March 2013 - Advicentips

The art of debt management

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Mar 012013

In making any purchase, you want that the item purchased must have a long term utility. However, while selecting the debt management technique a shift in the approach is quite noticeable. We find that short term debt management techniques like debt consolidation loans are much greater in use. Nevertheless, this is not double standard on the part of people. The choice is mostly influenced by the immediate pressure of debts.

Debt settlement techniques, which have a longer standing effect, are the rule of the day. People know them by the name of debt management in the UK. Debt management aims to strike at the roots of debt, instead of simply countering the after effects of debts. When debts are not allowed to increase, the use of debt consolidation loans and other short-term debt management techniques become redundant.

Why is debt management preferred to have a longer effect? The realisation is the result of people accepting that debt consolidation loans can give succour for only a time being, but not for ever. Even when borrowers are able to pay all the debts at a particular point of time, is there a guarantee that debts will not arise again? What shall one do at that time? Taking a new debt consolidation will not be a viable solution. The loan providers will be the first to deny loans to borrowers who have grown a habit of borrowing. And what about your home against which the loan is taken? Will it have sufficient equity left to be used for any other purposes? No! These are the reasons that have pushed borrowers towards seeking long term debt management. Certain borrowers are perplexed at the inclusion of debt consolidation loans in debt management, when the debt management agencies themselves say that debt consolidation loans are of not much good. To this end the debt management agencies reply in the following manner; “We do not recommend the total ban on the use of debt consolidation loans. What we recommend is a ban on the misuse of debt consolidation loans.”Debt consolidation loans are rampantly used in the UK. It is because of the ease with which people are able to draw debt consolidation loans that people have started spending rashly; thus being further weighed down by debts. Debt management agencies have come down on this habit of the people of the UK. Since debt consolidation loans abet people in taking more debts, debt management agencies also criticise debt consolidation loans. Debt management makes a planned use of debt consolidation loans. Compare the situation with an ailment that a person is facing. Debt consolidation loans will be like a surgery to be performed. However, doctors will first try to cure the ailment through oral medication. The oral medication is to be given through debt counselling. Only when oral medication is not able to cure the ailment, doctors will suggest surgery, i.e. debt consolidation loans. Debt counselling is referred to the advice to borrowers about the manner in which they can cure a debt problem. The advice is not general in nature. A Debt counsellor, who is an expert, will sit with the debtor during a few sessions to discuss the details of the debt problem. When debt problem is at its preliminary stage, it will require efforts from the borrowers own side. A Debt counsellor offers certain suggestions through which borrowers can bring upon a marked change in their finances. Debt management agencies have given a new look to certain age old principles of coping with debts. It is these principles that are made use of to inculcate debt sense in borrowers. It is during these sessions that the debt counsellor will access the use of debt consolidation loans. The factors that will be considered while making the decision are as follows:. What is the amount of debts that the debtor owes to one or different creditors?. Does the borrower have sufficient available income to repay debts on his own without using debt consolidation loans?. The nature of the debts- whether debts are accruing higher interest rate, and if they have already reached their repayment date. The various tips that you learned during the debt management process must not be forgotten during repayment of debt consolidation loans. While debts owed to creditors have been settled, you continue to owe to the loan provider. Never must the borrower relax until the final instalment of debt consolidation has been made.

Ann Gibson

Debt negotiation on credit cards

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Mar 012013

Debt negotiation on credit cards is often referred to as credit card debt settlement. Whenever you make a credit card payment- or even pay your utility bills- it usually gets reported to one- or all- of the three main credit agencies. This activity will influence your credit score, which will determine your future credit status. But what do you do, if you find that you can no longer make the minimum payments on your credit cards? If your accounts are behind, or about to fall behind, you can turn to a credit management company, that will help you with your debt negotiation.

When you enrol in a debt negotiation programme for your credit cards, you can stop making payments directly to the credit card companies and begin to pay the debt settlement company directly, which can be a relief in itself and perhaps even help you to save money. The way it works is simple. The debt management company works with your creditors to come up with a lower payoff for your accounts. You, in turn, make one monthly payment to the management company, which holds the money in a trust, making a one time payment on your credit accounts, at the pre-arranged time.

Debt negotiation on credit cards have helped many individuals to find peace of mind and relief from mounting credit card debt. However, it is important to realise that being enrolled in debt management will lower your credit score, whilst you pay back the debt management company.

So, how do you find a reputable firm to negotiate your debts for you? There are many sources to help you get started, such as the Federal Trade Commission. It is very important to remember that you can rebuild your credit in the future, so you should think very carefully about how you proceed with debt negotiation. There are many companies out there that will promise you a clean credit report for a few hundred dollars. Many of these offers are either completely illegal, scams- or both. So, make sure that the company that you will be dealing with has your interests in mind, when dealing with debt negotiation on credit cards.

Jeff Lakie

Advantages of consumer credit counseling

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Mar 012013

Many individuals have been helped by consumer credit counseling to take control of their finances and to eliminate debt. Consumer credit counseling can work for you by teaching money management skills which can help you throughout your lifetime.

Consumer credit counseling can help you better understand your credit situation. It can help you understand the costs associated with misusing a credit card and make you a more informed consumer. Consumer credit counseling is especially useful for people suffering from huge debt burdens. They can benefit from consumer credit counseling as it can help them find a way out of their present financial crisis. If you have a weak credit history and low credit ratings, consumer credit counseling can show you ways to repair your credit. By making an appointment with a credit counseling agent, you can get all of these advantages and find out what more the agent can do for you.

Many debt management companies provide consumer credit counseling agents to advise and help individuals find a way out of debt. Debt management agencies help you reduce and consolidate your loans by negotiating with your creditors. Their credit counselors are the ones that teach their clients better ways of avoiding debt in the future and to find ways to saving money to pay back their current debts. When selecting a debt management company, be sure that they have qualified credit counseling personnel.Their teams of expert and experienced credit counselors, who have wide knowledge in the finance field, can help the layperson better understand their credit situation and how to improve their financial standing. The consumer credit counseling agent will first understand the situation you are in. Then they will formulate ways in which you can save more money, become debt free and start on your way towards financial freedom.

These are just some of the things consumer credit counseling services can do for you:

– They can teach you how to better manage your household expenses.

– They can help you deal with harassing collectors.

– They can teach you understand relevant financial issues surrounding your credit.

– They can advise you on how to reduce your debt burden.

– They can help you avoid situations where you may have to declare bankruptcy.

The counselors can work with you to create financial plans such as a savings and budget plan, and help you find ways to sticking to them. Comprehensive plans can lead you to better manage your cash inflows and outflows.

Taking some time for consumer credit counseling can help you get rid of your debt problems and start you on your way to a secure financial future.

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.cashbazar.com. Visit his website for the latest on personal finance, debt elimination, budgeting, credit cards and real estate.

Jakob Jelling

What is Credit Counselling?

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Mar 012013

Ever wondered what is Credit Counselling? There are occasions when you might encounter a financial situation that is beyond your scope which is when a session with a credit counsellor could be beneficial.

If you’re not disciplined enough to create a workable budget and stick to it, can’t work out a repayment plan with your creditors, or can’t keep track of mounting bills, consider contacting a credit counselling organisation. Many credit counselling organisations are non-profit and work with you to solve your financial problems. But be aware that, just because an organisation says it’s “non-profit,” there’s no guarantee that its services are free, affordable, or even legitimate. In fact, some credit counselling organisations charge high fees, which may be hidden, or urge consumers to make “voluntary” contributions that can cause more debt.

Most credit counsellors offer services through local offices, the Internet, or on the telephone. If possible, find an organisation that offers person to-person counselling. If you are not sure of how to contact a counselling service, check with your financial institution, local consumer protection agency, friends or family as they may be a good source of information and referral. Reputable credit counselling organisations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materials and workshops. Their counsellors are certified and trained in the areas of consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting.

Counsellors discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a financial plan to solve your money problems. An initial counselling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions.Be wary of credit counselling organisations that:charge high up-front or monthly fees for enrolling in credit counselling.pressure you to make “voluntary contributions,” another name for fees.won’t send you free information about the services they provide without requiring you to provide personal financial information, such as credit card account numbers and balances.

You may freely reprint this article provided the author’s biography remains intact:

About the Author John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

John Mussi

Selecting a debt management provider

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Mar 012013

Experience of the company
The debt management service provider that you select should have enough experience in providing solutions to problems related to debt. The company officials must be able to properly understand your problem and should be able to formulate multiple options for overcoming your problem. You have to make sure that the company you approach is having reasonable satisfied clients.

Reliability of the service
A good company will always be truthful to you. They will advise you if you need to declare bankruptcy. A truthful debt management service provider will not charge for certain services like photocopying costs, applications, or for simple advice. Every company official associated with you problem should be proficient at what they do in solving your debt problem.

Economical value
The services of a debt management service provider should be economical. You should be quoted a price that is affordable and is reasonable. Before finalizing the service you have make sure that no additional charges, hidden fees are charged. Its always advisable to arrive at a conclusion with the regarding the financial aspects of the service that you are receiving.

Continuation of the service provider
Before choosing a debt help company to work with you has to analyze its existence. It’s always better to seek the service of an experienced company rather than that of a company that is comparatively new. Before fixing the service of a company find answers for questions like how long they have been in business?, where are their offices situated? is it possible to visit the offices? etc.
Education of the counselors/staff
The education of the counselors of is a major factor that requires attention while selecting a debt help service provider. The counselors should know each and every aspect of finance. It is even better if the education is recent. If you are selecting a company that encourages their employees to take course and education upgrades are especially likely to be both helpful and professional enough to help you in overcoming your debt related problems.

Status of the business/company
The debt help service provider that you select should have a good standing with Better Business Bureau and with customers. If many customers are unsatisfied and many complaints have been filled against a debt help company its advisable to avoid it, because it shows that the company is not fulfilling the requirements of its customers.

Every one who is having a debt related problem wants to overcome it as early as possible. There is no harm is seeking the service of debt help service providers but the result of their service depends on how good these companies are. By following the above points it is possible for you to find out the best suited debt management service provider.

Debt Management Brings a Significant Change

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Mar 012013

Have you ever thought what would be the consequence of uncontrolled expenditure? While the desire to purchase continues to be unsatisfied, the income base gives up much earlier. The result is debts. Debts up to a certain level are admissible. Debts need to be managed to keep them within this level. The process involving the use of several techniques to curb the amount of debts is known as debt management.

Outside agencies may not always be the ones who carry out debt management. In fact, the first step towards debt management, i.e. accepting that debts are a menace, is taken by the borrower himself. This is an important step because no amount of debt management tips will be little helpful if the borrower does not have enough motivation to bring about a change in his financial situation.

Debt management help, for debts on a smaller scale require more participation of the individual himself. For debts that are not large and where the step is more of a preventive nature, debt management will include suggesting tips. One or two face-to-face sessions is what will be required. Along with the suggestions, debt management agencies will also tell about the problems that the individuals will face while incorporating the debt management tips. The individual himself has to employ the debt management tips. All the debt management agency would do is provide a helping hand whenever the individual falters.

Debt management on a smaller scale is known as debt counselling. The tips that are offered to curb the debts form a part of the ancient wisdom that is handed from generation to generation. The idea is to remind individuals of the knowledge. The following constitute the major debt management techniques adopted at this stage:

.There must be a restricted expenditure proportionately to the income.
.If possible, individuals must try to augment their income to suffice the additional expenses.
.If a debt is incurred, it must be repaid or proper preparations must be made for its repayment.

These and several other debt management tips will be offered to help bring about a real change in debt scenario. This will require patience and perseverance on the part of the borrower. Debt counselling can be a long drawn process. However, instead of creating cosmetic changes or a temporary healing of the debts as in debt consolidation loans and mortgages, debt counselling has a long-term effect on the individual’s debt scenario.

Nevertheless, the importance of debt consolidation loans and mortgages as a debt management tool cannot be discounted. When standing on the edge of bankruptcy, it will be imperative to clear the huge mound of debts already incurred. Once the finances regain health, only then should debt counselling be practiced. Situations like the one discussed above require an instant solution to debts and not a protracted one. Debt consolidation loans ensure the fastest release from the debts.

Debt consolidation loan is a personal loan that is employed to settle the debts. For the purpose of ease in settlement, all debts taken from several lenders are consolidated. The total of the debts is the correct measure of the amount of debt consolidation loan that must be drawn. The entire debt consolidation loan may not be consumed by the debts. It depends on the way debt settlement is negotiated. This is the reason why it is very necessary to engage the services of a proper debt consolidation agency. One of the principal distinguishing features of debt consolidation loans is that the loan provider helps in the settlement of debts. There is an active participation of the loan provider. In this method of debt management, the role of borrower ends once he presents the list of debts to be settled.

Debt consolidation mortgages, another popular debt management tool, is a second mortgage that includes certain debts in an existing mortgage. As in a debt consolidation loan, the borrowers will not be helped in settlement of debts. However, the advantage of this method is that debts are settled at the rate of a mortgage. Home equity loans also offer this advantage to the borrowers even though help from the loan provider may be absent.

Whatever be the method of debt management adopted, it must be effective towards debts. The ultimate aim of debt management must be to find a long lasting solution for debts. This can be brought about only by increasing awareness for the bad effects of debts and taking the necessary steps to curb them.

Alex

Control your debt and your life

Articles, Debt 1 Response »

Mar 012013

Do you, like millions of other Americans, feel like you’re sinking in an ocean of credit card debt? Well, fear not–there are many options for reducing your debt way before you have to be concerned about receiving notices or daunting telephone calls from debt collectors. The important thing to remember is to be proactive in handling your credit card debt. Unmanaged debt can ultimately lead to lawsuits, loss of property, and tarnished credit reports.

Here are a few ideas for managing and/or reducing your debt:

Get in touch with creditors right away. Often times, creditors will reduce credit card interest rates if you simply ask for a break. Explain your situation, and let creditors know if you’re having trouble meeting your minimum monthly obligation. Many creditors will work with you to arrange a customized payment plan.
Develop a Budget. While many people dread this very important step in reducing debt, it can be extremely important in taking control of your financial situation. Compare and contrast fixed expenses–mortgage payments, rent, car payments, and insurance premiums, for example–with variable expenses, such as entertainment and recreation. List all your expenses, even those that seem unimportant. This is an important step in determining your spending patterns, prioritizing expenses, and determining whether or not you have additional money to contribute to the monthly payments on your credit card.
Consolidate, consolidate, consolidate. While debt consolidation is a sometimes daunting and drastic step, it can be an important move in the quest to reduce your credit card debt. If you’re a homeowner, consider a second mortgage or a home equity loan to pay off high-interest rate debt. While these loans often require you to list your home as collateral, remember that if you start skipping out on credit card payments, you could easily lose your home. What’s more, these loans provide tax advantages that are not available with many kinds of credit.
Go to Counseling. Credit counseling, that is. Many credit counseling organizations will help you come up with a feasible solution for ridding yourself of debt. You can find credit counselors on the Internet, and many credit unions, universities and military bases provide credit counseling programs. Also, get in touch with your bank, friends, and/or family for a recommendation. Some of the services credit counselors provide: Advice on how to manage your debt, assistance in developing a budget, and classes and workshops that are geared towards teaching consumers about money management, credit card debt, and budgeting. Counselors can also recommend a debt management plan (DMP), which allows you to make monthly deposits to the specific counseling organization that you’re working with. Your counselor will then develop a payment schedule with your creditors that includes lower interest rates or waives certain fees.

For more suggestions and information on how to manage your credit card debt, please visit http://www.informedcredit.com.About The AuthorBeth West has an extensive background in public relations and marketing, with previous management positions in both the hospitality and software industries. Currently serving as the Director of Marketing for http://www.informedcredit.com, she also is working on a freelance writing business.

Debt management – a debt free life

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Mar 012013

Everyone borrows money from the financial market at one or the other time to meet some urgent needs. But, at that time we don’t realise that taking various debts from different lenders may become a burden one day. If you too are facing the same circumstances then debt management can prove to be the best solution to all your worries.

Debt management can be defined as an informal process of negotiations with the creditor to obtain a reduction in the interest rate levied or to reduce contractual repayment. The negotiation process involves giving proof to the creditors that the debtor has insufficient funds to meet all the debt obligations.

Debt management is a fair and growing service in the UK. Debt problems usually occur due to circumstances which are beyond a person’s control. Debt management not only helps in reducing a borrower’s monthly payment but aims at eliminating all his debts. Borrowers get the benefit to consolidate their debts that are as low £3000 to a maximum of £250,000. Some lenders may even help in eliminating a higher amount of borrower’s debt.

Debt management is open to all. Good credit people, bad credit people or people with bankruptcy, CCJs or bankruptcy. Debt management by managing debts of a debtor can help in improving his credit score by making him accountable to a single low monthly payment.

There are various tools available for debt management. Debt management on a smaller scale is known as debt counselling. The idea is to offer knowledge to the individuals. It involves various debt management techniques.

Expenditure should be restricted proportionately to the income.

In case a debt has incurred, proper arrangements must be made for its repayment

Another important tool for debt management is debt consolidation loans. The loan provider helps in the settlement of debts. This loan helps in consolidating the existing debts of borrower. It aims to make the repayments affordable by lowering the interest rates.

Borrowers can make efficient use of the expertise of the debt management agencies which they have gained through years of work in this field. Debt management representatives working with debt management agencies give borrower’s the power to get out of debt. They negotiate with the creditors on behalf of the borrower.

Debt management plans are formulated by the debt management representatives or consultants. It can help a debtor to repay the debts at an amount that is affordable. Debt management plan consolidates all the unsecured debts of an individual into a single monthly repayment which is then paid to the creditors on a pro rata basis over an agreed period of time often 4 years or more by the agency which is managing your debts. Trained debt management consultants calculate this amount in assistance with the debtor by thoroughly reviewing his financial position.

You need to stay aware of the fact that as every coin has too faces. There is one more aspect of debt management you need to look at. Most of the debt managers charge hefty fee for this service. But there are debt managers who can do this job for you at a low fee or for free. So you need to keep your eyes and ears open before you decide to opt for debt management.

There are various debt management agencies in the finance market. Look for debt managers who can offer you this service at low cost with maximum benefits. Borrowers can search for debt managing agencies online too. Internet can help you access infinite number of debt management agencies from your home or office computer. The online process saves your time and efforts.

Debt management can make you debt free. But you need to maintain discipline in your life so that you may not fall into the same debt trap in future.

Rick Russel

Debt Management – reduce your debt

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Mar 012013

A Debt management program starts with evaluating your financial situation. This process involves an in depth analysis of your financial standing. That analysis will help you to evaluate whether it is better to file for bankruptcy or go for a debt consolidation program. A debt consolidation analysis will estimate the debtor’s potential savings through the program.

When a deal is finalized with the debt management company and the debtor. The next step is for one of the counselors to contact the creditors and work out a reduction in the interest rates and monthly payments at an amount that will be affordable to the debtor.

Through negotiations with the creditors, the debt management company usually reduces or eliminates the interest charged. The balance owed towards the creditors is reduced and they can give the debtor a reduction in even the principal amount.

The Debt consolidation program will also help the debtors by inducing the creditors to stop the legal actions which they were taking against the debtor which means they can no more devour debtor’s income nor can they take the debtor to court. Also this starts bringing up the credit rating of the debtor because now the debtor is repaying the debts under the new agreement.

With this method of debt relief, the debtor will no longer have to answer embarrassing phone calls from his creditors. The debtor will not receive any bills or pay the creditors directly. The debt consolidation program will directly take control over the creditors. The debtor will just need to pay the debt management company a single amount every month according to the budget which was agreed upon with the debtors. So there is no need for any interaction with the creditors.

Most of the time these systems are free to the debtor because the fees are paid by the creditors, since they would rather get something in return than lose all the money that the debtor owes them. Also, programs like this work for those with good or bad credit. It is a great solution for debt reduction to use a debt services company or consolidator that uses this method.

To view our list of the most recommended debt consolidation companies, visit this page: Recommended Debt Consolidation Companies.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of ABC Loan Guide. It is an informational loan website, with informative articles and the latest finance news.
Carrie Reeder