At American Profit Recovery (APR), they've developed a proven outsourcing solution that gives you the benefit of third-party collections for a flat, low fee – no matter what industry you’re in. So you spend less time and money collecting profits and more time generating them.
Unlike traditional companies, APR charges a flat fee of $15 instead of a commission on an account. No matter what the amount is. This company has been around since 2003, I am surprised I had not heard of them before. I am really grateful about knowing American Profit Recovery, just in case in the future - at least I have this reference.
I think American Profit Recovery services might be quite popular right now with many business owners floundering and trying to collect from customers who are suffering because of the economic crisis.
American Profit Recovery will explains some of your rights and responsibilities under the law and answers some frequently asked questions about Debt Collection. If you are just plain tired of spending too much time managing accounts receivable? Or giving up as much as 50% of your profits to a traditional collections agency to recover what’s rightfully yours? At American Profit Recovery (APR), they’ve developed a proven outsourcing solution that gives you the benefit of third-party collections for a flat, low fee – no matter what industry you’re in. So you spend less time and money collecting profits and more time generating them.
Showing posts with label Debt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Debt. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Friday, October 19, 2007
Making a Plan to Get Out of Debt
Many people who have debt blindly make their minimum payments each month without a single thought about paying off the debts. Showing an interest in reducing your debt is a big step. Let one big step lead to another by finding out how to put together a plan to eliminate your debt.
When you're overloaded with debt, it can be difficult figuring out how to best tackle the debt. You have to figure out which accounts you should pay, in what order you should pay them, and how much you need to pay to eliminate your debt. By attacking each of these hurdles one by one, you can tailor a plan that fits your budget and debt load
Source
When you're overloaded with debt, it can be difficult figuring out how to best tackle the debt. You have to figure out which accounts you should pay, in what order you should pay them, and how much you need to pay to eliminate your debt. By attacking each of these hurdles one by one, you can tailor a plan that fits your budget and debt load
Source
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Consolidate Debt
To consolidate debt or not to consolidate debt, that is truly the question, if you will forgive the Shakespearean reference! When you are in debt up to your ears, when your creditors are hounding you day and night, and when you feel like your very life's blood is being wrung out of you in effort to squeeze more money out of you, sometimes the only option you have open to you is to consolidate your debts and loans.
However, if you truly are in up to your ears in problems because of your never ending debt problems, then the very last thing that you want to do is to rush in and consolidate your debts without having a clue as to what it means to consolidate debt.
And although it is quite simple really, and takes only a little bit of your time to find out how to consolidate debt, and about the firms that will consolidate debt, some people give in to the pressures surrounding them and make one bad decision after another regarding their debt problems. It is to stop this that you need to take a deep breath, sit back and look at your problems head on. If you have gotten to the point where you are thinking whether or not to consolidate debt, then you need take a good hard look at what you are facing.
For instance, if your monthly payments are too high, or you have too many creditors to pay off monthly, you might want to think about consolidating your debts into one, but then you will also have to look at the flip side of this particular coin as well.
If you rush into things, without looking to see what you are getting yourself into, you could find yourself in a lot more trouble than you bargained for, on the other hand, if you do your homework well and you know exactly what you are doing, you could find that you are better off than before you thought to consolidate debt and loan problems.
So, make sure that you don't finally end up with a higher interest loan from the debt consolidation companies than you need, and make sure that you don't get a secured loan from them to cover your unsecured loans. And when you are looking at getting out of debt and if you are still thinking about whether to consolidate debt or not, make a point of investigating all of your options first, this way you won't be caught unawares after you have made a crucial decision.
Source
However, if you truly are in up to your ears in problems because of your never ending debt problems, then the very last thing that you want to do is to rush in and consolidate your debts without having a clue as to what it means to consolidate debt.
And although it is quite simple really, and takes only a little bit of your time to find out how to consolidate debt, and about the firms that will consolidate debt, some people give in to the pressures surrounding them and make one bad decision after another regarding their debt problems. It is to stop this that you need to take a deep breath, sit back and look at your problems head on. If you have gotten to the point where you are thinking whether or not to consolidate debt, then you need take a good hard look at what you are facing.
For instance, if your monthly payments are too high, or you have too many creditors to pay off monthly, you might want to think about consolidating your debts into one, but then you will also have to look at the flip side of this particular coin as well.
If you rush into things, without looking to see what you are getting yourself into, you could find yourself in a lot more trouble than you bargained for, on the other hand, if you do your homework well and you know exactly what you are doing, you could find that you are better off than before you thought to consolidate debt and loan problems.
So, make sure that you don't finally end up with a higher interest loan from the debt consolidation companies than you need, and make sure that you don't get a secured loan from them to cover your unsecured loans. And when you are looking at getting out of debt and if you are still thinking about whether to consolidate debt or not, make a point of investigating all of your options first, this way you won't be caught unawares after you have made a crucial decision.
Source
Enjoy the Benefits of Debt Relief - Consolidation can Help
Trying to juggle a large number of high interest debts can prove very stressful and difficult, and these days, with consumer debt spiraling out of control, many people and households have found themselves struggling with an array of loans, credit cards, and other forms of credit. If your bills and debts and piling up, and you are looking for some form of debt relief, a professional counceling or consolidation could be the ideal solution for you.
Debt relief consolidation can really help in a number of ways:
* You can wrap up all of your higher interest debts into one lower interest loan.
* You will also find it easier to manage your finances because you will only have to make one monthly repayment rather than a number of repayments to a variety of creditors.
* A credit consolidation loan is available on both a secured and unsecured basis, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs and your pocket. By taking out this type of finance to clear your debt loans, cards, catalogues, outstanding bills, and other forms of credit can all be paid off, leaving you with just one loan to deal with.
* Debt and bill consolidation can really reduce the amount you have to pay out each month, thus relieving the stress and worry of dealing with your debts.
An alternative to consolidation
For those that do not wish to consolidate their debts or those unable to take out another loan due to their financial status or credit history, there is an alternative that can also prove very effective. Debt relief companies specialize in helping consumers that are dealing with high levels of unsecured debt, and are unable to keep up with repayments on their debts.
The experts and professionals that work at these agencies can offer valuable advice and assistance when it comes to debt settlement, and they can offer advice on the different debt relief programs that may suit your needs and circumstances. You can meet up with a personal credit counselor in order to go through your financial situation, debts, income, and outgoings, and together you can come to an agreement with regards to how much you can afford to repay in order to avoid financial hardship yet still continue to pay your debts at a more feasible rate. Your counselor will liaise with creditors on your behalf so you won't have to worry about the stress of hassle and pressure from lenders.
Which is the best solution for you?
If you are able to take out a consolidation loan, and you can afford the monthly repayments on the loan, then this could be the most suitable solution, as it will not have any effect on your credit history and rating. You should look into the cost and possibility of taking out a loan to consolidate your debts, and work out whether it will ease the financial strain. However, if you cannot get a loan, it is important that you seek advice with regards to settlement of your debts and the different debt management programs that could help you. This will help you to avoid actions such as bankruptcy or court actions, and can help to ease the stress of dealing with your debts with the help of experts and professionals in the field.
Source
Debt relief consolidation can really help in a number of ways:
* You can wrap up all of your higher interest debts into one lower interest loan.
* You will also find it easier to manage your finances because you will only have to make one monthly repayment rather than a number of repayments to a variety of creditors.
* A credit consolidation loan is available on both a secured and unsecured basis, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs and your pocket. By taking out this type of finance to clear your debt loans, cards, catalogues, outstanding bills, and other forms of credit can all be paid off, leaving you with just one loan to deal with.
* Debt and bill consolidation can really reduce the amount you have to pay out each month, thus relieving the stress and worry of dealing with your debts.
An alternative to consolidation
For those that do not wish to consolidate their debts or those unable to take out another loan due to their financial status or credit history, there is an alternative that can also prove very effective. Debt relief companies specialize in helping consumers that are dealing with high levels of unsecured debt, and are unable to keep up with repayments on their debts.
The experts and professionals that work at these agencies can offer valuable advice and assistance when it comes to debt settlement, and they can offer advice on the different debt relief programs that may suit your needs and circumstances. You can meet up with a personal credit counselor in order to go through your financial situation, debts, income, and outgoings, and together you can come to an agreement with regards to how much you can afford to repay in order to avoid financial hardship yet still continue to pay your debts at a more feasible rate. Your counselor will liaise with creditors on your behalf so you won't have to worry about the stress of hassle and pressure from lenders.
Which is the best solution for you?
If you are able to take out a consolidation loan, and you can afford the monthly repayments on the loan, then this could be the most suitable solution, as it will not have any effect on your credit history and rating. You should look into the cost and possibility of taking out a loan to consolidate your debts, and work out whether it will ease the financial strain. However, if you cannot get a loan, it is important that you seek advice with regards to settlement of your debts and the different debt management programs that could help you. This will help you to avoid actions such as bankruptcy or court actions, and can help to ease the stress of dealing with your debts with the help of experts and professionals in the field.
Source
Knee Deep in Debt
Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?
You’re not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. Your financial situation doesn’t have to go from bad to worse.
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Debt negotiation is yet another option. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
Self-Help
Developing a Budget: The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your “fixed” expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.
Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.
Contacting Your Creditors: Contact your creditors immediately if you’re having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it’s difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don’t wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.
Dealing with Debt Collectors: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal law that dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you. A debt collector may not call you before 8 a.m., after 9 p.m., or while you’re at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn’t approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honor a written request from you to stop further contact.
Managing Your Auto and Home Loans: Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. If you stop making payments, lenders can repossess your car or foreclose on your house. Unsecured debts are not tied to any asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, signature loans, and debts for other types of services.
Most automobile financing agreements allow a creditor to repossess your car any time you’re in default. No notice is required. If your car is repossessed, you may have to pay the balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. If you can’t do this, the creditor may sell the car. If you see default approaching, you may be better off selling the car yourself and paying off the debt: You’ll avoid the added costs of repossession and a negative entry on your credit report.
If you fall behind on your mortgage, contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you if they believe you’re acting in good faith and the situation is temporary. Some lenders may reduce or suspend your payments for a short time. When you resume regular payments, though, you may have to pay an additional amount toward the past due total. Other lenders may agree to change the terms of the mortgage by extending the repayment period to reduce the monthly debt. Ask whether additional fees would be assessed for these changes, and calculate how much they total in the long term.
If you and your lender cannot work out a plan, contact a housing counseling agency. Some agencies limit their counseling services to homeowners with FHA mortgages, but many offer free help to any homeowner who’s having trouble making mortgage payments. Call the local office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the housing authority in your state, city, or county for help in finding a legitimate housing counseling agency near you
Credit Counseling and Debt Management Plans
Credit Counseling: If you’re not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can’t work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can’t keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that, just because an organization says it’s “nonprofit,” there’s no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make “voluntary” contributions that can cause more debt.
Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.
Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.
Debt Management Plans: If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still can help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.
In a DMP, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for — or use — any additional credit while you’re participating in the plan.
Protect Yourself
Be wary of credit counseling organizations that:
* charge high up-front or monthly fees for enrolling in credit counseling or a DMP.
* pressure you to make “voluntary contributions,” another name for fees.
* won’t send you free information about the services they provide without requiring you to provide personal financial information, such as credit card account numbers, and balances.
* try to enroll you in a DMP without spending time reviewing your financial situation.
* offer to enroll you in a DMP without teaching you budgeting and money management skills.
* demand that you make payments into a DMP before your creditors have accepted you into the program.
Debt Consolidation
You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit. Remember that these loans require you to put up your home as collateral. If you can’t make the payments — or if your payments are late — you could lose your home.
What’s more, the costs of consolidation loans can add up. In addition to interest on the loans, you may have to pay “points,” with one point equal to one percent of the amount you borrow. Still, these loans may provide certain tax advantages that are not available with other kinds of credit.
Bankruptcy
Personal bankruptcy generally is considered the debt management option of last resort because the results are long-lasting and far reaching. People who follow the bankruptcy rules receive a discharge — a court order that says they don’t have to repay certain debts. However, bankruptcy information (both the date of your filing and the later date of discharge) stay on your credit report for 10 years, and can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance, or sometimes get a job. Still, bankruptcy is a legal procedure that offers a fresh start for people who have gotten into financial difficulty and can’t satisfy their debts.
There are two primary types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. Each must be filed in federal bankruptcy court. As of April 2006, the filing fees run about $274 for Chapter 13 and $299 for Chapter 7. Attorney fees are additional and can vary.
Effective October 2005, Congress made sweeping changes to the bankruptcy laws. The net effect of these changes is to give consumers more incentive to seek bankruptcy relief under Chapter 13 rather than Chapter 7. Chapter 13 allows people with a steady income to keep property, like a mortgaged house or a car, that they might otherwise lose through the bankruptcy process. In Chapter 13, the court approves a repayment plan that allows you to use your future income to pay off your debts during a three-to-five-year period, rather than surrender any property. After you have made all the payments under the plan, you receive a discharge of your debts.
Chapter 7 is known as straight bankruptcy, and involves liquidation of all assets that are not exempt. Exempt property may include automobiles, work-related tools, and basic household furnishings. Some of your property may be sold by a court-appointed official — a trustee — or turned over to your creditors. The new bankruptcy laws have changed the time period during which you can receive a discharge through Chapter 7. You now must wait 8 years after receiving a discharge in Chapter 7 before you can file again under that chapter. The Chapter 13 waiting period is much shorter and can be as little as two years between filings.
Both types of bankruptcy may get rid of unsecured debts and stop foreclosures, repossessions, garnishments and utility shut-offs, and debt collection activities. Both also provide exemptions that allow people to keep certain assets, although exemption amounts vary by state. Note that personal bankruptcy usually does not erase child support, alimony, fines, taxes, and some student loan obligations. And, unless you have an acceptable plan to catch up on your debt under Chapter 13, bankruptcy usually does not allow you to keep property when your creditor has an unpaid mortgage or security lien on it.
Another major change to the bankruptcy laws involves certain hurdles that a consumer must clear before even filing for bankruptcy, no matter what the chapter. You must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within six months before you file for any bankruptcy relief. You can find a state-by-state list of government-approved organizations at www.usdoj.gov/ust. That is the website of the U.S. Trustee Program, the organization within the U.S. Department of Justice that supervises bankruptcy cases and trustees. Also, before you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you must satisfy a “means test.” This test requires you to confirm that your income does not exceed a certain amount. The amount varies by state and is publicized by the U.S. Trustee Program at www.usdoj.gov/ust.
Debt Negotiation Programs
Debt negotiation differs greatly from credit counseling and DMPs. It can be very risky, and have a long term negative impact on your credit report and, in turn, your ability to get credit. That’s why many states have laws regulating debt negotiation companies and the services they offer. Contact your state Attorney General for more information.
The Claims
Debt negotiation firms may claim they’re nonprofit. They also may claim that they can arrange for your unsecured debt — typically credit card debt — to be paid off for anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of the balance owed. For example, if you owe $10,000 on a credit card, a debt negotiation firm may claim it can arrange for you to pay it off with a lesser amount, say $4,000.
The firms often pitch their services as an alternative to bankruptcy. They may claim that using their services will have little or no negative impact on your ability to get credit in the future, or that any negative information can be removed from your credit report when you complete their debt negotiation program. The firms usually tell you to stop making payments to your creditors, and instead, send payments to the debt negotiation company. The firm may promise to hold your funds in a special account and pay your creditors on your behalf.
The Truth
Just because a debt negotiation company describes itself as a “nonprofit” organization, there’s no guarantee that the services they offer are legitimate. There also is no guarantee that a creditor will accept partial payment of a legitimate debt. In fact, if you stop making payments on a credit card, late fees and interest usually are added to the debt each month. If you exceed your credit limit, additional fees and charges also can be added. This can cause your original debt to double or triple. What’s more, most debt negotiation companies charge consumers substantial fees for their services, including a fee to establish the account with the debt negotiator, a monthly service fee, and a final fee of a percentage of the money you’ve supposedly saved.
While creditors have no obligation to agree to negotiate the amount a consumer owes, they have a legal obligation to provide accurate information to the credit reporting agencies, including your failure to make monthly payments. That can result in a negative entry on your credit report. And in certain situations, creditors may have the right to sue you to recover the money you owe. In some instances, when creditors win a lawsuit, they have the right to garnish your wages or put a lien on your home. Finally, the Internal Revenue Service may consider any amount of forgiven debt to be taxable income.
Damage Control
Turning to a business that offers help in solving debt problems may seem like a reasonable solution when your bills become unmanageable. But before you do business with any company, check it out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if any consumer complaints are on file about the firm you’re considering doing business with. Ask your state Attorney General if the company is required to be licensed to work in your state and, if so, whether it is.
Some businesses that offer to help you with your debt problems may charge high fees and fail to follow through on the services they sell. Others may misrepresent the terms of a debt consolidation loan, failing to explain certain costs or mention that you’re signing over your home as collateral. Businesses advertising voluntary debt reorganization plans may not explain that the plan is a bankruptcy filing, tell you everything that’s involved, or help you through what can be a long and complex process.
In addition, some companies guarantee you a loan if you pay a fee in advance. The fee may range from $100 to several hundred dollars. Resist the temptation to follow up on these advance-fee loan guarantees. They may be illegal. It is true that many legitimate creditors offer extensions of credit through telemarketing and require an application or appraisal fee in advance. But legitimate creditors never guarantee that the consumer will get the loan — or even represent that a loan is likely. Under the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, a seller or tele-marketer who guarantees or represents a high likelihood of your getting a loan or some other extension of credit may not ask for or accept payment until you’ve received the loan.
You should be cautious of claims from so-called credit repair clinics. Many companies appeal to consumers with poor credit histories, promising to clean up credit reports for a fee. But you already have the right to have any inaccurate information in your file corrected. And a credit repair clinic cannot have accurate information removed from your credit report, despite their promises. You also should know that federal and some state laws prohibit these companies from charging you for their services until the services are fully performed. Only time and a conscientious effort to repay your debts will improve your credit report.
If you’re thinking about getting help to stabilize your financial situation, do some homework first. Find out what services a business provides and what it costs, and don’t rely on verbal promises. Get everything in writing, and read your contracts carefully.
Source
You’re not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it can be overcome. Your financial situation doesn’t have to go from bad to worse.
If you or someone you know is in financial hot water, consider these options: realistic budgeting, credit counseling from a reputable organization, debt consolidation, or bankruptcy. Debt negotiation is yet another option. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
Self-Help
Developing a Budget: The first step toward taking control of your financial situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list your “fixed” expenses — those that are the same each month — like mortgage payments or rent, car payments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses that vary — like entertainment, recreation, and clothing. Writing down all your expenses, even those that seem insignificant, is a helpful way to track your spending patterns, identify necessary expenses, and prioritize the rest. The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.
Your public library and bookstores have information about budgeting and money management techniques. In addition, computer software programs can be useful tools for developing and maintaining a budget, balancing your checkbook, and creating plans to save money and pay down your debt.
Contacting Your Creditors: Contact your creditors immediately if you’re having trouble making ends meet. Tell them why it’s difficult for you, and try to work out a modified payment plan that reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don’t wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.
Dealing with Debt Collectors: The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is the federal law that dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you. A debt collector may not call you before 8 a.m., after 9 p.m., or while you’re at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn’t approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honor a written request from you to stop further contact.
Managing Your Auto and Home Loans: Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. If you stop making payments, lenders can repossess your car or foreclose on your house. Unsecured debts are not tied to any asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, signature loans, and debts for other types of services.
Most automobile financing agreements allow a creditor to repossess your car any time you’re in default. No notice is required. If your car is repossessed, you may have to pay the balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. If you can’t do this, the creditor may sell the car. If you see default approaching, you may be better off selling the car yourself and paying off the debt: You’ll avoid the added costs of repossession and a negative entry on your credit report.
If you fall behind on your mortgage, contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you if they believe you’re acting in good faith and the situation is temporary. Some lenders may reduce or suspend your payments for a short time. When you resume regular payments, though, you may have to pay an additional amount toward the past due total. Other lenders may agree to change the terms of the mortgage by extending the repayment period to reduce the monthly debt. Ask whether additional fees would be assessed for these changes, and calculate how much they total in the long term.
If you and your lender cannot work out a plan, contact a housing counseling agency. Some agencies limit their counseling services to homeowners with FHA mortgages, but many offer free help to any homeowner who’s having trouble making mortgage payments. Call the local office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the housing authority in your state, city, or county for help in finding a legitimate housing counseling agency near you
Credit Counseling and Debt Management Plans
Credit Counseling: If you’re not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can’t work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can’t keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counseling organization. Many credit counseling organizations are nonprofit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that, just because an organization says it’s “nonprofit,” there’s no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counseling organizations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make “voluntary” contributions that can cause more debt.
Most credit counselors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organization that offers in-person counseling. Many universities, military bases, credit unions, housing authorities, and branches of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service operate nonprofit credit counseling programs. Your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, and friends and family also may be good sources of information and referrals.
Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counselors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.
Debt Management Plans: If your financial problems stem from too much debt or your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for one of these plans only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still can help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.
In a DMP, you deposit money each month with the credit counseling organization, which uses your deposits to pay your unsecured debts, like your credit card bills, student loans, and medical bills, according to a payment schedule the counselor develops with you and your creditors. Your creditors may agree to lower your interest rates or waive certain fees, but check with all your creditors to be sure they offer the concessions that a credit counseling organization describes to you. A successful DMP requires you to make regular, timely payments, and could take 48 months or more to complete. Ask the credit counselor to estimate how long it will take for you to complete the plan. You may have to agree not to apply for — or use — any additional credit while you’re participating in the plan.
Protect Yourself
Be wary of credit counseling organizations that:
* charge high up-front or monthly fees for enrolling in credit counseling or a DMP.
* pressure you to make “voluntary contributions,” another name for fees.
* won’t send you free information about the services they provide without requiring you to provide personal financial information, such as credit card account numbers, and balances.
* try to enroll you in a DMP without spending time reviewing your financial situation.
* offer to enroll you in a DMP without teaching you budgeting and money management skills.
* demand that you make payments into a DMP before your creditors have accepted you into the program.
Debt Consolidation
You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit. Remember that these loans require you to put up your home as collateral. If you can’t make the payments — or if your payments are late — you could lose your home.
What’s more, the costs of consolidation loans can add up. In addition to interest on the loans, you may have to pay “points,” with one point equal to one percent of the amount you borrow. Still, these loans may provide certain tax advantages that are not available with other kinds of credit.
Bankruptcy
Personal bankruptcy generally is considered the debt management option of last resort because the results are long-lasting and far reaching. People who follow the bankruptcy rules receive a discharge — a court order that says they don’t have to repay certain debts. However, bankruptcy information (both the date of your filing and the later date of discharge) stay on your credit report for 10 years, and can make it difficult to obtain credit, buy a home, get life insurance, or sometimes get a job. Still, bankruptcy is a legal procedure that offers a fresh start for people who have gotten into financial difficulty and can’t satisfy their debts.
There are two primary types of personal bankruptcy: Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. Each must be filed in federal bankruptcy court. As of April 2006, the filing fees run about $274 for Chapter 13 and $299 for Chapter 7. Attorney fees are additional and can vary.
Effective October 2005, Congress made sweeping changes to the bankruptcy laws. The net effect of these changes is to give consumers more incentive to seek bankruptcy relief under Chapter 13 rather than Chapter 7. Chapter 13 allows people with a steady income to keep property, like a mortgaged house or a car, that they might otherwise lose through the bankruptcy process. In Chapter 13, the court approves a repayment plan that allows you to use your future income to pay off your debts during a three-to-five-year period, rather than surrender any property. After you have made all the payments under the plan, you receive a discharge of your debts.
Chapter 7 is known as straight bankruptcy, and involves liquidation of all assets that are not exempt. Exempt property may include automobiles, work-related tools, and basic household furnishings. Some of your property may be sold by a court-appointed official — a trustee — or turned over to your creditors. The new bankruptcy laws have changed the time period during which you can receive a discharge through Chapter 7. You now must wait 8 years after receiving a discharge in Chapter 7 before you can file again under that chapter. The Chapter 13 waiting period is much shorter and can be as little as two years between filings.
Both types of bankruptcy may get rid of unsecured debts and stop foreclosures, repossessions, garnishments and utility shut-offs, and debt collection activities. Both also provide exemptions that allow people to keep certain assets, although exemption amounts vary by state. Note that personal bankruptcy usually does not erase child support, alimony, fines, taxes, and some student loan obligations. And, unless you have an acceptable plan to catch up on your debt under Chapter 13, bankruptcy usually does not allow you to keep property when your creditor has an unpaid mortgage or security lien on it.
Another major change to the bankruptcy laws involves certain hurdles that a consumer must clear before even filing for bankruptcy, no matter what the chapter. You must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within six months before you file for any bankruptcy relief. You can find a state-by-state list of government-approved organizations at www.usdoj.gov/ust. That is the website of the U.S. Trustee Program, the organization within the U.S. Department of Justice that supervises bankruptcy cases and trustees. Also, before you file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case, you must satisfy a “means test.” This test requires you to confirm that your income does not exceed a certain amount. The amount varies by state and is publicized by the U.S. Trustee Program at www.usdoj.gov/ust.
Debt Negotiation Programs
Debt negotiation differs greatly from credit counseling and DMPs. It can be very risky, and have a long term negative impact on your credit report and, in turn, your ability to get credit. That’s why many states have laws regulating debt negotiation companies and the services they offer. Contact your state Attorney General for more information.
The Claims
Debt negotiation firms may claim they’re nonprofit. They also may claim that they can arrange for your unsecured debt — typically credit card debt — to be paid off for anywhere from 10 to 50 percent of the balance owed. For example, if you owe $10,000 on a credit card, a debt negotiation firm may claim it can arrange for you to pay it off with a lesser amount, say $4,000.
The firms often pitch their services as an alternative to bankruptcy. They may claim that using their services will have little or no negative impact on your ability to get credit in the future, or that any negative information can be removed from your credit report when you complete their debt negotiation program. The firms usually tell you to stop making payments to your creditors, and instead, send payments to the debt negotiation company. The firm may promise to hold your funds in a special account and pay your creditors on your behalf.
The Truth
Just because a debt negotiation company describes itself as a “nonprofit” organization, there’s no guarantee that the services they offer are legitimate. There also is no guarantee that a creditor will accept partial payment of a legitimate debt. In fact, if you stop making payments on a credit card, late fees and interest usually are added to the debt each month. If you exceed your credit limit, additional fees and charges also can be added. This can cause your original debt to double or triple. What’s more, most debt negotiation companies charge consumers substantial fees for their services, including a fee to establish the account with the debt negotiator, a monthly service fee, and a final fee of a percentage of the money you’ve supposedly saved.
While creditors have no obligation to agree to negotiate the amount a consumer owes, they have a legal obligation to provide accurate information to the credit reporting agencies, including your failure to make monthly payments. That can result in a negative entry on your credit report. And in certain situations, creditors may have the right to sue you to recover the money you owe. In some instances, when creditors win a lawsuit, they have the right to garnish your wages or put a lien on your home. Finally, the Internal Revenue Service may consider any amount of forgiven debt to be taxable income.
Damage Control
Turning to a business that offers help in solving debt problems may seem like a reasonable solution when your bills become unmanageable. But before you do business with any company, check it out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if any consumer complaints are on file about the firm you’re considering doing business with. Ask your state Attorney General if the company is required to be licensed to work in your state and, if so, whether it is.
Some businesses that offer to help you with your debt problems may charge high fees and fail to follow through on the services they sell. Others may misrepresent the terms of a debt consolidation loan, failing to explain certain costs or mention that you’re signing over your home as collateral. Businesses advertising voluntary debt reorganization plans may not explain that the plan is a bankruptcy filing, tell you everything that’s involved, or help you through what can be a long and complex process.
In addition, some companies guarantee you a loan if you pay a fee in advance. The fee may range from $100 to several hundred dollars. Resist the temptation to follow up on these advance-fee loan guarantees. They may be illegal. It is true that many legitimate creditors offer extensions of credit through telemarketing and require an application or appraisal fee in advance. But legitimate creditors never guarantee that the consumer will get the loan — or even represent that a loan is likely. Under the federal Telemarketing Sales Rule, a seller or tele-marketer who guarantees or represents a high likelihood of your getting a loan or some other extension of credit may not ask for or accept payment until you’ve received the loan.
You should be cautious of claims from so-called credit repair clinics. Many companies appeal to consumers with poor credit histories, promising to clean up credit reports for a fee. But you already have the right to have any inaccurate information in your file corrected. And a credit repair clinic cannot have accurate information removed from your credit report, despite their promises. You also should know that federal and some state laws prohibit these companies from charging you for their services until the services are fully performed. Only time and a conscientious effort to repay your debts will improve your credit report.
If you’re thinking about getting help to stabilize your financial situation, do some homework first. Find out what services a business provides and what it costs, and don’t rely on verbal promises. Get everything in writing, and read your contracts carefully.
Source
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Is Federal Student Loan Consolidation A Good Idea If You Have Student Debt?
All across the United States many people, young and more mature are choosing to continue with their education. For the most part, that results in applying for a student loan in order to pay the exorbitant costs of higher education. After all, college fees have risen significantly over the past few years. It has now become the question of everyone, can I afford to continue with further education?
If this is a question that you have asked yourself, then please continue to read this article.
The cost of university or college has risen drastically over the past few decades, leaving many students with the stress and strain of worrying how they are going to pay for their education.
This normally means that for a large number of students it is necessary that they require more than one loan. This will result, in most cases, with students having these debts to pay once they have graduated. Often, the employment that is found after graduation is entry level or low paying, therefore the student is left with huge debts that leave them not knowing which way to turn and causing worry and stress which can in effect make a difference with their concentration levels whilst working.
There is hope for those students that don't know which bills to prioritize and pay first every month.
Federal student loan consolidation has been designed to assist the graduate by consolidating all of their student debts into one manageable fee to pay at the end of every month. This makes it much easier only having to write one check at the end of every month, instead of a quantity of checks to different companies.
There are different programs that meet the needs of almost everyone that should apply. Each of the programs also endeavor to have varying interest rate.
When it is first decided to apply for a federal student loan consolidation, it is highly important that you first of all research the subject as much as possible. Don’t rush into to a rash decision. Be sure that you can afford the repayments when the time comes and be sure to read all relevant information thoroughly before making the decision to continue with the application.
By going on-line and doing a simple Google search, you will find millions of links to relevant information regarding federal student loan consolidation. You will find millions of links that can assist you in making a decision.
Ask questions until only you are satisfied that you understand the process fully. Remember that once you have signed the papers to a loan agreement, it is a legal and binding contract that you will have to adhere to and that you will have great difficulty trying to back out of.
Never make an agreement that you can pay a certain amount of money each month, until you are 100% sure that you will be able to meet that obligation. Also be sure that the amount of your obligation will continue to allow you to pay your regular monthly bills.
There are many benefits to federal student loan consolidation. A much lower interest rate is offered in order to make is easier to undergo the repayment process. Also, when applying for this type of loan, you will not need any co-signers, nor is a credit check undertaken. It is normally a very efficient process, however it is important to remember that the interest rate will be higher.
UA federal student consolidation loan is not the same as any other type of loan, there are no fees or charges to apply. Also, there are no charges or penalties for early repayment. This is a welcome relief to many people who have sufficient monthly repayments.
It is possible to apply for a federal student consolidation loan with any lender of your choice. There are a quantity of different lenders that give most student loans. However, if all of your loans happen to be through just one lender, you must apply for your federal student consolidation loan with that same lender.
Federal student consolidation loans offer a way to make repayment easier for those graduates that already have sufficient stress, making it a little easier on life. Please remember to visit a reputable lending institution, whereby they can offer you different plans and much advice on which loan would be right for you. Never make the decision to apply for a Federal Student Consolidation Loan with doing your homework first. Be sure that it is the right decision for you.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?cat=Finance:Debt-Consolidation
If this is a question that you have asked yourself, then please continue to read this article.
The cost of university or college has risen drastically over the past few decades, leaving many students with the stress and strain of worrying how they are going to pay for their education.
This normally means that for a large number of students it is necessary that they require more than one loan. This will result, in most cases, with students having these debts to pay once they have graduated. Often, the employment that is found after graduation is entry level or low paying, therefore the student is left with huge debts that leave them not knowing which way to turn and causing worry and stress which can in effect make a difference with their concentration levels whilst working.
There is hope for those students that don't know which bills to prioritize and pay first every month.
Federal student loan consolidation has been designed to assist the graduate by consolidating all of their student debts into one manageable fee to pay at the end of every month. This makes it much easier only having to write one check at the end of every month, instead of a quantity of checks to different companies.
There are different programs that meet the needs of almost everyone that should apply. Each of the programs also endeavor to have varying interest rate.
When it is first decided to apply for a federal student loan consolidation, it is highly important that you first of all research the subject as much as possible. Don’t rush into to a rash decision. Be sure that you can afford the repayments when the time comes and be sure to read all relevant information thoroughly before making the decision to continue with the application.
By going on-line and doing a simple Google search, you will find millions of links to relevant information regarding federal student loan consolidation. You will find millions of links that can assist you in making a decision.
Ask questions until only you are satisfied that you understand the process fully. Remember that once you have signed the papers to a loan agreement, it is a legal and binding contract that you will have to adhere to and that you will have great difficulty trying to back out of.
Never make an agreement that you can pay a certain amount of money each month, until you are 100% sure that you will be able to meet that obligation. Also be sure that the amount of your obligation will continue to allow you to pay your regular monthly bills.
There are many benefits to federal student loan consolidation. A much lower interest rate is offered in order to make is easier to undergo the repayment process. Also, when applying for this type of loan, you will not need any co-signers, nor is a credit check undertaken. It is normally a very efficient process, however it is important to remember that the interest rate will be higher.
UA federal student consolidation loan is not the same as any other type of loan, there are no fees or charges to apply. Also, there are no charges or penalties for early repayment. This is a welcome relief to many people who have sufficient monthly repayments.
It is possible to apply for a federal student consolidation loan with any lender of your choice. There are a quantity of different lenders that give most student loans. However, if all of your loans happen to be through just one lender, you must apply for your federal student consolidation loan with that same lender.
Federal student consolidation loans offer a way to make repayment easier for those graduates that already have sufficient stress, making it a little easier on life. Please remember to visit a reputable lending institution, whereby they can offer you different plans and much advice on which loan would be right for you. Never make the decision to apply for a Federal Student Consolidation Loan with doing your homework first. Be sure that it is the right decision for you.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?cat=Finance:Debt-Consolidation
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