Archive for May, 2010

What Debt Settlement Companies Do Not Tell You

Sunday, May 30th, 2010



A debt settlement company negotiates on a consumer’s behalf to help them settle debt. Negotiations are made between the company and the creditor to begin the repayment of debt. If you are considering working with a debt settlement company, it is recommended that you do plenty of research before deciding on a particular company. It is easy to fall into one of many scams that are present today.

Debt settlement does look to be very appealing because of the lower interest rates and lower payments. However, it has been found that the lower payment does exist but not because it is lower, it is because the extension of the term. If the debt is carried out longer, you will have a lower monthly payment, but it is also true if you stay in debt for a longer period of time, you will end up paying more money. This is the reason why these companies stay in business and continue to succeed.

There are many things that debt settlement companies do not tell consumers:

1. It is not the same as debt negotiation.
2. Sometimes the program charges hundreds of dollars as an initial fee to set up the account, plus a monthly fee. The fees and the amount of the total debt to be paid varies with each company.
3. There are companies who take payments each month but do not pay creditors monthly. Instead, they put the money in a trust fund while negotiating and then make a lump sum payment when the debt can be paid in full.
4. Creditors may sue you and your wages could be garnished in the time it takes to complete the entire settlement.
5. It is not asked that all interest, over the limit fees and late fees be stopped from accruing.
6. Creditors are not legally obligated to listen because they are not law firms.
7. About 15% of the total debt is charged in fees upfront.
8. Debt settlement is not right for everyone who has debt.
9. Your credit will suffer with the settlement.
10. Any debt balance that is forgiven and is more than $600 is taxable income.

Before you decide on debt settlement, it is highly recommend that you research and find a company that is reliable and trust worthy. You want to feel comfortable with the company itself before you feel comfortable with them handing your debt. While this article could sound negative, be certain that there not one but several reputable companies in this field.

By: Hector Milla

Negotiate Unsecured Debt

Thursday, May 27th, 2010



Delinquent is a term used by creditors and collectors to describe accounts which payments are no longer being made on. As soon as a payment is missed an account becomes delinquent. These accounts must be at least 90 days behind in order for creditors to consider settlement offers on them. Meaning for three months before the account can be negotiated on the account is accumulating late fees, penalties and increased interest rates. Some accounts are usually better negotiated on with the original creditor before they are sent to a collection agency and some are better off going to a collection agency for negotiation. This information is key when negotiating unsecured debt.

Who knows this information better than an unsecured debt negotiator? Not too many people do. That is why it is best to let a professional handle all negotiations on delinquent accounts. The experience and the know how a debt negotiator possesses is unique and invaluable.

If collection calls and letters, threats from collectors are too much too handle maybe it is time to seek help. Debt negotiation companies can help lessen that stress greatly. Debt negotiation companies will contact creditors and collectors and aim for all phone calls on a client’s behalf to go to them. Not all calls will be stopped but they will lessen. Negotiators will use a document called a Power of Attorney to try and give clients a chance to eat dinner in peace. If accounts are delinquent and phone calls from collectors are a problem, debt relief is a great option.

Negotiating on unsecured debt is a way to save large amounts of money. Depending on how many months delinquent the account is and who is collecting on the account will dictate a savings that is much needed after allowing the account to accumulate late fees and penalties for non-payment. Settlements can range anywhere from 30 to 70 cents off on the dollar. It may be worth exploring the possibility of settlement to get back some of the money lost on late fees and penalties.

Settling accounts in delinquent status will also help credit scores begin to repair by lessening the debt to income ratio. This is extremely important if there are wishes to take on new loans such as buying a house. Think of it as getting back your financial health. Additional help may be required by credit repair companies to speed up the process of repairing the credit score to good standing. Ask the debt negotiation or settlement company to try and negotiate with creditors and collectors to remove the information they have reported to the credit bureaus.

Negotiating unsecured debt can bring back peace of mind for many people as long as it is done in a responsible manner, consult various debt settlement, negotiations companies before deciding on one of your choice. Remember in order to settle delinquent accounts funds must be made available to close the offers brought back by your negotiator, this is perhaps the most essential part of any negotiation, money.

By: Dan Delgado

Secrets to Negotiating a Debt Settlement with Your Credit Card Company

Sunday, May 9th, 2010



Come Prepared!

Pssst … Want to know how to get your credit card company to stop hassling you for your payments? Or, how to get them to reduce your payments significantly? Or even how to get them to slash their interest rates on your card significantly? Well, you could always … ask.

Yes, that’s all it takes sometimes. Like any other big business, credit card companies are out to make money. But they can’t make money if you’re too bogged down in credit card debt and other forms of debt to make your payments every month. So many credit card companies are open to discussing options like debt settlement with you. And it’s relatively easy if you know what you’re talking about.

Before you approach your credit card company — or have someone approach them on your behalf — about negotiating a debt settlement, know what you want to say. Explain your situation and ask about any settlement options that they offer. Will they reduce your total balance if you pay a set amount up front? How much can you afford to pay off today?

Knowing is half the battle. If you can present a strong case, chances are they’ll work with you on a debt settlement option.

Letting a Financial Advisor Negotiate for You

Some people — in fact, most people — are probably not comfortable with the negotiation process when it comes to haggling down numbers with a credit card company. Because of this, you may wish to retain a financial advisor to help you with the settlement. This is a great option because it allows you to present all your information to him and her and get an honest opinion on how you should approach the settlement.

He or she will work with you to figure out your monthly budget and to see how much you could reasonably settle with the credit card company for. You’re probably eager to remove the debt but he or she will help you to see the benefits of settling for a certain amount under certain conditions. A financial advisor can be a great way to clear the debt off your credit card and start anew.

Get Results Immediately

The great thing about a credit card debt settlement is that, in most cases, it is the quickest and easiest way to reduce your debt in a very short period of time. Aside from just saving you money, it’s a way to wipe the slate clean and start over again. Do whatever you can to convince your credit card company to settle your debt in a short period of time. Your credit report will thank you and you’ll certainly be able to lead a much fuller and worry-free life in the near and immediate future.

By: Dometri Quick