Debt Relief Programs
Five Reliable Debt Relief Programs
Currently millions of Americans struggling with debt, below is list of several different debt relief programs. However it is important to understand the various pros and cons of each debt relief service as well as the impact they may have on your credit rating. For a free evaluation of your individual situation, give us call.
Pay the Minimum Monthly
Many consumers think that if they can pay the minimum payments, eventually they will get out debt. Unfortunately, this is exactly what the credit card companies intended for their consumers; this plan only benefits the credit card company. While making the minimum payment, the credit card company earns money on their interest rate and this will typically double or triple the original amount of debt that was owed. It’s best to pay more than the minimum payment if possible and most importantly to never miss a payment, if you miss a payment, credit card companies will typically charge a late fee and sometimes increase their interest rates.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is typically the last choice for debt relief. This option is typically avoided as it severely damages your credit and it remains on your credit report for 7 to 10 years and there is a negative stigma of “having declared bankruptcy”. In 2005 congress changed the bankruptcy law, making it much harder to qualify for chapter 7, thus leaving chapter 13, which is actually debt repayment plan.
Debt Settlement
Credit card debt settlement is alternative to bankruptcy whereby Debt settlement companies offer varies settlement programs where they negotiate with your collection companies or creditors to settle your debt typically for much less than what you owe. The new FTC rule in 2010, which in summary says that a settlement company are not allowed to charge fees upfront for their services until the company has successfully negotiated and or settled or reduced at least one of the accounts that you owe. It’s important to fully understand the pros and cons of debt settlement, to see if this is a viable solution. For example this option might be a good solution for someone who cannot afford their monthly payments and who is already behind on their payments and who is aware of the negative impacts on their credit rating during the program, along with the potential tax consequences.
Debt Management
Debt management is a form of debt relief offered by credit counseling agencies. This program is typically effective for consumers who suffer from really high interest rates. The credit counselors then obtain lower rates from your creditors thus shorting the time it would take to pay off your debt. However not every consumer will qualify for this program and most consumers won’t see a substantial monthly savings, creditor accounts are typically frozen while enrolled in debt management.
Debt Consolidation
Debt Consolidation This debt relief program involves taking out a new loan to pay off an older loan. Typically this debt relief service consolidates several unsecured loans such as credit cards, medical bills etc, into a new secured loan, thus enabling a lower interest rate.
These debt relief options should be consider carefully by fully understanding the pros and cons of each program and then deciding which option is best suited for your individual needs. We will help you evaluate your situation and help you decide which option is best suited for your needs, give us a call.
