Here is your complete and ultimate guide to debt settlement. As crazy as it sounds, the average American has $38,000 in debt. That is a huge amount of money! It’s no wonder so many people just like you cannot save money at all or are feeling crushed by the weight of their debt and feel little hope of ever reaching financial stability.
The effects of debt go way beyond just owing people money, although that is a crushing blow all on its own. Not only does debt make it harder to obtain a mortgage loan or an auto loan, but being in debt is stressful.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to become debt-free.
One of those options is debt settlement. Debt settlement allows you to consolidate debts into one manageable payment and settle debts for a lot less than you owe in a lot less time.
However, there are pros and cons with every option, and not all debt settlement companies are legit.
If you’re wondering how debt settlement works or if debt settlement is right for you and how to do it the right way, keep reading.
We’re sharing everything in this debt settlement guide for you to make the right choice.
What Is Debt Settlement?
A debt settlement company is also known as a debt adjusting and debt relief company.
These companies claim they can help their customers make new arrangements with creditors or debt collectors such as:
- Reducing the principal balance they owe through debt settlement negotiations
- Getting monthly payments reduced
- Having their interest waived
- Settling debts for less than the full amount owed
While these methods sound ideal, there are definite debt settlement pros and cons to consider.
So, what are the pros and cons of debt settlement?
Debt Settlement Guide: Cons of Debt Settlement
Debt settlement can pose a few risks if you’re not careful.
You should always do some research or consult with a credit counselor to know exactly which settlement agreements you’re entering into before you choose this option. It’s of vital importance that when you consider debt settlement, you always work with a company with a proven track record and expertise in debt settlement.
That’s because debt settlement companies often advise you to stop paying your credit card bills. In doing so, you’ll end up incurring late fees along with penalty interest and some other potential charges.
Also, your creditors will very likely step up their collection efforts against you rather than backing off, including filing a debt collection lawsuit against you.
This is all expected and is part of the debt settlement process. If you’re regularly paying your minimum credit card bills, credit card companies aren’t inclined to settle your account. After all, it’s in their best interest to keep you on the hook for ongoing payments for as long as possible.
Fees and No Guarantees
Working with a tried-and-true debt settlement company is of vital importance! An experienced debt settlement company, like Alleviate Financial, will know which debts can be settled and which might be best left alone.
A less experienced debt settlement service might put you in a bad situation with your creditors. Unless the debt settlement company can settle all or most of your debts, you may end up with extra penalties and fees on your unsettled debts.
You’ll still be in debt.
In addition, not all debt collectors are willing to work with the debt settlement company you choose, so make sure you choose a company that already has experience.
Can Debt Settlement Negatively Affect Your Credit Score
Your credit score may be negatively impacted by using a debt settlement service.
You may struggle when improving credit in the future.
Debt Settlement Guide: Pros of Debt Settlement
If you work with the right debt settlement company, you could end up lowering the amount of debt you owe dramatically. By settling your debts with your credit card companies, you could potentially save money — and tons of it — on your credit card debt.
It’s also an option if you want to avoid declaring bankruptcy.
Are you sick and tired of the endless stream of phone calls and emails asking you to pay your debts? From credit card companies to medical bills, debt collectors can be a constant reminder of your situation. Debt settlement will also allow you to get creditors and collectors to back off.
And you can pay off debts sooner rather than later.
Avoid These Types of Debt Settlement Companies
While there are many legit debt settlement companies out there, you also need to make sure you find the right one to help you.
Otherwise, you may end up with more debt than you started with.
Do not work with a debt settlement company if they try to convince you that all your unsecured debts can be paid off for pennies on the dollar.
Walk away from any company making guarantees that they’ll make all your debt go away.
Be Wary of These Promises or Guarantees
Debt settlement companies also can’t promise that they can settle all of your debt for a certain reduced percentage.
And there is no new government program available that helps bail people out of their credit card debt.
You should also be wary of any company charging fees before they settle any of your debts.
They also can’t stop all debt collection phone calls or lawsuits.
And reputable debt management companies will never tell you to stop communicating with all your creditors.
Declaring Bankruptcy
Some people feel as though their only options are between debt settlement vs bankruptcy.
Understanding their differences can help you make the right decision based on your specific circumstances.
Different Types of Bankruptcies
Bankruptcies hurt your credit more than debt settlement usually does.
And there are different Chapters of bankruptcy you can choose from.
Each one has its own set of pros and cons to consider.
Chapters 7, 11, and 13
With Chapter 7, all non-exempt assets held by the debtor are sold to repay your debts.
Declaring Chapter 7 stays on your credit for 10 years.
With Chapter 11, you maintain ownership of all your assets as you attempt to create a plan to pay off your creditors.
Like Chapter 7, this stays on your credit report for 10 years.
Declaring Chapter 13 stays on your credit report for seven years from the date of filing.
After that, the accounts associated with your bankruptcy or debt settlement are then removed from your credit report.
Costs You Money to File for Bankruptcy
It can also be expensive to file for bankruptcy.
With Chapter 7, you’re limited by income requirements.
If you declare Chapter 13, you’re required to pay at least a portion of your debts to your creditors over five years.
A judge decides how much depending on the bankruptcy laws in your state.
You may also need to hire an attorney if you choose to declare bankruptcy.
Alternatives to Debt Settlement
There are alternatives to debt settlement for credit cards or other types of settlements available to you.
Always weigh all your options before making a decision.
Negotiating Your Settlement
It is possible for you to do a DIY debt settlement, reach out to your creditors on your own, and try to negotiate a settlement process. You could even ask them to reduce your interest rates. However, creditors are used to playing hardball with borrowers, which is why you might have collection agencies reaching out to you daily, if not multiple times in a day. The good news is that most creditors would instead get some money than none at all.
When working with a debt settlement agency, you will likely work with the skills of a debt settlement attorney. A debt settlement attorney has experience talking with creditors and may carry a little more weight in the negotiation process. They also take the heavy lifting off your plate, so you don’t have to spend your time and energy battling with credit card companies and instead can leave that to an experienced voice.
Learn More: Do You Need a Debt Settlement Attorney?
Earning More Money
Look for ways to earn more money.
There are many part-time jobs you can do working from home, like becoming a writer or a virtual assistant.
You can also gather up all the clutter in your home that you’re no longer using and sell these items.
Some items, such as high-end clothing, sell very well online.
Even lower-end items can be sold for some money on sites like Craigslist.
Transfer Your Balances
For those struggling with credit card debt, you may want to consider balance transfer cards.
Balance transfers mean you move your credit card debt from one credit card to another.
Usually, the new card is offering an introductory 0% interest offer.
However, be aware that there is usually a specified time limit for that 0% interest.
Also, the credit card company typically charges a fixed fee or a percentage of the amount transferred.
Make a Comparison of Rates Before You Transfer Funds
Compare how much you’re paying in interest versus how much you’ll pay in transfer fees to see if it’s a good idea to transfer your balance.
Also, only do so if you know you can pay off the balance before the card’s 0% promotional period ends.
Otherwise, you end up having to pay more interest on your balance.
Credit Counseling
Credit counseling is a great idea because you’re provided with a support system to help you navigate your way out of a stressful situation.
Look for nonprofit organizations that offer free or low-cost advice on budgeting and debt management.
A credit counselor or financial advisor probably won’t negotiate a reduction in your debt. However, they may be able to work with your creditors to create a working payment plan.
They can also help stop late fees and any collection efforts.
Look at Your Current Situation and Offer Tools, Resources, and a Solution
A credit counselor or financial advisor will take a look at your current financial situation.
They’ll review items like your credit reports, consumer debt, and household budget.
Then they’ll help you devise goals to improve your financial situation.
They can also provide you with tools and resources to help you gain more control over your money situation.
Credit counselors don’t just help people struggling with credit card debt.
You can also turn to them for help if you need debt counseling, housing and mortgage counseling, and even student loan debt counseling.
Debt Management Program
A debt management plan is worked out with a credit counseling agency.
They work with you and your creditors to create a financial plan.
You then deposit a specific amount of money with the credit counseling agency each month.
The credit counseling agency then uses those deposits to pay off your creditors on schedule.
However, there may be a fee associated with a debt management program.
Typically, agencies charge a set-up fee and a monthly fee. However, if this program is your best option, but the fees are too much of a burden, there may be a chance you can get those fees waived.
Debt Settlement Guide: When to Consider Debt Settlement
If the conditions are right and your creditors all agree to the plan, debt settlement can be a great way to reduce your debts quickly.
Make sure you’re working with a reputable debt settlement company.
You also need enough income to pay both the reduced monthly payments and to settle some of the debts for less than the total amount.
Work With Us
Whether you choose debt settlement, credit counseling, or debt consolidation, we can help.
We’re here to help you find a way out of being in debt.
And we offer a risk-free debt relief assessment.
Click here to see if you qualify.
