving high-interest debt (like credit cards) into a loan with a lower rate can save you money over time. - Smaller monthly payments
Stretching out your repayment term can make monthly payments more manageable, which helps you stay on budget. - Better credit score
Paying off multiple balances can improve your credit utilization rate — and your score. One loan also makes it easier to pay on time. - A clear payoff plan
Unlike credit cards, a consolidation loan comes with a set repayment schedule. That makes it easier to focus on becoming debt-free. - Faster path to zero
A lower rate means more of your payment goes toward your balance — not interest — so you can pay it off sooner. - Fewer late fees
With only one due date to remember, you’re less likely to be charged late fees or penalties.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the new loan has a lower interest rate
- Check for origination fees or prepayment penalties
- Avoid adding new debt after you consolidate
Consolidation combines several debts into one loan with a consistent, easy-to-follow repayment plan. It can help simplify your payments, lower your interest and speed up your debt payoff.
Start by listing all your current debts, along with their interest rates and monthly payments. You’ll benefit the most by consolidating high-interest debt like:
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Medical bills
Then, choose the option that works best for your situation:
- Personal loan
Use one fixed monthly payment to pay off multiple balances. - Credit card balance transfer
Move your high-interest balances to a card with a 0% intro APR and pay them off during the promo period. - Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
If you own a home, a HELOC can offer a lower rate — but your home is used as collateral. - Debt management plan (DMP)
This option works directly with your creditors to reduce interest, bring accounts current and eliminate fees — so more of your money goes toward your balance.
Here are some of the most common types:
- Credit cards
- High-interest personal loans
- Medical bills
- Payday loans
- Other unsecured debts like overdue utility or phone bills
It might impact your credit in the short term. A new loan usually involves a credit check, and opening a new account can lower the average age of your credit history.
But over time, consolidation can help improve your score. Paying off credit cards lowers your utilization rate, and having just one payment makes it easier to pay on time — which is one of the biggest factors in your score. You’ll also be adding an installment loan to your credit mix, which can be a plus.
Just remember — missing payments on the new loan can hurt your score more than before. And if you can, keep older accounts open (even if you’re not using them) to maintain your available credit.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Ent’s Certified Credit Union Counselors (CCUFC) are ready to answer your questions — for free. Click here to get in touch or schedule a session.
Standard account and credit qualifications apply. All loans subject to final credit approval. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice and are dependent upon credit performance. Visit Ent.com/Legal to review Ent’s Important Loan Information and Disclosures.