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Is Debt Settlement Legal?

Debt settlement may seem like a challenge, but it is an excellent option for consumers who have over $10,000 in unsecured debt.

By: Austin Kates
Category: Finance:Credit
Posted: Jul 19, 2010
Updated: Jul 19, 2010
Views: 78


Credit card companies have long seduced customers with “buy now, pay later,” hoping they would pay at least a minimum amount month after month but never pay off their debts. Now, though, with the economy slowing and houses no longer easy sources of cash, a growing number of consumers cannot pay even the minimums. Today, thousands of Americans who face overwhelming debt turn to debt settlement to reduce their debts. Debt settlement is a legal process whereby a consumer negotiates a reduced debt balance with his creditor, and agrees to a monthly repayment plan to settle the remainder of the debt.

If you decide that a debt settlement is the right move for you, the next step is to decide if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional. In making this decision, it's important to keep in mind that your credit card company must deal with you and that a debt professional has no real ability to negotiate a better deal than the actual account holder. Furthermore, the debt settlement industry has its fair share of con artists, rip-offs, and scams. With that in mind, many people wisely choose to try it on their own first. Because settling debt can negatively impact one's credit for 7-10 years, one should be cautious about proceeding. Working with a debt settlement company still remains a better option than filing for bankruptcy because bankruptcy is public record, while settling debt is recorded only on a credit report and is therefore not public record. If attempts at credit counseling and debt consolidation have failed, then you may not have too many options left. There are many companies that advertise on the Internet, where it is convenient to compare the organizations as well as to receive free consultations or quotes. However, it is important to know all the facts because some of the information can be misleading.

Moreover, while getting your company to settle your balance may sound too good to be true, it's actually not. Not surprisingly, lenders don't like to advertise settlement and there are no independent statistics about its success rate, but if you're severely behind on your debt payments and spiraling toward bankruptcy, your lender may be willing to take what it can get, giving you one last chance to get back on your feet. As the case may be, the lenders is not here to market the Debt Settlement Companies. How then can you choose the best debt settlement companies?
In order to find the best debt settlement companies, you need to check out the following:
Company profile: You need to check the profile and service background of debt settlement companies and choose the one that suits you.
Company accreditations: These include the certifications that the debt settlement companies have obtained so far. For instance, you may check their BBB reports and find out what they say about debt settlement online (or credit card settlement) companies. There are other accreditations such as being a member of the TASC, IAPDA certification etc.
Program fees and costs: You need to find out what fees are charged by debt settlement companies. Compare the fees and choose the best debt settlement companies you can deal with.
Client testimonials: Look for testimonials and feedback given by debtors on the services of the debt settlement usa companies.

Many people are not familiar to these tests, while there exist some who are even unaware that they can get help with debt and eliminate unsecured debt by up to 60%. Debt settlement may seem like a challenge, but it is an excellent option for consumers who have over $10,000 in unsecured debt, if sought a <a href="http://www.globalfinancialcare.com/">legal and safe way</a>.

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