Archive for April, 2009

Consumer Credit Card Debt Consolidation – a Solution

Apurva Shree asked:


If you find yourself trapped in credit card debts, the best solution is to go in for consumer credit card debt consolidation. Too much debt on credit cards can however take the magic away from this loan.

Debt consolidation is to combine all your existing loans into one single manageable loan. This can pay off your debts, save your money on interest rates, stop those harassing phone calls, and help you get out of your debt, without declaring bankruptcy. Debt consolidation helps to restructure your loan, plan your monthly installment, and save the dollars on interest rates. Such timely payments will also improve your credit score.

Advantages Of A Consumer Credit Card Debt Consolidation Loan

Getting a consolidation loan is easier for those with a property. The consumers can use the property as security and avail a secured credit card debt consolidation loan. However, this is not useful for non-property owners, as they usually end up with higher interest rates.

Unsecured debt consolidation is convenient in its own way.

The consumer need not place any security against the loan and have the fear of losing it for he fails to return the loan. Though it carries a higher interest rate than a secured loan, this is however lower than his credit card debts. This unsecured debt consolidation is very effective tool to make the payments on time. By gradually paying off the loan with the interest, the borrower will soon erode the entire loan and become debt free. The unsecured loan is however given for a smaller amount. If the amount of the debt is not very large, this unsecured loan will be very effective.

Consolidation Companies

Many consolidation companies and banks provide debt consolidation. It is important to do a study and find out which company offers the lowest rate of interest. It is also essential to understand your feasibility with monthly payments.

There is also the option of taking a debt consolidation package offered by these companies. They will assign a debt counselor, who will review your financial situation for you. This will give you a clear understanding of your debt situation and can you can then avail the various debt reduction programs offered by them. There are also non-profit options offered by the credit card debt consolidation companies, if you cannot afford the fees charged by the experts.

The counselors, after devising a debt reduction program, will negotiate with the creditors and obtain better terms and rates for you. They might ask you to make a single payment to them, covering the total amount of debts at lower interest rate. The company then pays the various creditors as per their shares. Hence, it is important to identify the right company, who can help you bring your entire debt burden down.



Christian

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Debt Settlement or Consumer Credit Counseling, Which is Right for You?

Vishal Verma asked:


Debt settlement and consumer credit counseling are services with the same goal but apply to different circumstances and goals. Once fully aware of one’s circumstances the choice between the two becomes obvious.

Consumer Credit Counseling (CCC) is primarily for those seeking financial convenience. CCC reduces interest rates on credit cards whose payments are relatively current. With this service the entire outstanding debt is repaid in full. The terms of CCC are set up by the creditors themselves. Under CCC clients typically pay the same amount they are paying now each month. With CCC monthly savings are not that significant and so people with real hardship cannot typically afford to access the advantages of this program. The most significant benefit of CCC is to reduce the total time required to payoff one’s debts. Consumer credit counseling is thus simply a convenient service for becoming debt free more rapidly. This convenience is only accessible to those who have debts that qualify and can afford to pay right around what they are paying now each month.

Debt settlement is a solution for those with significant hardship who do not wish to or don’t qualify for filing bankruptcy. This service reduces the total principal to be paid through settling debts “in full”. Debt settlement is structured by a third party company rather and takes into account the client’s ability to pay and not just the desires of the creditors. Debt settlement creditors are willing to accept a negotiated payoff rather than receive zero should the client file bankruptcy. Debt settlement benefits the client by both alleviating their monthly overhead (and therefore alleviating their hardship) and by also dramatically reducing the total time required to get out of debt. Debt Settlement is best described as an alternative relief to significant hardship caused by debt. This option should be considered for those who have significant hardship and want an alternative to bankruptcy.

Debt settlement and consumer credit counseling have similar goals yet are greatly different in who they serve. Consumer Credit Counseling is an option for those whose situation is such that they afford to have options. CCC prospects do not typcially actually have to choose to do anything at all. Often those who are good consumer, credit counseling can often just as easily choose other options including paying their debts as they are at present. Debt settlement is for those who have few other choices and are considering bankruptcy or just “letting go” and not paying any more creditors to survive. Restricted by significant financial hardship, other options simply don’t suit debt settlement candidates very well. These services therefore serve different people. Individuals are typically only able to benefit from one of these programs and getting into the wrong program can make a person;s situation even worse.



Maria

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Debt Consolidation and Consumer Credit Counseling

Marjorie Salada asked:


Debt consolidation and consumer credit counseling are both ways of eliminating your debt. Consumer credit counseling is actually a form of debt consolidation, but it does not involve a loan. Sometimes the term debt consolidation can also refer to a home equity loan that is used to pay off debt. Debt consolidation refers to a solution that consolidates your debts and allows you to make one monthly payment to cover all your debts.

A debt consolidation loan is a viable means of paying off your debt, but I do not recommend it. If you have credit card debt or are enrolled in credit counseling and do nothing, your creditors can report you to the credit bureau and make numerous collection calls, but that is about it. However, if you have a debt consolidation loan and cannot make the payments, the consequences are much more severe. Your creditor can start foreclosure proceedings on your home. Many people have debt consolidation loans, but there are better ways.

Consumer credit counseling is a form of debt consolidation, but it does not require a loan. Debt counseling is a way for people to get out of debt without incurring additional debt. A debt management agency can help you get on a plan that will help you have your unsecured debts paid off in five years or less. If it takes longer than five years, you may want to consider other debt relief options.

Your credit counselor will interact with you lenders and they will no longer be allowed to make collections calls to you as long as you follow the terms of the plan. There are many benefits to debt consolidation with a debt service. Here are just a few of the benefits you will see by consolidating with a credit counseling agency:

*Reduced and possibly eliminated interest rates

*One convenient payment each month

*No more collection calls

*No more fees

*Budgeting and financial education resources

The biggest part of being successful with a debt management plan is not getting into something that you don’t think you can manage. If you are given a quote that you don’t think you can handle, you are setting yourself up for failure if you accept the proposal.

Debt relief is something you need to go into with an open mind and the attitude that you are going to do what it takes to become debt free. The most difficult part of getting out of debt is recognizing that there is a problem and asking for the necessary debt help.



Carmen

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Online Consumer Credit Counseling Services

William Hauselburg asked:


Many Americans do not have the resources or education needed to make well-informed decisions concerning financial issues. It is necessary today, however, to know the fundamentals of credit and money management. If you are contributing to the more than 2.5 trillion in debt Americans have acquired, you should consider participating in consumer credit counseling services.

Americans are known to have full schedules, leaving little downtime and making it impossible to fit in anything extra. Many people want to receive education on topics such as debt and bankruptcy, yet they don’t have the time to travel to weekly classes. That’s why many organizations offer consumer credit counseling services online. These services allow you to learn on your own time, from the comfort of your home. These services accommodate a busy lifestyle and make it easy to get the financial education you need.

Today, extra money is becoming harder and harder to come by. Many Americans find themselves with just enough money to pay the bills. When seeking guidance to resolve such a financial situation, it’s likely that you will not have the money to pay for these services. Luckily, many credit counseling organizations offer online services absolutely free. You may visit an organization’s web site to find online resources on budgeting and saving, debt, housing and more. Many of these sites also include online credit counseling where certified counselors review your information followed by a phone call discussing a thorough financial analysis and action plan. These services are secure and confidential, so you can be sure your personal information isn’t being displayed publicly on the web.

Consumer credit counseling services many times have weekly courses available. These courses give valuable information on credit and money management to anyone interested. Online credit counseling makes it possible for even the busiest person to receive free services on these subjects as well. Whether you prefer a classroom atmosphere or the comfort of your home, you can become better informed on a subject vital to stability and success in America today.



Kim

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CREDIT SCORES GOING BACK UP?

jean e asked:


ONCE, a credit card is charged-off and reported on the consumer report and then a settlement is made and paid will the credit score go back up?

Anne

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Consumer Credit Debt Consolidation – The Best Options

Tim Whiteman asked:


The practice of taking out a single loan in order to pay off all previously existing loans is referred to as consumer credit debt consolidation. The reasons that people choose this debt elimination option are to secure a lower interest rate, and also for the simple convenience of having to pay only one loan at the end of each payment period. 

Collateral is traditionally required in these types of loans due to the borrower’s tarnished credit history. Depending on the total amount of the consolidated loan, the collateral may be the owner’s home, automobile, or any other piece of property of considerable monetary value.

If you are a home owner with a sum equity invested in your home, then you have the opportunity to apply for a home equity loan. This type of loan is reserved for people who own a home and are struggling with other debts. In this case, your home is counted as the collateral. This may seem like somewhat of an intimidating option, but there is one significant advantage that attracts many people. Since the collateral is of such high personal and monetary worth to the borrower, the interest rate on the loan would be significantly lower than any other loan.

Even if your debts are not causing a tremendous burden on your bank account, reorganizing your debts may still make good business sense. These are just a few of the ways you can go about it:

Home equity loan

These loans have an attractive advantage in that they carry a low interest rate, and whatever interest you do pay is tax deductable. Any time taxes are taken out of the equation is a great time. It goes without saying that that would be one less expense you would have to deal with each month.

Refinance for extra cash

Another great advantage of taking out a home equity loan, or a consumer credit debt consolidation loan, is that you can refinance your property for a greater amount than what you actually owe. When you do this, you can use the extra money from your new loan to pay off your other debts. Yet again, the interest rate you would get on this sort of a loan would be relatively low.

Refinance your vehicle

Your personal vehicle is considered as an eligible asset and can be used as collateral in your refinancing. One issue you may have to face, however, is that due to the nature of an automobile, your car may break down before you even have the chance to fully repay your debts.

Obtain a personal loan

If you have untarnished credit then you are qualified for an unsecured loan, otherwise known as a personal loan. Word of advice: credit unions will typically offer lower interest rates than banks, so you may consider getting in touch with them instead.

Self negotiating

Direct dealing is more effective in some cases than dealing through others. This way you can communicate directly with your creditors, or whatever other parties are involved, and you won’t have to worry about paying for the services of a middle man. As an added bonus, sometimes customer service representatives are capable of reducing interest rates for clients with a simple phone call. Maybe you ought to try putting in a call to your creditors, today?

Another alternative

You may also want to consider the options you can find on the Internet for consumer credit debt consolidation. There are a lot of scams circulating around the web, but if you do your research, you are sure to come across a legitimate company that you can work with. There are many truthful success stories around the Internet that can attest to the power of some online debt consolidation companies.



Todd

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Consumer Credit Counseling Services in Pennsylvania

William Hauselburg asked:


Today’s economy requires the average American to be knowledgeable about finances. Most of us, however, only know the basics. Receiving guidance in your financial issues may be vital to surviving this difficult time for our country’s economy.

Thankfully, there are businesses in Pennsylvania offering services in credit counseling, debt management, housing counseling and more. Even if you feel confident in your current financial situation, a good way to stay ahead of the game is by taking advantage of consumer credit counseling services in Pennsylvania.

There are several reasons one may want to participate in credit counseling. You may need to develop a plan to get out of debt, learn strategies on how to save for a future purchase or trip, or simply improve your money management skills in general. Whatever the reason, you will find that engaging in credit counseling is a valuable experience that can be used for the rest of your life.

The total amount of debt owed by Americans in 2009 is more than 2.5 million. Chances are high that you are one of these Americans suffering from the stress of built up debt. Once you are in debt without a plan to get out of it, feelings of helplessness and frustration may halt you’re motivation to fix the problem. If you take advantage of debt management in Pennsylvania, however, you will be guided by professionals that know how create a plan for your personal situation, making getting out of debt a possibility for you. There are several benefits to participating in debt management counseling. Some of these benefits include waiving or reducing high interest rates, ending harassing calls from creditors and collection agencies and avoiding bankruptcy.

If you choose to take advantage of bankruptcy education services, you will learn all you need to know concerning the topic. You will have scheduled weekly financial literacy courses covering topics such as budget development, money management, wise use of credit and others. Upon completing the course, you will receive the required bankruptcy education certificate.

Don’t dig yourself into the hole many Americans find themselves in today concerning financial issues. Educate yourself by engaging in consumer credit counseling services in Pennsylvania. There’s no better way to eliminate one of the many stressors of everyday life.



Yolanda

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Panorama Write Off Debt | Loophole Clears Couple’s Debts | Write Off Illegal Unfair Loans | Consumer Credit Act 1974

Kerry Jonas asked:


The Rankines had 13 credit cards

As more people find themselves in debt, one couple found loopholes in their credit agreements to avoid paying tens of thousands of pounds. But a High Court judge had the final word.

Amanda and Basil Rankine ran up debts of £120,000 after their mortgage advice business collapsed and they found themselves unable to afford their monthly payments.

Their debts were spread over 13 credit cards, four loans, car finance and an overdraft. They decided to study the Consumer Credit Act and contacted lenders claiming they had found mistakes in their credit agreements.

The Act lays down the rules which companies have to follow when they advertise or sell credit.

“I studied the Act and decided that there were things that didn’t match so I put together a bit of a letter to HSBC, thought I had everything correct, and sent it off,” Mr Rankine told the BBC’s Panorama programme.

“They wrote back, and after a few months said we’re prepared to write balance off.”

The Rankines, from Rugeley in Staffordshire, looked at all their credit agreements and identified potential loopholes.

These included whether the correct annual percentage rate (APR) was used, whether the forms had actually been signed and if the lenders had kept a copy of the paperwork.

In this way, they managed to have a number of their 13 credit cards and loans written off, to the tune of £37,000, including the sum from HSBC.  

Sir Roy Goode, an eminent commercial lawyer who was instrumental in drafting the Act, said the rules relating to credit agreements were “extremely complex”.

“So any slip that is made entitles the consumer to refuse to pay unless the court gives leave to enforce the agreement,” explained Sir Roy.

Mr Rankine said: “Now more people challenge agreements, and more people will realise… the law is there so they have a choice. Challenge or repay at their level, or challenge and repay at your level.

The couple decided to take their remaining creditors to court over loopholes they believed they had spotted, and in an attempt to set a legal precedent that may benefit others. But the case was dismissed by a High Court judge, who said the couple were wriggling out of debt.

Despite the judgement, a legal technicality – which meant the lenders could only claim the money back while the court proceedings were going on – meant the couple still managed to get most of their debts frozen.

That took their total debt clearance to £100,000, leaving more than £20,000 outstanding. However, a legal bill of £100,000 left the Rankines back where they started.

They don’t accept they lost the case and they say they would prefer to be paying a legal bill than paying a debt they thought was unlawful.

The Rankines did their own work in scrutinising their credit agreements, but a whole industry is emerging online of companies claiming to get debts written off, and securing compensation, by rendering credit agreements unenforceable.

Have you suffered from an Unfair Credit Card or Loan Agreement?

The Author is a huge fan of Write off Unfair Credit Card and Loan Debts

Fighting unfair and illegal consumer credit agreements Blog.



Jack

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I’m scared my credit score will lower?

Jessica W asked:


In the past 6 months I have raised by credit score by over 200 points. My husband and I will be buying a house by the end of the year and there are a couple of quick things I can do to my credit. I have a consumer cc with a 500 limit and I owe 50. I want to close it but am not sure if this will affect my score. One factor that is lowing my score is high balances on other cc. How big of a deal is your percentage of available credit? Also, I have another cc with a limit of 500 showing I owe nothing. I thought I closed it but it’s still showing as open. Is it a good idea to close this one as well? or not because it increased by available credit

Albert

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