Sep 11

It isn’t an uncommon thing for a family to find themselves in a large amount of debt with no end in sight. It is easier than ever now to get into a debt trap or lose control of how you spend your money. If you find that you are having difficulty paying your monthly bills or notice that you have dug yourself in a deep hole and dont know how to climb out of it, one of the strategies that you might want to employ is to seek debt advice.

Credit card bill and some types of loans are the most common way many people end up in debt. It is so easy to get yourself a credit card, start ringing up charges and before we know it end up mile high in debt. It is just too easy, and unfortunately doesn’t take that long, to find yourself in debt the is almost unmanageable. On the opposite end that debt that took maybe a few months to create can take years to become debt-free again.

There are so many ways in which you can obtain debt advice. There are many non-profit and not-for-profit companies that will help you got to your creditors and negotiate a plan that will make them happy while at the same time allowing you to be able to afford to pay off the debt over a period of time you can live with.

There have been countless books written on helping people get out of debt. They are there to teach you things like how to control your spending, how to manage the debt, and strategies on quickly getting out of debt, or even how to talk to your creditors and negotiate a better payment plan.

There are many places where you can turn to for help with credit card debt but beware of anyone who promise you they can do things that don’t seem reasonable, like wipe out your credit card debt instantly, or fix your credit score. Sadly, there are some scams out there that prey on people already in bad money situations and try to take advantage of the desperation they feel in their situation.

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Mar 12

Debt Consolidation Services – 3 Things To Watch Out For With Debt Consolidation Companies

Debt consolidation services can provide a valuable service by lowering your interest rate with creditors, enabling you to pay off your unsecured loans and bills in a short period. However, there are companies that would rather take your money than help you. To avoid such scams, watch out for the following.

Low Monthly Payment Claims

While debt consolidation companies can lower your interest rate which might lower your payments, they cannot negotiate lower minimum payments. Creditors no longer accept smaller payments since 2004, not even for hardship cases.

One trick companies use is to lure customers in with a low quote, only to jack up the required payment in a months time. By that time you have already paid out fees, which arent refundable.

Upfront Fees

Another shady practice is to charge large upfront fees when a company is claiming non-profit status. Legitimate companies will either charge a small monthly fee between $14 to $69, depending on the number of accounts. The other fee structure is to charge a reasonable fee for each account handled; typically for-profit companies use this structure.

If you are being asked to pay thousands, especially with a cashiers check or money order, look for another program.

Offering Debt Negotiation Programs

You should also be suspicious of companies that pressure you to use other programs, such as debt negotiations. First of all, debt negotiations or settlements usually will not improve your credit situation. Secondly, you will be charge high fees for something you can do on your own. And finally, companies who specialize in debt consolidation have no incentive to see you flounder with your finances, unlike those offering other services.

When you are looking for a debt consolidation program, ask questions about the program, fees, and amount of time to repay your bills. Take advantage of the internet and research several different agencies.

Since debt and bill consolidation varies with the number of accounts involved, you should expect a phone consultation before you receive any quotes. With your quote you should receive detailed answers, including pay off dates for each account and exact fees. And if you feel uncomfortable with the agency, feel free to walk away. A consultation is not a commitment on your part.

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