If you are deeply in debt, looking for a way out, and considering a debt consolidation loan, there are a few things that you need to know before you sign on the dotted line.

When managing your debt, a debt consolidation loan will cover only your unsecured debts. Your secured debts will not be included in a debt consolidation loan. Unsecured debt consists of your credit card debt. Unsecured debt consists of everything else. Your mortgage, your car payments, and your installment loans are all secured debts and will not be included in the total of a debt consolidation loan. Only your credit card debt is covered in a debt consolidation loan.