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Archive for July, 2010

With credit cards becoming more available, the number of people requiring debt solutions has also risen. Over the last decade or so debt solutions such as debt consolidation and debt settlement have become the preferred tools for reducing credit card debts, without have to face the humiliating consequences of credit card bankruptcy.

Most Americans are aware of the three popular debt solutions:debt consolidation, debt settlement and bankruptcy but these are still not fully understood. Sadly, many Americans have been imprudent in the past and declared bankruptcy without exploring available alternatives to declaring credit card bankruptcy. However, in the last two decades bankruptcy laws have changed and it is now not all that easy to declare bankruptcy to get out of debt.

Credit card debt has actually turned into an epidemic in the U.S. As a direct consequence, people finding it difficult to manage their debt are turning to professional help. It may surprise many butcredit counseling services can indeed provide debt solutions for getting out of debt in a short period, shorter than you otherwise would be able to.

Debt consolidation is one of the more popular debt reduction solutions. The salient point of debt consolidations is that your debts as well as repayments are restructured. Multiple debts are combined into one with custom made payments. Companies providing debt consolidation services try to arrive at an understanding with the lender that works for the benefit of both: the lender as well as the debtor. A good credit counseling company may even negotiate a reduction in interest and extended payment periods. The amount of debt one owes remains the same but debt consolidation and the convenience of paying only one lender usually makes it easy for the consumer to pay off majority or all debt within the stipulated period. Those who are adequately motivated are able to resume the lifestyle they are accustomed.

On the other hand, a debt settlement company works towards reduction of your overall debt. A successful debt settlement may amount to as much as 50% reduction in total debt making it easier for the consumer to pay and get rid of debt.

The reality is that lenders are usually interested in finding a solution without having to hand over the debt to a recovery agent. They would rather arrive at a negotiated settlement and keep getting monthly payments even if it amounts to taking a bit of a loss or reduction in profit (reduced interest rate). A debt settlement professional usually has a preexisting relationship with most major lending companies and trained in the art of negotiating.

Now that you know what debt consolidation and debt settlement is all about, it may sound very easy but finding a good debt settlement company may not be that easy. With so many people searching for credit counseling services there is a risk of scams. If you are one of those who are in an unmanageable debt situation, it will do you good to be diligent while searching. Remember that you are already in a precarious financial position and a wrong step here can have disastrous consequences.

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STEP 1: STOP MAKING ANYMORE DEBT!!!

You cannot even begin to think of becoming Debt Free unless you stop making any further debt. The first step to get out of your Debt Trouble is to stop making any further Debt. Don’t be tempted to use your credit cards or enter into more loan agreements just to try and pay current debt. That is Debt Suicide.

STEP 2: MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU OWE CREDITORS 

Gather all your latest statements and begin to make a list of all your Debt Obligations.  Begin with the largest balance first. List the minimum monthly installments required, interest rate applicable as well as the outstanding balance. You might get the shock of your life when you see how many Credit agreements you really have, and the total Debt amount they all add up to.

STEP 3: REDUCE YOUR EXPENSES

Look at your budget responsibly and see which expenses can be reduced.  For example:

- Reduce your DSTV package to a lesser one. 

- Consider reducing your cell phone contract to a more affordable package.  You most       probably will be paying a penalty fee because of the reduced package you want to downscale too, but at the end you will save some money.

  If you are using your cellphone a lot during office hours, it might be a better option for you to upgrade your cellphone. For example. You spent about 200 minutes on the phone every month on a 120 weekender package. The additional 80 minute calls made plus the calls  during peak hours can send your cellphone bill sky-rocketing. Upgading to a Talk 240 where you get 240 anytime minutes free, might be the best solution for you.

- Shop around for cheaper household and car insurance quotes with the same covering   you currently have.

STEP 4: PRIORITIZE YOUR REPAYMENTS

Add the additional money created extra in step 3 to the Debt with the smallest balance. Once the smallest Debt is paid off, use the money freed up in step 3 to pay off the next Debt on your list until this one is also paid off.  

This way you will not spend the money available after a debt has been paid off, but use it to pay off other debt. You will be amazed how much interest you will save.

STEP 5: GET HELP                     

If any Creditors are in the process of taking legal action against you, or you are experiencing trouble in meeting all your monthly debt requirements, don’t stress.

For a free debt assessment contact 0861DEBTAID.  A NCR Registered debt counsellor from Debt Aid debt Counselling can help you reduce your monthly debt repayments to one affordable amount, without making more debt.

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These days, many lenders understand that irresponsibility is not the only reason why people become bankrupt. High cost of living, education, healthcare, and homeownership; as well as some other uncontrollable things which happen in life such as job loss, divorce or sickness means that bankruptcy can happen to anyone, even to those who are financially prudent. As a result, many lenders are willing to take a chance with high-risk borrowers by offering credit, loans and mortgages to people who have experienced a bankruptcy.

Life after bankruptcy is about starting over and working hard to create a better credit record. When someone who was once declared bankrupt is applying for a mortgage, the lenders scrutinize how they have handled their finances in the past one to two years.

So, what are the key tips for getting your life and financial situation back on track after bankruptcy?

1. Spend your money wisely; make an effort to have a budget so that you know your incoming and outgoing money to cover your bills, loans and expenses.

2. Try to save some money in your savings account on a regular basis.

3. Get a copy of your credit report and ensure that it is accurate. If you have recently paid off all of your creditors, your credit report states this.

The main actions which will show the potential lenders that you are working towards your financial recovery are establishing a solid record with new accounts, re-establishing old accounts, regular contributions to a savings plan, and payroll deductions that go into your children’s college fund, among others. If your recent financial activities are good, this tends to offset the old payments and collections you had in the past, which works in your favor because it shows your progress towards financial recovery.

It is recommended that you apply for a credit card that is easy to get. Usually department stores and gas stations are a good place to start. You don’t necessarily have to use them, but having them and making the necessary payments will offer you a degree of financial credibility. You can get a secured credit card or debt card from a bank, which operates like an automated teller machine or ATM card. Although the limit is tied to the amount of money available, the record of payment on the account is reported like that of any credit card, and this is important for proving your financial recovery.

What Elements of Credit Scoring to Consider with a Mortgage after Bankruptcy?

The formula for credit scoring allocates the greatest weight to the absence of problems, and then brings your score down according to what problem or condition is noted and how old it is.

According to the Beacon system, the main problems and aspects that reduce your score when your mortgage application after bankruptcy is considered are outlined below.

* Current outstanding accounts, number of accounts with outstanding balances, number of finance company accounts, number of accounts currently or in the past not paid as agreed
* Too few bank or national revolving/open accounts.
* Recent payment history is too new to rate
* The length of time accounts have been established
* No non-mortgage account balances, or non-mortgage balances not recently reported
* Amount past due on accounts; account not paid as agreed, public record, or collection agency filing

For you to be able to start applying for a mortgage, your bankruptcy should be at least two years since it was discharged. It is important that within these two years you make every effort to improve your financial history by spending wisely and saving some money, all of which will prove that you have recovered from the bankruptcy.