While a couple of extra days won't make much difference at this stage they could add months or even years on to the length of your repayment schedule. And the old adage of time is money is very true if that happens. That's your time and more importantly your money! Certainly don't dismiss the profit making companies who offer bill consolidation services out of hand without checking all the figures very carefully. You are also saved from the travel that you need to make up to your bank, which closes at a particular hour to add to the miseries. Online savings accounts are open 24/7, so you even if you want to make a transaction at 2 in the morning, you can very conveniently do it through your computer, your laptop or even your mobile phone. In fact investing money while in college has so many benefits that it should probably be included on the curriculum. It's not just the self discipline of course there are many other skills you will learn. The analytical skills you need in selecting a suitable investment are the same ones you will be required to apply in the workplace. Of course if you are consolidating bills from credit cards you will probably find that the lower interest rate will make a huge saving in both the monthly repayment and the overall cost of the loan. Just don't make assumption though. Check it out carefully. It's your cash that we are talking about here and no one will take care of it better than you. Simply because they have more clout and credibility than you would have as an individual. The main thing is to choose carefully when you're seeking out a consolidation service to act on your behalf. Choosing wisely will usually get you a lower repayment each month and possibly a shorter term as well. They start to slap on late charges and the exorbitant interest now starts to attract interest on itself and, and Well you get the picture. So what do you do when you find yourself facing sudden debt? The first thing is not to panic. Easy enough to say I know but it really isn't going to help. Just stop and think of a plan of action.