Debt Consolidation, Relief and Credit Free Info

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

 

Is debt consolidation the solution to your problems?

Is debt consolidation the solution to your problems?
by Amelie Mag

It is true that when you have financial problems and in you are in way over your head, debt consolidation seems like the perfect solution. But what is really debt consolidation and what should you take into consideration before using it?!

Debt consolidation consists in a loan which can be used to pay off other loans or credit lines. At first sight this may seem like the perfect option, but there’s more to it than this. Many companies offer debt consolidation quite “easy”, but what you should know is that debt consolidation may cost you even more than you had to pay before it. However, if you are in need this can help you a lot.

Before making a decision, it is very important to be familiar with the various debt consolidation forms:

- Using credit cards (which are unsecured loans) you don’t risk losing your house and at the same time you may get a lower rate than with other types of debt consolidation. There are, however cons to this solution – you may be tempted to use those credit cards the same way you did when you got into debts.
- Home equity loans (which are secured loans) can be a good solution because of these facts: you can get low payments, low rates and usually a tax deductible interest. However, you shouldn’t forget that you can lose your house if you can’t pay the loan.
- Refinancing your house or your car are both secured loans. In the first case, although your interest rates are very low, your payment may stretch out over 15-30 years. In the second case, your car might break down before you finish with paying the debt.
- Debt consolidation loans are unsecured loans because you’re the only one who guarantees your payment. This is why the debt consolidation loan can seem the perfect solution. However, the interest rates can be too high and the repayment term can stretch out over too many years. Another thing you should know when you decide to go for a debt consolidation loan is that you cannot take on any more debt.
- Debt settlement has become very popular lately. In this case, what you need to do is to hire a settlement company to which you pay a monthly rate instead of paying your bills. This company will renegotiate your balance with your creditors and get you out of debts in a couple of years. But pay very much attention to the company you choose for these type of services! Scams can be right around the corner waiting for you
- Credit counseling can be a solution. They won’t give you any money, but, instead, they can offer you a good plan to get rid of your debts. The good news is that this type of service is free. Credit counselors are paid by the creditors.

- Rapid debt payment is a mathematical debt consolidation plan. You commit to a fixed level debt payment every month, paying more at the first interest rate and less at the following.

Another good idea is to find out about debt consolidation pros and cons before making any decisions that can affect you on a long term.

The pros are:
- The fact that you have one payment and one creditor instead of various, making your financial managing easier
- You can get rid of taxes due to the fact that you pay your interest on the mortgage
- You get to pay less money monthly because you have only one payment and creditor
- Depending on the type of debt consolidation you choose, your interest rates can be reduced.

The cons in deciding to get a debt consolidation as the solution to your financial problems are:
- Blinded by the “opportunity” you might overlook the fact that you got into trouble because of reckless spending and you can easily return to your money habits once you hold the credit cards.
- Regarding those secured debt consolidation loans, you might forget that you can lose everything if you fail to pay in time.
- You might get to pay your debt only in a long period of time.

Every time you have a problem someone appears with the so-called “perfect solution”. This is also the case of debt consolidation companies who would say anything to make you their customer. Your despair shouldn’t keep you from having a clear mind when you choose one of the debt consolidation services because there will always be companies which will try to take advantage of your financial situation. What most debt consolidators do is that they promise a low interest rate and a low payment, but in fact, what they really do is this: they build a fee within the monthly payment you make to them – usually 10% of your payment, a payment which they pass on to the creditors and get back a 10% to 15% part. So basically, what you do is that you pay someone else to negotiate for you, when you can easily do it yourself.

However, there are some people that can not manage debt by themselves and can lose a lot if they do not appeal to debt consolidation. Financial problems can be a real headache and, if you have no experience and no managerial skills, then you might want to consider debt consolidation. Therefore, when you think of this solution, you should first consider the reasons that got you in this situation in the first place and then analyze the debt consolidation offers to see which one suites you best!




If you want to know more about how you can fix your financial problems, you can visit this debt consolidation site.




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Friday, April 21, 2006

 

Debt Elimination Program - Comparing Debt Programs

Debt Elimination Program - Comparing Debt Programs
by Carrie Reeder

Debt elimination programs help to reduce your debt and improve your financial situation. But not all programs offer the same benefits or risks. Depending on your situation, some programs will be better than others.

Debt Management Plans – Programs To Handle Accounts

Debt management plans (DMP) handle your unsecured loans. You make one monthly payment to the company, and they handle the rest. A debt management company also works with creditors to lower your rates, helping you to pay off most accounts in five years. Creditors have predetermined rates, so all debt management companies will get you the same reduced rate on your accounts.

Not all loan rates can be lowered, for instance car and student loans. Your credit may also be frozen for a year or more. However, as you establish regular payments and a lower debt to income ratio, you will soon qualify with conventional lenders.

Debt Negotiation – Programs To Reduce Debt

Debt negotiation programs reduce part of your debt. Most companies boast that for a fee, they can reduce accounts from 10% to 50%. With a lower principal balance, your monthly payments will be lower, allowing you to pay off the rest of your account.

A reduction of your loan balances will have a long term affect on your credit history. While you may qualify for subprime lending, most conventional lenders won’t handle your application for at least two years. Reduced debt also has to be reported as income for tax purposes.

Credit Counseling – Programs To Develop A Plan

Credit counseling programs create a personalized financial plan. A certified counselor discusses your situation in a private meeting, either in person or over the phone. They may suggest loan consolidation, DMP, or debt negotiation. They can also help you plan for your future goals, such as purchasing a home or retiring.

When you are comparing programs, be sure to compare the affect on your credit score, not just fees and tempting lower payments. The slower approach of a DMP can save you thousands in interest costs on future loans. However, there are cases when debt negotiation is the better option, especially to avoid bankruptcy.





View our recommended companies for Debt Elimination.



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Tuesday, April 18, 2006

 

A Guide To Debt Consolidation Solutions

A Guide To Debt Consolidation Solutions
by George Mole

Debt consolidation is a way of taking all your various debts and consolidating them into one single debt. This solution works best for those who are stuck in a vicious cycle of high interest payments. When a substantial portion of income goes towards paying interest, you are forced to incur more debts to meet everyday expenses. This increases your debt and further inflates interest payments.

If you find yourself in this position, finding a debt consolidation solution could help you take advantage of credit agreements with your lenders. You will receive a fixed term, flexible loan, or revolving credit plan at a reasonable interest rate. Other than this, your only other option is to renegotiate with your primary lenders, using the services of a non-profit credit-counselling agency, transferring funds amongst credit cards, borrowing from your retirement fund, or taking an advance from your existing mortgage lender or re-mortgaging to another lender.

An effective debt consolidation solution requires engaging the services of a reputable debt consolidation company. The company you contact will pay off all the debts you owe to your various creditors. All you have to do is make one fixed monthly payment to the company.

As with anything, there are pros and cons to using this method of dealing with your debt. On the positive, you now have one single, fixed payment rather than many different payments all at various interest rates. This payment works out to be about half of what you were previously paying out. High interest rates and late payment fees are often eliminated and the whole process of reducing your total debt to zero is quicker.

The downside is that your credit is effectively put on hold. This will affect your credit rating for a few years while you’re on the plan. Your debt may not match the criteria needed. This would mean you couldn’t use this service.

If you are in need of debt consolidation, don’t evade the issue. Find an agreeable debt consolidation solution and apply it today. Soon you can begin eliminating your debt load.



If you are looking for any advice on debt consolidation then visit http://www.debt-consolidation.online-help-centre.com.
You will find plenty of free advice to help you make the right decision for your particular circumstance.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

 

8 Danger Signals to foretell you are on the debt road

8 Danger Signals to foretell you are on the debt road
by Sebastian

Danger signal 1
Your credit card expenses increase while your income is the same or decreasing. When this happens stop using your cards and manage on whatever cash you have available. Stop when the cash is finished unless there is a great emergency – do not take out the cards. Diminishing income will suffer greatly if the bills of the credit card are added to it; get away from card shopping till your income stabilizes.

Danger signal 2
You are unable to pay more than your minimum balance on the card debts; this is when it should be obvious that cash problem has started; this is the time when you should leave the credit cards and try to pay off all your outstanding by wise financial management.

Danger signal 3

You find yourself borrowing on one card to pay on another. This is the message that you are entering unmanageable debt – so take charge and control all unnecessary expenses right away. Try to pay off the debt of one card and use only one card – that also only in acute emergency.

Danger signal 4

You observe that you have more than 5-6 credit cards. Ideally, you should not have or use more than two credit cards. There are many who advocate the use of only one card while – if you have more – you can keep the rest locked for any emergency. When you have too many operational cards, you can very easily over spend and find yourself in a financial mess.

Danger signal 5

You are finding that you are using your credit more and more for emergency payments – and the emergency payments include grocery bills. The moment you include in the emergency payment list ordinary purchases, you should understand that something is seriously.

Danger signal 6
Your credit card payments keep you working overtime – if you observe that you do not have sufficient funds to cover your credit card payments – that means you are extending your income to your credit card limits – this is a definitely a danger signal.

Danger signal 7
You are at limit of all your credit cards. When you find yourself to have topped the limits of your credit cards –this obviously shows you that your income is not sufficient to take care of your expenses – and or you are spending too much.

Danger signal 8
You are gambling and paying the debts with the credit cards. Never ever pay your gambling debts with the credit cards because this will really create an egg-and-chicken vicious circle from where you will never get out.



© 2006 by Sebastian Schneider. To get to know more about anything related to debts and loans, visit Credit Car Debt Consolidation to read informative and instructive articles.

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Sunday, April 09, 2006

 

The Time To Consolidate Your Student Loans Is Now

The Time To Consolidate Your Student Loans Is Now
by Tim Knox

I don't know if you're a fan of financial guru and radio show host Dave Ramsey, but I certainly am.

I listen to Ramsey every day and find his advice to be based on common sense principles for getting out of debt and building wealth.

One thing that Ramsey recommends is that if you have high interest student loans, you should refinance and consolidate them now to lock in a reduced interest rate and lower your monthly payments.

Other financial pundits agree. Most agree with Ramsey that the sooner you consolidate and refinance old high interest student loans, the better off you will be.

I don't have student loans (no college would have me :o), but many of my friends do.

I live in a very high tech area with lots of degreed engineers and programmers and scientists, many of whom owe tens of thousands of dollars in old school loan debt.

If you have student loans the time to think about refinancing is now.

Federal student loan interest rates are at an all time low, but that can't last forever.

By refinancing your student loans now, you lock in the interest rate for the duration of the consolidation loan.

The first thing you need to do is find out if you are eligible for student loan consolidation.

On a referral from a friend, I found one online organization that offers a free survey that will tell if you are eligible for a federal student loan consolidation.

This organization says their average customer saves $150 a month or $1,800 annually. That can add up to one heck of a savings over the life of a 5 to 10 year loan.

Simply complete the online survey found at the link below to see if you are eligible to consolidate your student loans.



Tim Knox Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker http://www.prosperityandprofit.com http://www.dropshipwholesale.net http://www.smallbusinessqa.com http://www.timknox.com

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Friday, April 07, 2006

 

Three Simple Ways To Use My Credit Repair Tips And Save Thousands!

Three Simple Ways To Use My Credit Repair Tips And Save Thousands!
by William L.

My credit repair tips are simple yet they provide ways to help you repair your credit without having to give up your lifestyle!

Before I offer you my credit repair information though, I must tell you that not knowing your current debt situation, this solution may not work for everyone. I’m not a professional credit counsellor or financial advisor, so by saying this, I wish that you take my tips as a stepping stone, however, please make sure you research and get all the facts before attempting any of my ideas.

I highly recommend that you contact your local credit bureau, and have them provide you a history of your credit reports. By contacting Equifax, which is one of the report bureaus that will have your information, they will give you a good understanding where you stand if you know you have credit problems.

Depending on how good or bad your credit reports indicate will be the stepping stone to your debt recovery process. Now I will provide you more information on how to repair your credit score another time, because this article is more for the person searching to reduce their credit debt. I will provide you ways to maintain your current lifestyle without having to give up the things you WANT, and that word is the key to controlling your debt!

Purchase What You Need, And Negotiate The Things You Want!

When you understand the major difference between needing and wanting something, you will be on your way to a debt-free life. The reason so many Americans, and people worldwide, are in such financial debt is because they purchase too many items that they want, and not enough of what they need. Combine the two and you have a financial tornado that never stops spinning.

I consider items that fall under the “need” category such as food, shelter, and clothing. You may come up with a different list, but the important message here is that you have to understand which are the basic necessities that you can’t live without before you can improve your credit.

A good example is purchasing a vehicle, which seems to be a large contributor for many that get into financial trouble quickly. You have to look at this purchase and ask yourself if you really NEED a vehicle. Many of you will probably say yes, because having to admit that a car or truck for most of you is a want and not a need, and to answer this question, you simply have to realize whether it really supports your transportation goals.

Go back and ask the question in the terms of “Transportation Needs”. Do you really need a vehicle to get from point A to point B, or do you only want a car or truck for the convenience it provides you? Compare the monthly lease or finance payments, maintenance, and gas expenses versus bus transportation, and using a taxicab service for emergency and last minute situations. Do the math and see which solution will save you money each month, and focus on achieving that goal to savings.

It’s a loaded question and solution, but if you answered truthfully and realistically, it can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars each year! You will have more equity in your pocket for all the other things that you need, and when you control your personal expenses, the savings turn into equity that you can reward yourself with from time to time.

If you still don’t agree with me on the transportation example, that’s ok, because I only wanted to use that as an example of how our minds have a hard time differentiating the need and want concept. I’m going to offer you tips that you may not have exercised in the past, and these simple tips could easily save you money.

Many of you might be borderline in debt, and are slowly increasing your chance of becoming a creditors nightmare, however, even though you may be aware of your financial situation, you just can’t stop the shopping itch for all the latest trendy items that you don’t need, but want.

Follow My Repair Tip Strategies, And You Don’t Have To Compromise Your Lifestyle

Each credit repair tip that I offer you is in no way guaranteed, and I highly recommend that you do all the research possible to make it work for you. Not understanding the consequences will only get you deeper into debt, and that’s not my intention.

Many items that you buy that fall under the want category, which normally have what I call an “enjoyment cycle”. What I mean by this is that when you make the purchase, how long does it take for you to lose the enjoyment of that item, and how long does it take for it to finally end up in the back of your closet or the corner of your garage. Let’s say on average it takes only one month for the appeal of the item wears off, and if you agree with me, I can offer you some great tips that can work where you can actually enjoy the trendy items, but save tons of money in the process.

These tips will take a bit of research and networking, but if you have the motivation to repair your debt and enjoy your favorite products at the same time, this will be worth the effort:

Tip #1: Research as many of your popular shopping venues that offer 30 day no question return policies, or have a deferral program that allows you to test the products with no financial obligation. Keep in mind that you must make sure that you know exactly what their policies allow, so you don’t get stuck with the product you may not want to keep.

Having a period of time to try the items at no cost to you is an advantage to you, and prior to the 30 days or longer is completed, ask yourself the important question; do you need it, or did you only want it because of all the hype it gave you? This is your opportunity to see if it is something you will use for a long time, or will be another dust collector. If you send it back, you get a credit back on your card, and voila, you gave yourself an opportunity to get the want feeling out of your system, and really find out if you needed it or not!

Tip #2: There are so many retail and online stores that offer monthly specials such as a “Two For One Deal”! With your savvy and creative mind, compile a list of all your favorite shops that provide these monthly specials of your desired items, and find out on average how many of your closest friends and family members purchase from these shops. You can provide a shopping service for them as a convenience; tell them that you expect nothing in return other than the second item that is offered for free.

This tip is a little more work, but once you establish your services, they will become invaluable and rewarding for you and your recipients. First, start with your friends and family, because they will be understanding with your current financial situation and will support you on your venture. From there you can let the word of mouth expand your service, and who knows, you may develop this service into a little business that may turn your life around in a positive direction.

Tip #3: If you have friends, family members, or associates that don’t own a credit card, but want to experience the savings of many items offered online, or discounts that are only given to certain credit card purchases, let these people know that you can help them save money by using your card.

This is very “IMPORTANT” to remember! Do not under any circumstances use your card without receiving payment up-front. You will get further into financial trouble if you don’t establish rules in your service, and always ask for payment prior to any charges.

If done properly, you will be able to accumulate a great number of points for free items, and in the process you will be helping many of your recipients get their favorite items at a reduced cost, plus any perks that go with using a credit card online or in their select retail store.

These are just a couple of tips that I can offer that may be a solution to helping you pay down your credit debt, while taking advantage of all the free services to test and enjoy items at no cost to you. Do your homework, and when you implement these programs successfully, you will achieve in enjoying your want items, and use your extra equity to pay down your bills.

However, if you feel that you’re beyond credit repair on your own and you need to find repair information from professional sources, I recommend that you read my article on “Credit Repair Companies”, by clicking on the link in my Author Bio below, and see if they can provide you necessary strategies and repair steps to get you back on track.




About the author: William is the Author and owner of “Free Credit Repair Information” available at www.free-credit-repair-information.com Your source for Credit Repair Information! Our site provides free information to help you find the right debt assistance for your financial needs. Read my article on "Credit Repair Companies", and see which online credit repair or debt management company is right for your service requirements.

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Wednesday, April 05, 2006

 

Interest, The Grace Period, and You

Interest, The Grace Period, and You
by Daniel Cohen

One of the most important factors a person considers when choosing a credit card is the interest rate. The interest rate is the rate which is computed on the card on a yearly basis. The grace period is the number of days remaining before you make your outstanding payment in full, so that you are not billed finance charge.


The fine print of credit card companies reads grace period as a specified amount of days from the statement date, given the fact that you have paid your previous balance in full by the due date. The grace period is usually related to new purchases and not for ‘revolving’ purchases. That means, if you carry over your balance of the previous month, you do not get a grace period. On the contrary, you are charged interest on the spot for the purchase made, which is added to interest of the previous unpaid balance. Credit cards generally, do not offer a grace period for balance transfers and cash advances. Interest rates on cash advances are quite higher compared to credit purchases and they are levied from the time, a cash advance is taken.


The grace period is something which tends to work against the ‘profit making’ principle of credit cards. Credit card companies know that if the money is paid in full or if the credit is kept interest free for a certain amount of time, then they will lose on making money through financial charges. This was the main reason why the usual 30 day grace period has been changed to 20-25 days. In fact most credit card companies are trying to scrape the system of grace period altogether.


Nowadays with the reduced grace period and hefty late fees, the credit card companies are laughing all the way to the bank. It is always important not to be late on your credit card payments. Apart from being slapped a late fee, you can also be reported negatively on the credit report, if you hesitate making a credit card payment promptly Also, if you are late on your payment even once, the credit card company can hike the interest rate that you pay. The worst thing is that your credit card company can hike the interest rate even on the basis of your making payment late to other lenders and credit card companies to.


Credit card companies “want” you to have outstanding balances that you can carry over and repay as well. Of course, the credit card companies do inform you, as a requirement of Federal Law and Truth in Lending Act (TILA) about the hike in the interest rate by giving you a 15 day notice. However credit card companies can underplay this fact by mentioning it in fine print. You should make it a point to read about things like bill cycle, interest rates, late fees and grace period comprehensively to save yourself the desperation and tension later.



Daniel Cohen recommends Find Credit Cards for finding a First Premier Bank credit card. See http://www.findcreditcards.org/issuer/first-premier.php for more information.

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