Other
Debt Options
These days, getting debt relief is no easy task! For most Americans,
seeking debt options has become a necessity. Debt
related problems often prove to be an uphill battle. In order to
make the process more bearable, Debt Regret provides
debt options to help you achieve
debt relief.
Debt
Regret understands and appreciates the situation that
you are going through. Our dedicated staff can and will
help educate you about the option that is best for you.
Option
1 -
Debt Settlement
Debt Settlement is one option. Today’s
consumers require the most efficient way possible to
resolve financial hardships. Debt settlement programs
provide their customers with a viable solution to an
otherwise complex problem. By helping settle your current debt, our program
provides you with a way to regain control of your
finances within a reasonable time frame. Debt settlement is fast becoming the only true option to financial recovery
outside of bankruptcy!
Option 2 -
File Bankruptcy
Filing bankruptcy is another option. Unfortunately,
thanks to the new bankruptcy law, debtors will now
have even more hoops to jump through when trying to file
for bankruptcy. Some of the new requirements include
pre-filing consultations, with an approved consumer
credit counseling service, in an attempt to force
debtors to pay their obligations outside of bankruptcy.
Additionally, in order to file bankruptcy, a debtor
needs certification from that credit counseling agency
before they are able to move forward.
The new law also includes an income-based "means-test"
that determines which debtors possess the ability to
re-pay some of their debts. Those who don't pass the
means test will be forced into a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
rather than a chapter 7.
In addition to everything already discussed, the reform act
requires the following: additional documentation from
the debtor; the waiting period between Chapter 7 filings
has been increased from 6 to 8 years; and a debtor's
final discharge in bankruptcy is now subject to
completing a course in financial management first.
Additionally, even if you do qualify, a bankruptcy will remain on your credit record for 7-10 years and seriously affect your ability to
be approved for credit. Even after a bankruptcy has been removed from your record, you are still required to disclose it on forms and applications; even applications for employment. Additionally, certain types of bankruptcy can require a court-appointed trustee to control and oversee all aspects of your personal estate. Bankruptcy can have an adverse affect on your
life and lifestyle long after the legal matters are over. This is not a decision to be taken lightly. Bankruptcy is an option that should only be explored as an absolute last resort to solving your financial problems.
Note: Debt Regret is not
a law firm nor can we provide legal advice or any other
type of legal advocacy. For
bankruptcy related questions concerning your situation,
you must contact a licensed attorney in your state.
Option 3 -
Debt Management
Debt Management companies, which have now become
known as Consumer Credit Counseling companies, were originally established to help credit card company's recover revenue from clients that were falling behind on their bills. Choosing to use a Consumer Credit Counseling service can have negative effects on your credit that last up to 10 years. These services are also considered Chapter 13 Bankruptcy by most lending institutions. The bottom line is that
most Consumer Credit Counseling companies work for your creditors,
not you. By using their services, you will end up paying back
everything you owe, plus interest. These companies do not always provide financial relief
they promise, as consumers usually find out.
Option 4 -
Debt Consolidation
Debt Consolidation is another
option. Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul is no way to get out of debt. It is however, the premise behind debt consolidation programs. Debt consolidation programs provide consumer loans based on items of equity. For example, a home equity loan is used to "combine" your debts into a single monthly payment, which can often take
20 to 30 years to repay, depending on your on financial situation. This may seem like a viable solution in the short term, but missing payments on a secured loan could cause you to lose your home
and any other collateral you pledged. Many people who decide to go the debt consolidation route find themselves worse off than they originally were.
In most cases, it is not a good idea to exchange your
unsecured debts for secured ones.
Option
5 - Do Nothing
While doing nothing is an option, it is not a practical one.
Unfortunately, a significant number of consumers do just that. If you wish to improve your financial situation, action must be taken. Do you realize that if you are paying on a credit card with an interest rate of 25% or higher, it is impossible to pay off your debt by making minimum monthly payments? If your financial obligations outweigh your financial means, and you are ready to do something about it,
contact the experts at Debt Regret!
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