If you are swimming in debt, you’re bound to start looking for a way out. Many people see debt settlement –an option that advertises to help you pay off your debt for much less than what you owe– as a way out of their financial woes. However, the truth isn’t quite as simple as all that. Debt settlement isn’t without pitfalls and consequences — and it isn’t for everyone. What Is Debt Settlement? Debt settlement is, simply put, hiring a debt settlement company to help negotiate lower payoffs on personal loans, collections, and open accounts like credit cards. Sometimes these companies misleadingly advertise their services as a way to consolidate debt — or “debt consolidation,” — but make no bo
One of the great truths in business is that everything is negotiable. Even when the price or terms of something seem set in stone, getting a discount is often as easy as knowing whom to ask and knowing how to ask for it. When it comes to the balances you owe on your credit cards, the opportunity to negotiate what you actually owe is as great as ever. With a little bit of knowledge and guts, you might be able to cut your balances by 50-70%. Read on to find out how. The Basics of Debt Settlement Debt settlement is the process of offering a large, one-time payment toward an existing balance in return for the forgiveness of the remaining debt. For example, someone who owes $10,000 on a single cr
If you've maxed out your credit cards and are getting deeper in debt, chances are you're feeling overwhelmed. How are you ever going to pay down the debt? Now imagine hearing about a company that promises to reduce – or even erase – your debt for pennies on the dollar. Sounds like the answer to your problems, right? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, says slow down, and consider how you can get out of the red without spending a whole lot of green. Debt Settlement Companies Debt settlement programs typically are offered by for-profit companies, and involve the company negotiating with your creditors to allow you to pay a “settlement” to resolve your d
