subject: Help With Debt - Free Information And Advice [print this page] Because of the "free money" lending practices of the last twenty years, overwhelming debt has become a sad reality for millions of people. Many people took advantage of the credit offers to live above their means, but now, the credit hangover begins and those millions of people find themselves unable to pay back the so-called free money they were given. Now the work of repaying the debt becomes more than just a little daunting. Who can help? Where do you turn for help with debt?
Debt repayment is not a "one size fits all" kind of plan. You have options, but only you can determine which the best for your circumstances is. There are debt management companies, debt consolidation companies and loans, or you can try to do it yourself. Examine your credit report so you know exactly where you stand. Can you handle repayment on your own? Do you need professional help and how much will pay for it? Determine what affect each kind of repayment will have on your credit.
You will have to contact your creditors to make self-payment arrangements if you decide to go it alone. Most credit card companies and creditors are more than happy to work with you to make payment arrangements. They may even offer a settlement arrangement that could cut your bill in half. While this will negatively affect your credit score, it does have advantages. It can free up money to pay other debts and could save you from bankruptcy. If you do this for several of your debts, you could save thousands of dollars.
Debt management companies work with you to create a debt management plan (DMP) you can live with and that will satisfy your creditors. They contact your creditors for you and arrange for repayment. You will either pay them a predetermined amount each month, or deposit monies into a special account that will be used to pay your debt. Debt management companies and their fee structures vary so research the company you choose carefully. Make sure they are accredited and are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
A debt settlement company will work out settlement arrangements with your creditors, and can usually negotiate a better settlement than you could on your own. The drawback is that they will generally charge a fee based on your amount of debt. When choosing a debt settlement company, try to find one that does not charge fees until the end of your debt repayment, one that can stop your creditors from calling you, and one that is accredited and listed with the Better Business Bureau.
If you use a debt management company, they will usually provide counseling services to teach you good budgeting techniques. If you don't, take some time to examine your income and make a livable budget to keep you out of debt in the future.
Help With Debt - Free Information And Advice
By: Mark Walters
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