ARE YOU ONE OF THE MANY AMERICANS BATTLING CREDIT CARD, MEDICAL & UNSECURED DEBT PROBLEMS?
Are you one of the many Americans battling credit card, medical and unsecured debt problems? If so, this information will equip you with expert survival tips many, like yourself, have already put to good use.
We know your intentions are to make good on your debts but your creditors aren’t as understanding. The bottom line is they want the money you borrowed! So the question becomes, ‘where do I go from here?’ Contact your creditor(s) and ask what your alternatives might be. Some creditors realize there are times of hardship. By making your creditors aware of your financial situation, they may be able to work out a payment arrangement. However, this is not always a reality. If you find yourself in this predicament it is time to know your choices.
Don’t make rash decisions! Here’s what you need to know:
1. Debt Negotiation also known as debt arbitration or debt settlement is an aggressive approach to debt reduction. A debt settlement agency negotiates with the creditors to settle the debt for a lower amount than is owed. Once the debt has been settled, the debtor will obtain a letter from the creditor stating the debt obligation was fulfilled. The creditor will typically make a report to the credit bureaus that the debt has been "settled for less than full amount," or "paid.”
2. Credit Counseling programs were originally set up by charitable (non-profit) organizations to help people who are experiencing financial hardships. Creditors, after realizing that these organizations were helping some people get back on track financially, adopted a more formal program to contribute to their efforts.
The main focus with a debt management service like this is to lower your interest rates. What you should understand is that if you're only making minimum payments and you're struggling to get by, this type of option will not lower your monthly payments. Monthly payments are calculated off minimums. These minimums vary between 2% - 5%. For a better understanding on how this works, follow along with this example. $5,000.00 dollar visa card, with an APR of 20% goes to an APR of 10% but your minimums go from 2% to 4%. You will save money when you pay the card off, but since the minimum increased 2 points your new monthly payment will now increase.
3. Debt Consolidation may provide a consumer with a home equity loan to help consolidate his or her outstanding debts into one monthly payment. It is a possibility with the current economy freeze and the mortgage crisis consumers will no longer have this as a viable option. Nevertheless, should this be an option, it is in your best interest to negotiate the lowest APR with your lender. Experts don’t recommend this option as it turns unsecured debt to secured debt, which places your home in jeopardy if default occurs.
4. Bankruptcy is considered a last resort. Once filed, bankruptcy will remain on your record for 7-10 years and could affect your ability to get credit and/or better rates on some loans. Newly passed bankruptcy legislation will make it more difficult for debtors to file Chapter 7. This will require those debtors who don't qualify to restructure and repay, under Chapter 13, their unsecured debts over five years.
5. Balance Transfers are at your own risk. Most creditors will allow you to transfer all or some of your balance to lower interest rate credit cards. While this is not a bad idea in theory, creditors know your debt situation better than you and they aren’t interested in high risk candidates with multiple balance transfers. It tells them you’re working on borrowed time. *Some zero interest credit cards come with catches, like making at least a minimum of 3 purchases monthly. If you fail to do so you may find yourself with a 22% - 33% interest rate.*
6. Doing Nothing may seem like the only way to go if you’ve fallen behind or feel you cannot continue making your payments. Though, creditors have many ways to collect their debt. For example, litigation is an option for creditors.
So what option is best for you? Great research will provide you a piece of mind once you’ve reached a decision. * Rule of thumb, availability of a trained professional is crucial. Warning signs of a company that are not suited to meet your needs would be those who don’t return phone calls in a timely manner.
Creditors are very aggressive and consumers should know what they’re up against. Your primary objective is freeing yourself from the debt shackles. So the first task is to know your rights. Under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act you have protection creditors won’t tell you about. Be sure the agency you use knows those rights and impresses upon you the importance of exercising them.
Your second objective is to look at life from a greater perspective. In these trying times with the economy, new presidency, war and oil crisis, you should be thankful for bigger things to come. Credit card debt doesn’t stop time, so you shouldn’t let it stop you from living.
All debt assistance will have some form of an adverse effect on your credit score. There are many key factors considered when calculating your credit score. Among the top considerations is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). When finances become strained your credit is already in jeopardy. The right company for you should be able
to successfully explain the rebuilding process. There are only 2 factors to this process: time and new credit! To get a free credit report online go to www.annualcreditreport.com. You’re entitled to one free credit report a year.
Debt is a touchy matter that needs to be approached decisively and aggressively. As you begin your journey towards debt freedom, there’s comfort in knowing you’re protected. To view your rights online, research Fair Debt Collections Practices Act.
Michael Tongkeamha
Certified Debt Specialist (International Assoociation of Professional Debt Arbitrators, IAPDA),
President of Grace Period Group, a full service debt settlement agency,
Key note speaker and debt solutions writer/blogger.
If you would like a free debt analysis regarding your debt problems, and are willing to have your circumstances evaluated by the professionals of Grace Period Group, contact us below.
