subject: Debt Consolidation, Debt Settlement, Credit Counseling Or Bankruptcy – Know Your Options [print this page] Debt Consolidation, Debt Settlement, Credit Counseling Or Bankruptcy Know Your Options
Are you like the thousands of people who are looking for debt relief? You should know that there is help and it is not very hard to get! Now, what you need to think about is timing. Most will realize they are in debt, but put off getting out of it and in the meantime falling even deeper. The last resort is usually filing for bankruptcy and that is when people feel all hope is lost.
Don't lose hope; there are debt management companies available that can provide many services. These services range from debt settlement,debt consolidation and if necessary, bankruptcy.
Now, let me just say before you jump into bankruptcy you might want to review the options you have. Debt consolidation is when you take out a loan to pay off the existing debts you have. You are consolidating the debt into one lump sum basically. Then you are making one payment each month on the debt consolidation loan. This is ideal for those with great credit or if possible any collateral is offered up with the loan.
One form of debt relief can be attained through credit counseling. The credit counseling agency will work with your creditors to get the lowest possible interest rate. Usually it will be lower than 10% and there are credit card companies that might even dismiss the interest rates. This could help you to pay off those accounts in less than five years.
Another type of consolidation loan that can bring debt relief is one where you borrow on the equity on your home. That money can be used to pay off your debts. Consider if using secured credit to eliminate unsecured debt is the way to go. You are using one of your most valuable assets in the process.
Do you have a large amount that you owe to creditors? You do not necessarily have to worry about paying that all in full. If you work with a debt settlement agency then you would get the type of debt relief that works through negotiations. Debt settlement is when your creditors will negotiate down the balance to one that could even be 40 to 60% of what you owe! This will show up on your credit as being settled, but anything is better than having a bankruptcy on your report!
Bankruptcy, in my opinion, is your absolute last resort. This is going to negatively impact your credit report, anywhere from seven to ten years. It is pretty impossible to get approved for any loan during that time period. There are a few lenders who might approve you, but the interest rate is going to be sky high.
Debt relief and help can come in many different formats. There advice on creating a budget, controlling your spending, debt consolidation and of course, bankruptcy. Adebt counselor can take a look at your finances and really focus in on what is going on.
Credit counseling is a great way to learn how to improve on your finances. By creating a budget, controlling your spending and getting a consolidation loan, you can be on your way to financial freedom! Credit counseling does not show up on your credit report, so it can be beneficial and not harmful to you.
In addition to credit card counseling agencies, there are also debt settlement companies who can provide debt relief. It is time to get serious about getting out of debt, and there is no time like today to get started. Take a moment to do some research on the internet because there are free debt quotes that you can get in just seconds. No matter what, keep your goals in place and focus on becoming debt free. It will become a way of life before you know it.