The consolidation of debt, which is making money borrowed from a lender to pay off outstanding debts, has the advantage that it starts to have a single debtor to whom will manage the monthly payments and money back if conveniently choose the cancellation system.
Steps to consider when consolidating debts:
* Add the total amount you owe from every account you are interested in consolidate, you do this in order to know the total amount you owe. * Make a list of interest rates with each of your accounts, and calculate the average from all. * Start contacting your creditors (telephone, mail) and ask them the cancellation of the cash balances as of the date it intends to consolidate debts. * The entire amount of their balances of cancellation should be the initial amount to start the consolidation. * When looking for a lender, the rate you need to look for should be lower than average in the previous calculation. * Always be extremely careful about the terms of the loan; plan accordingly. * Once you have consolidated your debts control your finance and avoid getting in the same problem. The previous considerations applies to individuals living in countries that accept what is called the “Toronto terms”, this name comes from the agreement established in the World Economic Summit in Toronto in June1988. They were applied to the countries designated by the World Bank as “IDA-only” these criteria apply to people who have a very heavy debt, low per capital income and problems paying back their balances. The countries that can apply these measurements should have the next characteristic: A strong structural adjustment program that has been approved and supported by the IMF (International Monetary Fund).
The fundamental principles of the Toronto terms are basically two: 1.- To define the terms of the debts of the development assistance. 2.- For the debt that is not development assistance, create the introduction of the conditions for payment.
The debt of the ODA is returned with a maturity of 25 years including 14 years of extension, the default interest will be lower than the initial rate. For debts other than Development Assistance, creditors can choose from a menu of 3 payment terms.
The first option is: the third part of the total amount of debt will be canceled and returned in the first 14 years (that is the maturity date) there is a 8 years extension, nevertheless in case of default, this interest rates will be defined by the market.
The other option: twenty five years repayment and fourteen years extension and the market will define the interest rate in case of default.
Option “C”: The same terms like the option “A”, but the default interest rates will be 3.5% points below the market rate set (according with the market and depending on the reductions)
On December 1991 the Paris Club agree to add some concessions for the countries with lower incomes plus the terms defined at the Toronto agreement that there are essentially 2 options to reduce debt, plus the option non concessional new conditions of Toronto. The option represents a 50% concession of forgiveness in present value terms in debt service payments, lowering the debt during the consolidation period. Additionally, it was agreed to establish a timetable for consideration of a potential debt reduction. Creditors have indicated willingness to consider restructuring the remaining time when the debt is canceled on a date not later than 3 or 4 years.