Category: Finance, Credit.
Typically, when you think about debt relief programs, you think about taking out a loan up- front, a debt consolidation loan, which is used to pay off all of your debts. However, there is another way of getting a handle on your debts that you might not be aware of.
You then only owe on the single loan rather than multiple accounts. The following multi- step strategy is an example of the steps that a debt relief company might take to help you manage your debt. This step can be uncomfortable because you are talking to strangers about a very personal issue- your personal debt and finances. There will be a consultation with the debt relief company. But it is essential that you allow your debt consultants to make a complete and accurate assessment of your situation. You may be able to do this by email, but a phone call is probably your best bet.
That way they can recommend the best possible course of action. This is important business, and you should know the people you are going to be working with. The more you can commit, the sooner you will be able to deal with your creditors. The debt relief company will help you determine a monthly dollar amount that you can commit to debt reduction. However, one of the purposes of a debt relief program is to free up cash flow. The debt relief company will then contact your creditors and will assume all communication with your creditors. So your amount committed will probably be less than you currently pay on your debts.
This is where this type of program diverges from the typical debt consolidation loan- based program. Rather, the company will manage the process of dealing with your creditors in an orderly fashion and make payoff arrangements. The debt relief program is not going to make you a loan to pay off all your debts. Your monthly debt relief payments accrue into an account for debt repayment. Typically, the company will attempt to settle your debts for 40- 60% of their balances. As funds accumulate, the debt relief company will begin using the funds to make negotiated payoffs to your creditors. The downside to this approach is that your credit rating may take a hit, as debts may be marked" settled for less than the full amount" .
The debt relief company will request that your creditors report your updated status to the credit rating bureaus. The debt relief program should keep you informed as debts are settled. The new status may be" settled in full" , "settled" , "paid" , or, as mentioned above, "settled for less than the full amount" . Once the program has concluded, you will be debt- free. It goes without saying that you should avoid accumulating new debt while on the debt relief program. At that point, you can assume more debt as long as you are ready to manage it and your debt repayment is well within your means.
You will have been granted a fresh start, so you would, free from debt be wise to approach future debt with much caution.