Posts Tagged Bankruptcy Credit
Credit Counseling and Your Credit
Frank Bruno asked:
The way they get paid is through “donations” from your creditors. They negotiate with all of your creditors to lower your interest rates and payments. You pay the counselor the sum of your creditors’ payments. They send the payments to the creditors. In exchange, the creditors pay the counselor a donation.
Sounds like a good deal, right?
Before committing to such a service, you must understand what their purpose is. In order to attain a non-profit status with the IRS, they must provide actual educational services to consumers to help with their debt management, budgeting, and so forth. Currently, the IRS is auditing many of these organizations. So far, they have found that these credit counselors do not provide such a service and only exist to receive fees from creditors. They have revoked the non-profit status from several companies.
These companies are called “predatory credit counselors.” They take your monthly payment, and instead of shipping it off to your creditors, they pocket the money for themselves.
These bad apples have put the consumer in a real dilemma. The new United States bankruptcy laws will require debtors to enter a credit counseling program before actually entering bankruptcy.
In theory, credit counseling can be a great service when executed correctly by all parties involved. That is, the counselors actually provide an educational service and the consumer actually learns and implements what they’re told. This can pave the way to a secure, debt-free future. What can you do to avoid becoming a victim?
First, find out if there are any fees charged to you by the counseling agency. Even if they’re non-profit, they may still charge you for their services up-front, such as a setup fee. A reputable company won’t charge you exorbitant amounts for fees, as that would defeat the purpose of seeking their assistance in the first place.
Next, try to ascertain how your counselor is paid. If they make a salary, you’re in good shape. If they work for commissions or earn bonuses based on steering you towards more expensive debt consolidation programs, be wary. Good counselors will do what’s best for your pocket, not theirs.
Just because the credit counselors work with creditors doesn’t mean creditors work with that particular company. When a consumer enters a credit counseling program, the counselor sends a proposal to the creditor. The creditor then has the option of approving or rejecting the proposal. If rejected, there is nothing further that can be done with that particular creditor. You’ll have to negotiate with them on your own. Call your creditors directly and make sure they will accept the proposal first.
Get all promises and terms made by the counselor in writing. A verbal promise is not binding. As well, make sure the counseling agency sends monthly reports that outline every transaction; how much you paid them and where the money is going. Verify that your money is actually paying your creditors, and not your counselors.
How does entering credit counseling affect your credit? It depends on an individual lender as to how they view credit counseling. Your counselor will have you believe that it’s a positive because you’re taking proactive steps to get your debts in order. However, many lenders view credit counseling as the final step before bankruptcy. Entering counseling might signal to them that you have a debt management problem, and suspect that you may default on their loan. In fact, many lenders will deny your application outright if you’re currently in a debt management program, as if you were in an non-discharged bankruptcy.
If you’re in a situation that might require credit counseling, or even bankruptcy, check your credit report first. Make sure that your report is completely accurate. If necessary, take steps to increase your credit score. You might benefit more from taking out an actual loan to consolidate your debts than to enter debt management and bankruptcy. You can only get a loan if your scores are high enough. Make an effort to raise your scores, get a consolidation loan, and make sure you never get into the same debt situation again!
Heather
The way they get paid is through “donations” from your creditors. They negotiate with all of your creditors to lower your interest rates and payments. You pay the counselor the sum of your creditors’ payments. They send the payments to the creditors. In exchange, the creditors pay the counselor a donation.
Sounds like a good deal, right?
Before committing to such a service, you must understand what their purpose is. In order to attain a non-profit status with the IRS, they must provide actual educational services to consumers to help with their debt management, budgeting, and so forth. Currently, the IRS is auditing many of these organizations. So far, they have found that these credit counselors do not provide such a service and only exist to receive fees from creditors. They have revoked the non-profit status from several companies.
These companies are called “predatory credit counselors.” They take your monthly payment, and instead of shipping it off to your creditors, they pocket the money for themselves.
These bad apples have put the consumer in a real dilemma. The new United States bankruptcy laws will require debtors to enter a credit counseling program before actually entering bankruptcy.
In theory, credit counseling can be a great service when executed correctly by all parties involved. That is, the counselors actually provide an educational service and the consumer actually learns and implements what they’re told. This can pave the way to a secure, debt-free future. What can you do to avoid becoming a victim?
First, find out if there are any fees charged to you by the counseling agency. Even if they’re non-profit, they may still charge you for their services up-front, such as a setup fee. A reputable company won’t charge you exorbitant amounts for fees, as that would defeat the purpose of seeking their assistance in the first place.
Next, try to ascertain how your counselor is paid. If they make a salary, you’re in good shape. If they work for commissions or earn bonuses based on steering you towards more expensive debt consolidation programs, be wary. Good counselors will do what’s best for your pocket, not theirs.
Just because the credit counselors work with creditors doesn’t mean creditors work with that particular company. When a consumer enters a credit counseling program, the counselor sends a proposal to the creditor. The creditor then has the option of approving or rejecting the proposal. If rejected, there is nothing further that can be done with that particular creditor. You’ll have to negotiate with them on your own. Call your creditors directly and make sure they will accept the proposal first.
Get all promises and terms made by the counselor in writing. A verbal promise is not binding. As well, make sure the counseling agency sends monthly reports that outline every transaction; how much you paid them and where the money is going. Verify that your money is actually paying your creditors, and not your counselors.
How does entering credit counseling affect your credit? It depends on an individual lender as to how they view credit counseling. Your counselor will have you believe that it’s a positive because you’re taking proactive steps to get your debts in order. However, many lenders view credit counseling as the final step before bankruptcy. Entering counseling might signal to them that you have a debt management problem, and suspect that you may default on their loan. In fact, many lenders will deny your application outright if you’re currently in a debt management program, as if you were in an non-discharged bankruptcy.
If you’re in a situation that might require credit counseling, or even bankruptcy, check your credit report first. Make sure that your report is completely accurate. If necessary, take steps to increase your credit score. You might benefit more from taking out an actual loan to consolidate your debts than to enter debt management and bankruptcy. You can only get a loan if your scores are high enough. Make an effort to raise your scores, get a consolidation loan, and make sure you never get into the same debt situation again!
Heather
Credit Counseling Agencies Help Remove Debt to Facilitate Home Purchase
Karen Bellas asked:
If you have accumulated a large debt, you have the option of going to a credit counseling or debt settlement agency in order to remove the burden so that you can finance the purchase of a new home. However, it is important that you are aware of the differences between credit counseling and debt settlement. These companies use different methods in order to repair credit, and you will want to know which option is best for you and what they offer you.
Credit Counseling Might Help You Begin to Get Rid of Debt
If you are searching for real estate, but are concerned that your credit score is not high enough to qualify for financing, consider contacting a credit counseling agency for advice on getting out of debt. Make sure that you contact a reliable credit counseling agency that is a member of the National Foundation of Consumer Counseling .Avoid any company that advertises on TV or specifically solicits your business. Although claiming to be non-profit, some of these agencies make money off of your debt. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that your debt will be wiped out.
Use Caution While Improving Your Credit to Finance a Home
Companies that must solicit for clients are having a difficult time building a client base. Therefore, you must question their reputation. In fact, they may have bought a list with your name on it just as any telemarketing company would. Lastly, although your debt can be repaired, never believe an agency who claims that they can wipe out all your debt quickly, since even if you could pay the amount in full now, it will take time for your credit rating to reflect this positively.
Be Careful About Debt Settlement
In some situations, debt settlement can be a reasonable way for prospective home buyers to resolve their debt. However, there are several drawbacks that accompany debt settlement. The debt is forgiven, but it can look similar to bankruptcy on your credit report. In addition, if your account is settled for less than was due, it will be reported as income to the IRS. Once you begin the process of settling a debt through an agency, it is important to complete the process. If you default to the debt settlement company, they keep the money, and your debt with your creditors could be worse than before.
Therefore, when selecting a credit counseling or debt settlement agency, you must be very careful about the company you chose. Ensure that the results of settling your debt will benefit your credit report and allow you purchase the real estate you desire.
Leo
If you have accumulated a large debt, you have the option of going to a credit counseling or debt settlement agency in order to remove the burden so that you can finance the purchase of a new home. However, it is important that you are aware of the differences between credit counseling and debt settlement. These companies use different methods in order to repair credit, and you will want to know which option is best for you and what they offer you.
Credit Counseling Might Help You Begin to Get Rid of Debt
If you are searching for real estate, but are concerned that your credit score is not high enough to qualify for financing, consider contacting a credit counseling agency for advice on getting out of debt. Make sure that you contact a reliable credit counseling agency that is a member of the National Foundation of Consumer Counseling .Avoid any company that advertises on TV or specifically solicits your business. Although claiming to be non-profit, some of these agencies make money off of your debt. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that your debt will be wiped out.
Use Caution While Improving Your Credit to Finance a Home
Companies that must solicit for clients are having a difficult time building a client base. Therefore, you must question their reputation. In fact, they may have bought a list with your name on it just as any telemarketing company would. Lastly, although your debt can be repaired, never believe an agency who claims that they can wipe out all your debt quickly, since even if you could pay the amount in full now, it will take time for your credit rating to reflect this positively.
Be Careful About Debt Settlement
In some situations, debt settlement can be a reasonable way for prospective home buyers to resolve their debt. However, there are several drawbacks that accompany debt settlement. The debt is forgiven, but it can look similar to bankruptcy on your credit report. In addition, if your account is settled for less than was due, it will be reported as income to the IRS. Once you begin the process of settling a debt through an agency, it is important to complete the process. If you default to the debt settlement company, they keep the money, and your debt with your creditors could be worse than before.
Therefore, when selecting a credit counseling or debt settlement agency, you must be very careful about the company you chose. Ensure that the results of settling your debt will benefit your credit report and allow you purchase the real estate you desire.
Leo
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater San Antonio
cccssaorg asked:
As a non-profit, full-service financial counseling agency, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater San Antonio counsels and educates consumers dealing with the following issues: budgeting, bankruptcy, credit, debt, foreclosure, identity theft, reverse mortgage and student loan repayment.
Viola
Consumer Credit Counseling Industry Grows
Leroy C. Calstard asked:
The emergence on consumer credit counseling over the past few decades is mainly due to the increasing number of Americans who continue to charge their way into unmanageable debt. This is not to say that there aren’t some families and individuals who have ended up in debt due to no fault of their own – whether it is due to high medical bills, illness, death or a change in family status. But most end up in debt because of charging too much on credit cards and store cards and buying things on credit that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. At some point you just can’t keep up with even the minimum monthly payments, which in turn causes a huge amount of the debt to be just the interest owed.
For many individuals and families who find themselves in over their heads, bankruptcy can seem like the only answer. As a result of this consumer credit counseling organizations have emerged to try to deal with this growing problem by helping people manage their debts and make arrangements to get them out of debt. This is often the last step before bankruptcy.
In fact, recent bankruptcy laws have been introduced that require individuals to obtain consumer credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy in an effort to reduce the high cost of lawyers and court fees. Consumer Credit counseling is usually the best option because it allows to you manage and clear your debt without the negative impact of a bankruptcy on your credit report. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit file for up to 10 years and can seriously hinder your ability to obtain any type of credit or loan, and will bring down your credit score which can make it difficult for you to do anything from renting a house to getting a job that requires a security clearance. It can even affect your ability to open a bank account with an overdraft feature.
However, consumer credit counseling is not provided free of charge and not everyone can afford to obtain these services. Some are so deeply in debt that they can’t even afford help to get out of debt. But if you can go this route, you can get relief. Consumer credit counseling agencies can help you by getting your monthly payments reduced, getting interest rages reduced, getting over-limit charges and late charges waived and can help you consolidate all your payments into one payment to them. This will enable you to eliminate your debt entirely and clear your name, as well as rebuild your credit.
Joe
The emergence on consumer credit counseling over the past few decades is mainly due to the increasing number of Americans who continue to charge their way into unmanageable debt. This is not to say that there aren’t some families and individuals who have ended up in debt due to no fault of their own – whether it is due to high medical bills, illness, death or a change in family status. But most end up in debt because of charging too much on credit cards and store cards and buying things on credit that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. At some point you just can’t keep up with even the minimum monthly payments, which in turn causes a huge amount of the debt to be just the interest owed.
For many individuals and families who find themselves in over their heads, bankruptcy can seem like the only answer. As a result of this consumer credit counseling organizations have emerged to try to deal with this growing problem by helping people manage their debts and make arrangements to get them out of debt. This is often the last step before bankruptcy.
In fact, recent bankruptcy laws have been introduced that require individuals to obtain consumer credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy in an effort to reduce the high cost of lawyers and court fees. Consumer Credit counseling is usually the best option because it allows to you manage and clear your debt without the negative impact of a bankruptcy on your credit report. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit file for up to 10 years and can seriously hinder your ability to obtain any type of credit or loan, and will bring down your credit score which can make it difficult for you to do anything from renting a house to getting a job that requires a security clearance. It can even affect your ability to open a bank account with an overdraft feature.
However, consumer credit counseling is not provided free of charge and not everyone can afford to obtain these services. Some are so deeply in debt that they can’t even afford help to get out of debt. But if you can go this route, you can get relief. Consumer credit counseling agencies can help you by getting your monthly payments reduced, getting interest rages reduced, getting over-limit charges and late charges waived and can help you consolidate all your payments into one payment to them. This will enable you to eliminate your debt entirely and clear your name, as well as rebuild your credit.
Joe
Why Are More People Seeking Help From Consumer Credit Counselors?
Leroy K. Calstard asked:
The emergence on consumer credit counseling over the past few decades is mainly due to the increasing number of Americans who continue to charge their way into unmanageable debt. This is not to say that there aren’t some families and individuals who have ended up in debt due to no fault of their own – whether it is due to high medical bills, illness, death or a change in family status. But most end up in debt because of charging too much on credit cards and store cards and buying things on credit that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. At some point you just can’t keep up with even the minimum monthly payments, which in turn causes a huge amount of the debt to be just the interest owed.
For many individuals and families who find themselves in over their heads, bankruptcy can seem like the only answer. As a result of this consumer credit counseling organizations have emerged to try to deal with this growing problem by helping people manage their debts and make arrangements to get them out of debt. This is often the last step before bankruptcy.
In fact, recent bankruptcy laws have been introduced that require individuals to obtain consumer credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy in an effort to reduce the high cost of lawyers and court fees. Consumer Credit counseling is usually the best option because it allows to you manage and clear your debt without the negative impact of a bankruptcy on your credit report. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit file for up to 10 years and can seriously hinder your ability to obtain any type of credit or loan, and will bring down your credit score which can make it difficult for you to do anything from renting a house to getting a job that requires a security clearance. It can even affect your ability to open a bank account with an overdraft feature.
However, consumer credit counseling is not provided free of charge and not everyone can afford to obtain these services. Some are so deeply in debt that they can’t even afford help to get out of debt. But if you can go this route, you can get relief. Consumer credit counseling agencies can help you by getting your monthly payments reduced, getting interest rages reduced, getting over-limit charges and late charges waived and can help you consolidate all your payments into one payment to them. This will enable you to eliminate your debt entirely and clear your name, as well as rebuild your credit.
Stacy
The emergence on consumer credit counseling over the past few decades is mainly due to the increasing number of Americans who continue to charge their way into unmanageable debt. This is not to say that there aren’t some families and individuals who have ended up in debt due to no fault of their own – whether it is due to high medical bills, illness, death or a change in family status. But most end up in debt because of charging too much on credit cards and store cards and buying things on credit that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. At some point you just can’t keep up with even the minimum monthly payments, which in turn causes a huge amount of the debt to be just the interest owed.
For many individuals and families who find themselves in over their heads, bankruptcy can seem like the only answer. As a result of this consumer credit counseling organizations have emerged to try to deal with this growing problem by helping people manage their debts and make arrangements to get them out of debt. This is often the last step before bankruptcy.
In fact, recent bankruptcy laws have been introduced that require individuals to obtain consumer credit counseling before filing for bankruptcy in an effort to reduce the high cost of lawyers and court fees. Consumer Credit counseling is usually the best option because it allows to you manage and clear your debt without the negative impact of a bankruptcy on your credit report. Bankruptcies can stay on your credit file for up to 10 years and can seriously hinder your ability to obtain any type of credit or loan, and will bring down your credit score which can make it difficult for you to do anything from renting a house to getting a job that requires a security clearance. It can even affect your ability to open a bank account with an overdraft feature.
However, consumer credit counseling is not provided free of charge and not everyone can afford to obtain these services. Some are so deeply in debt that they can’t even afford help to get out of debt. But if you can go this route, you can get relief. Consumer credit counseling agencies can help you by getting your monthly payments reduced, getting interest rages reduced, getting over-limit charges and late charges waived and can help you consolidate all your payments into one payment to them. This will enable you to eliminate your debt entirely and clear your name, as well as rebuild your credit.
Stacy