Foreclosure Assistance

There are many ways by which you can receive assistance while faced with foreclosure, one of the best is what you’re about to learn about.

Debt relief options

There is no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to debt relief. The ideal choice for you is determined by several factors, including the amount of debt you have, the interest rates on your current accounts, and your total credit score. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most frequent debt relief options.

• Consolidation of debt
• Counseling on credit
• Management of debt
• Settlement of debts
• Forgiveness of debt

Consolidation of debt

Debt consolidation is the process of combining several debts into a single new account. Instead of making numerous payments each month, the money from a consolidation loan or balance transfer is used to pay off your previous account balances, and you just have to make one monthly payment to repay the new account.

You must apply for new credit and meet the lender’s eligibility conditions to qualify for a debt consolidation loan, which may be challenging — but not impossible — if you have low credit.

If you have a lot of credit card debt, you might want to consider consolidating it using a balance transfer card. Balance transfer credit cards are appealing because they frequently provide a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a certain period. Like any new credit account, this option is only available to individuals who qualify.

Counseling on credit

Your budget, money management, debt management, and credit can all be helped by a credit counselor. A counselor works with you to develop a specific strategy to assist you in solving your financial issues after a thorough examination of your circumstances. Nonprofit organizations usually provide free credit counseling services, but this isn’t always the case, so double-check before working with a counselor.

Management of debt

A debt management plan, or DMP, is one of the options that a credit counselor may advise if you work with them. You make a single monthly payment to the credit counseling company when you enroll in a DMP. The money is used to pay your debts according to the payment schedule that the organization creates with your creditors.

Although the overall amount you owe will remain the same, your credit counselor may be able to negotiate reduced interest rates or charge waivers on your behalf. If you join a DMP, you may be required to agree not to apply for new credit while on the plan. You’ll also want to evaluate and confirm any adjustments they’re negotiating directly with your creditors on your behalf.

Settlement of debts

Debt settlement firms work with your creditors and debt collectors to settle your debts for a lower amount than you owe. While this may appear to be a desirable solution, there are some disadvantages.

There is no certainty that your creditors will agree to a debt settlement. However, even if they agree, the organizations that provide this service may encourage consumers to stop making debt payments and instead place the money into a settlement account. If you take this advice and stop paying, not only will your accounts continue to accrue interest and late fees, increasing the account balance, but the missed payments, in particular, can have a substantial negative impact on your credit.

Forgiveness of debt

Debt forgiveness occurs when a lender forgives all or part of your debt. A debt settlement organization may be able to settle your debt for a smaller lump sum payment. Alternatively, you may be able to negotiate debt forgiveness with your lender directly.

Lenders and loan servicers also have particular programs for persons who are having financial difficulties. If you’re having trouble making your payments, ask if your lender has a debt forgiveness program. If you are qualified, you may be able to have a portion or even all of your debt erased.

What you should know before applying for debt relief

A debt reduction plan may appear to be your only option if you’re having trouble paying down your debt. While debt relief might help make repayment more affordable, you should be aware of the potential disadvantages before pursuing it as a solution.

1. Scams

   Credit counseling, debt settlement, and debt forgiveness are all choices that come with a high risk of being scammed. Avoid debt relief companies that need upfront payments, offer to settle your debts for a fraction of what you owe, refuse to send free information about their services, or promise to cease all debt collection calls and lawsuits. Those are warning signs of a probable scam.

   It’s critical to conduct your study before agreeing to deal with any debt reduction business. Before you start working with any service, check with your state attorney general’s office and the Better Business Bureau to confirm it’s legitimate. If you wish to work with a credit counseling agency, determine if the National Foundation for Credit Counseling has accredited it.

2. Rates of interest

   If you’re thinking about getting a debt consolidation loan, compare the interest rate on the new loan to what you’re paying on your current accounts. It doesn’t make financial sense to take a new loan if you can’t qualify for a cheaper rate.

   Keep an eye out for loans that reduce your monthly payments by extending the loan’s repayment period. Although your monthly payments will be lower, you will almost certainly pay more in interest over the life of the loan. Rates and terms differ from one lender to the next, so compare loan offers from several lenders before deciding.

3. Fees

   Understanding the expenses involved with any debt reduction service you choose is critical. Debt settlement firms typically charge a percentage of your overall debt, usually between 15% and 25%. For instance, if you owe $10,000 and the corporation charges a 20% fee, the price would be $2,000.

   Many services provided by credit counseling firms are free, but if you join a debt management plan, you may be charged a one-time setup cost as well as a monthly fee. On debt consolidation loans, some lenders may charge origination or additional costs.