Financial Planning

Credit and debt are something which can only creates tensions in consumer’s life nothing else. Getting out of debt is not an easy thing it require lot of efforts and self motivation. There are a lot of programs through which consumers can get rid of debts which they are not able to pay. Some of most important programs are debt consolidation, debt settlement, credit and debt counseling and bankruptcy. Every one of these has some good as well as some bed points. Its consumer choice, that which program they like most suitable for them.

Credit and debt counseling in Texas both are specially designed for those consumers who really want to get rid from there debts or it is for consumers who are interested to minimize there debts consequences. The important things is that consumers should go for some authorized and well reputed credit and debt counselor as there are also some inexperienced and fraud counselors which can only waste consumers money. If you want a credit and debt counseling in Texas than you should try to contact those consumers who have utilized the services of some credit and debt counselor as this thing helps you in finding out some good counselor.

Credit and debt counseling in Texas is helpful for consumers if they realize it especially for those consumers who really want to pay off there debts. A good credit and debt counseling in Texas helps consumers in managing there monthly payments and minimizing there total debts. Credit and debt consoler brings a positive change in consumer’s lives as they get rid from collection calls of creditors and collection agencies. Credit and debt counselor also helps consumers in maintaining good credit score. Consumers start feeling less pressure and less burden on there shoulders. Credit and debt counseling in Texas is gaining much popularity because of its several benefits for consumers. It depends on consumers that at what stage they decide to hire the services of some good credit and debt counselor.

Even if you are watchful of your budget, things do happen. Particularly tragic to a household budget is a large, sudden debt, or the loss of income which may hinder your ability to repay.

Debt negotiators may be able to help you come to equitable settlements for your debts.

Professional debt negotiators can work with your creditors to explain the situation and to negotiate on your behalf. Even if your creditors refuse to offer a repayment plan that suits you, don’t jump to the ‘bankruptcy’ mind set. Recent federal laws now require credit counseling before proceeding into bankruptcy. But there are also federal laws to help protect you from unscrupulous collection agencies.

The primary reason creditors may accept a settlement is because it is cost effective for the creditor. The degree of the discount (how much they will forgive) will vary case-by-case; therefore, a creditor will take into account many factors when determining their bottom line on accepting a settlement.

They calculate the probability of recouping the debt; either by a collection agency or via legal action, versus the amount of a settlement offer.

Before they agree to any settlement, they will often consider your income, state of residence, age of the debt, type of debt, and your assets.

Professional negotiators will appeal to your creditors that it is in their best interest to settle the debt.

Major difference between Debt Management and Debt Settlement

Debt Management

In a debt consolidation program, also known as a Debt Management Plan (DMP), the debtor pays back 100% of their debt plus interest. Interest is commonly reduced to the 8% to 10% range. Additionally, most Debt Management Companies have a monthly service fee tacked on to the monthly payment. Most people pay back about 130% of their debt over 5 to 6 year period. Debt Management has a moderate affect on a good credit file and will improve most poor credit files. But, a Certified Debt Arbitrator is qualified to explain both programs to you and will be able to provide you the differences in monthly payments as well as the pros and cons of each program.

Debt Settlement

In a Debt Settlement program, most clients pay back an average of 54% of their total debt, including all agency fees as well as accruing fees and interest. This 54% figure is based on the client’s starting balances.

Debt Settlement has a major impact on good credit but will improve credit for people that are 6 months or more past due. This improvement in credit profile is caused by bringing outstanding balances down to a ZERO balance.

Is debt settlement right for you?

Some consumers get so deep into debt, that bankruptcy seems their only way out before debt takes over their lives. Unlike bankruptcy, debt settlement is a far simpler process in comparison, and has less of a ‘stigma’ attached to it.

Consumers that deal with credit card debt sometimes find it necessary to a get a little outside help. Consumer credit counseling agencies are a great, free resource for consumers needing a little extra help with budgeting, planning, or even setting up a debt repayment plan, otherwise known as a Debt Management Plan (DMP).

But you may be wondering if you really need help. Here are some warning signs to help you decide if it’s time to start investigating a non-profit consumer credit counseling agency.

Your own efforts at working out a reasonable repayment plan have failed.
Based on your current budget, it will take longer than five years to repay your credit card debt.
Your total monthly debt payments, not including mortgage and car, equal 1/4 – 1/2 of your take-home pay.
Your are unable to pay even the minimum amounts due on each credit card every month.
You are consistently late with one or more regular bills other than credit cards, including utility and auto bills.
Creditors and collection agencies frequently call you.
You and your spouse fight about debt and financial issues.
You don’t know if you can really afford to purchase something.

Know What to Look for in a Credit Counseling Agency

With the assortment of agencies trying to get your business it can be difficult to know which one is best. First things first, look for an agency that is non-profit and accredited with either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.

It’s also a good idea to contact the local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company and how the issue was resolved. Similarly, checking our active credit forum for posts regarding the company is a good idea.

Finally, make sure they are licensed to offer services in your state and that they don’t require detailed information about your situation before sending free informational material about the services they offer.

Know What They Offer

A reputable credit counseling agency offers many wonderful services including assistance from a certified counselor who will help you create a personalized budget and possibly a debt management plan (DMP); working with creditors to lower or eliminate interest, finance charges, late payment penalties, and other types of fees; distributing payments to each of your creditors enrolled in your DMP; and, most importantly, giving you lots of free educational materials.

Know How They Will Help You

The first step a credible counselor will take is thoroughly analyzing your financial situation; plan for an hour long initial visit and several follow-up sessions. Then, based on what they see, they can set up a plan to help you both in the short-term and the long-term.

Sometimes long-term help involves a debt management plan (DMP), but not necessarily. If the agency won’t continue providing budget counseling unless you sign up for a DMP, look elsewhere.

Another warning sign to look elsewhere is the unrealistic promise of erasing your credit history. No one can erase your credit history. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, accurate information about your accounts stays on your report for up to seven years.

Know About Their Fees

Reputable credit counseling agencies generally offer budget services for free, but they will charge fees for their debt management plans (DMPs). The key is to find an agency that has reasonable fees. Linda Tucker, Director of Education and Marketing for Consumer Credit Counseling Service in North Little Rock, Arkansas, says a monthly rate of $15-$25 is a reasonable amount to pay and $50 is on the high end. Sometimes fees depend on the market, so if you live in a state like California or New York you may end up paying on the higher end of the scale. If you can’t afford their fee even if it is reasonable, ask the agency what type of help they can still offer– most good agencies won’t turn you away.

Know About Their Counselors

Find out what type of training the agency’s counselors receive. Ideally, they should be both trained and accredited by an outside source completely unaffiliated with the agency.

Know How Employees are Paid

Don’t be too embarrassed to ask if their employees are paid a salary or on commission. If an employee is paid on commission, then they are more likely to pressure you into a DMP because they are probably watching out for their pocket book, not yours. If this is the case, look elsewhere!

Know About Their Funding

Non-profit agencies have other sources of funding than just the fees paid by their clients. Ask from what other sources they receive funding and who regulates and audits their operations. Are they certified by the International Standard of Operations (ISO compliant)?

Know About Their DMP

If, after careful analysis of your finances, you and your credit counselor decide a DMP is the best next step, you will need to know what to look for in a good program. Look for a program that pays your creditors before the due date. If the agency makes late payments or misses payments, it will only hurt your credit history.

Also make sure you will continue receiving monthly statements from either your creditors or the agency. Since it’s your credit history on the line, it’s important to know the interest rate, payments, and balances for each of your creditors.

Know How Each Creditor is Involved

Sometimes not all creditors decide to participate in the DMP. It’s important to know which ones don’t sign up so you can continue making payments to them on your own.

During the process of enrolling into the program it’s also important to keep paying your creditors so you are not charged late fees and penalties. Contact each creditor to confirm they have accepted the terms of the proposed plan or to verify that upfront payments are required. Once everything is confirmed, it’s okay to start sending your payment directly to the credit counseling agency.

Know the Difference Between a DMP and Debt Settlement

One final note– a DMP is not the same thing as debt settlement or debt negotiation, which is very controversial and much riskier. Debt settlement/negotiation focuses on making a deal with creditors to forgive a portion of the debt.

Gerri Detweiler, founder of DebtConsolidationRx.com and author of The Ultimate Credit Handbook, suggests debt settlement is most appropriate for those who are not able to make the payments of a DMP and who either can’t or won’t file for bankruptcy. But not all experts agree on the value of debt settlement, so if you do choose it as an option do your research and proceed with caution.

We sincerely hope that these ten tips will help you to decide if a credit counseling service is right for you and, if so, to help you find a good counseling agency that meets your specific needs. There are many less than desirable services out there, so a little bit of research on the front end will be time well spent. Good luck!