Debt Relief - Texas
Due to many financial circumstances often beyond their control, many individuals and families living in Texas have been forced to rely on credit cards just to get by - but now are in need of serious debt relief. For many of these residents, using plastic to buy even the essentials is the only way that they can make it day-to-day, resulting in high balances on their cards. If you are also overwhelmed with debts from credit cards and unsecured debts (such as medical bills or utilities) you may be interested in finding out your debt relief options.
One of them is debt consolidation - an approach where you combine your multiple credit card and unsecured debts into a single, simpler, and more structured payment plan made to a credit counseling agency. Another option is debt settlement, where you hope to "settle" with credit card companies for substantially less than what you currently owe. Both options are popular alternatives to declaring bankruptcy, which is also a form of debt relief, but one where the impact to your credit can be very devastating and long lasting.
If you want to compare your debt relief options, answer a few, simple questions and get a free debt relief estimate along with a savings quote.
What to Expect With Debt Settlement
If you have the type of debt that qualifies for debt settlement, you can try to negotiate with creditors for a significantly reduced amount of what you originally owe. For many consumers, debt settlement or negotiation may offer an honest and legal way to pay back their debts without declaring bankruptcy.
Keep in mind, however, the potential risks involved: When you enroll in a debt settlement program, your credit score will typically decline because it usually involves "falling behind" on your payments in order to set aside funds that can be used to make a settlement offer (or what's also called a lump sum payment). In addition, as you fall behind in making payments, you can also face legal action for, essentially, defaulting on the terms of your credit card agreements.
But, in spite of all these risks, debt settlement has become a popular alternative for many consumers who want to avoid declaring personal bankruptcy. In addition, debt settlement can lead to a significant amount of savings for many consumers, with the amount of savings dependent on the total amount of debt, the companies involved, and their policies to extend relief.
Debt Consolidation: What You Need To Know
Many consumers may find debt consolidation through credit counseling preferable if they like the idea of having a single, more manageable, and more affordable payment - versus having multiple, high-interest credit card debts to deal with on a monthly basis. Facilitated by credit counselors, debt consolidation or debt management typically begins with a review of your outstanding financial obligations as well as the amount of money that you can comfortably allocate to pay off your debts.
Following a review of your finances, credit counselors typically send proposals to your individual creditors requesting more affordable payment terms - such as reduced interest rates or waiver of late fees and other penalties. Those creditors who accept the proposals are then placed into the debt management plan. The goal of credit counseling is, with a more structured and more lenient payment plan, you can pay off your debts at an accelerated pace as well as direct more of your payment towards the principal balance of your debts rather than just the interest.
Get a New Lease on Life
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure to do your due diligence first and be willing to spend the time to understand how your debt relief options can affect your credit. It is also smart to know your rights as a consumer. For instance, the Federal Trade Commission prohibits for-profit agencies that promote debt relief services, over the phone, to charge a fee before they settle, or reduce, a consumer's credit card or other unsecured debt. To find out more about consumers' rights, go to the FTC's homepage.
The bottom line, if you are overburdened with credit card and unsecured debts, there is help available. Debts do not magically disappear, but finding a reputable and experienced debt relief company is a good step towards paying off your debts and getting a new lease on life. Find out how debt relief can help you by requesting a free debt relief analysis and savings estimate. Start now.
