Companies specializing in debt settlement, either financial service or law firms, would want to make an impression that only they have the capability to help you reduce your debt and ease your way out of the financial hardship you are experiencing.
But that’s not entirely correct, because if you take a closer look at the fine print of their agreement you’ll notice that although they will be managing your account and will be talking directly with the creditors, they are however absolutely powerless if and when the creditors decide to file a case against you.
Debt settlement companies are having a field day with today’s economic environment of rising unemployment rates, soaring interest on unsecured loans and overextended credit. If you find yourself struggling to make payments and unable to reach anyone that can help you at your creditor’s customer service number, it is easy to turn to such a firm for assistance.
These companies will ask you to stop making payments and instead send them the money, typically for less than what you were paying your creditors so all of a sudden you feel somewhat relieved. They will send you an agreement to grant them power of attorney in negotiating with your creditors, instruct you to refer collection agencies to them, and escrow a portion of the funds you send them to pay off the accounts when a settlement agreement is reached.
One or two statements from your creditors may pass before you will receive a collection notice. Collection notice may be either by letter, phone, or both. If you provide the creditors with the contact information of the debt settlement company, or forwarded them a copy of the collection letter, you may be able to avoid further contact from your creditors for the time being.
If you have some savings set aside or equity on your home however and the amount to be settled is not that high, you may want to listen first to what the collection agent may have to offer. First of all, they may explain that no one at the credit company could assist you and there was nothing to be done until accounts were delinquent and referred to their agency. At that point, they may be able to help.
If you are experiencing tremendous hardship at this point, many companies will settle for just half of your total debt inclusive of additional interest and late fees. This amount will probably be less than the debt settlement company expects to escrow for payment and doesn’t even require involving another party, however it will be a limited time offer so you do need some financial resources. If you are unable to produce that amount, companies may even settle for a further reduced amount to be paid in a set amount of time.
Some may be able to clear their liabilities with the amount offered for reprieve by the collection companies. Other times, you may wish to go with a debt settlement company, which will not save your credit but may help calm your nerves. Lastly, you may consider filing for bankruptcy if the debt is too high and you are mired in a terrible financial position.
Remember however that if a creditor writes off a substantial amount of your debt that you are required by law to report it as income and pay corresponding taxes the following year. This is applied regardless of whether you did the work yourself or hired the services of another company.
About the author: Michael Chatman is a freelance writer and publishes his expertise in reclaim ppi and claim back ppi.
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