Presentation Title
Finally deciding to take solid steps to eliminate all your debts is important in getting your financial health back in good shape. Although finding the best debt settlement plan and negotiating with creditors is legal, you must be wary of whom you transact with. Likewise, you must be aware that opting for this debt remedy may cause your credit standing to take a significant nosedive. But since your are trying to find the best debt relief, you are most likely already several months in default, and your credit standing is already rated as poor by this time.
Best Debt Relief Resource You can request counselors from the National foundation for Credit Counseling who are certified in budget and debt management to evaluate your debt settlement or debt consolidation options. Consultations are free and can be availed online, or over the phone; and you can be sure of the confidential handling of your case. The NFCC is the country's oldest non-profit organization dedicated to educating consumers on proper debt management. As such, it has an impeccable reputation as the best resource for finding the best debt settlement solutions. Settlement plans cost depending on the amount of debt for settlement and the state of residency.
How Debt Settlement Works
The best debt settlement companies can come up with settlement plans for people who are substantially late on their payments (3 to 6 months). These debt management professionals render the best debt negotiation services to come up with a settlement amount that is only a fraction of the original outstanding balance. It is often best to deal directly with the creditor before the account is endorsed to a collection agency as collection agents can sometimes be aggressive and relentless in chasing after delinquent borrowers. Likewise, negotiating early will keep the account from being noted as having gone to collection. Unsecured debts like credit cards are the best candidates for settlement plans.
Various Options There are various options in getting the best debt reduction and settlement. If you approach the NFCC to get the best debt help, they will endorse you to a settlement company with solid reputation, although you may opt to find one on your own. Just make sure that it is reliable as rated by the Better Business Bureau. Another option is to negotiate and settle your debt directly with your creditor. It will definitely be harder, but it may save you more money. Payments may be in lump sum or through installments payable in several months.
Debt Settlement Alternative Debt settlement does have a negative effect in your credit history, more so if you have an outstanding record prior to your delinquency. If you settle, the transaction will be reflected on your credit report not as "paid in full". A debt management plan (DMP) is an alternative to settlement which the NFCC may offer. Participation in a DMP will require payment of the debt in full over a pre-determined period that is no more than 5 years. Payments and interest rates are lower. A DMP likewise does not reflect negatively on your credit history like a settlement does. Another option for debt settlement is filing for bankruptcy. This should only be considered as a last resort and never as the best debt settlement plan. A lawyer and counseling are required for this option and it will remain as a blotch on your credit rating for about10 years. This may also have an effect on your employment status.
Source: http://crfb.org/simpson-and-bowles-preview-fix-debt-campaign http://ezinearticles.com/?Best-Debt-Settlement&id=7193941