family insurance The definition of debt settlement is a third party who negotiates with lenders on behalf of the consumer. Debt settlement is a method of getting out of debt for the consumer’s who have fallen on hard times. The financial hardships may have been caused by the loss of a job or reduced hours, a divorce, a death or a medical emergency. Debt settlement is one of the methods used by consumers when they fall behind on their unsecured debt obligations. A debt settlement company may be able to reduce the consumer’s outstanding balances by up to 50%. The consumer may be asking why use a debt settlement company instead of trying to negotiate with the lenders themselves. As a consumer you can take this approach, however one of the drawbacks is you will be working with multiple lenders. These lenders would want the agreed amount money upfront in order to settle your account. In addition you may not be working with the same individual each time you contact the lender. By using a debt settlement program, they will negotiate on your behalf and notice the lenders of your indications of using a settlement program. The debt settlement program will set up a “trust/escrow account” for the consumer. Each month the consumer is deposit an agreed to amount in order to start saving. Once the account has reach at least half of the lowest outstanding balance of one your credit cards, the company will begin negotiations with the lender. The consumer will now be making only one monthly payment instead of multiple payments over a set period of time. It may take between 12 to 48 months to complete the cycle of reducing the consumer’s unsecured debt. The consumer needs to know that if there financial situation improves they can opt out of the program and start paying their own bills. Yes, there are drawbacks to any program when dealing with lenders. However these drawbacks far out weight the consequence of doing nothing or filing for bankruptcy. The drawbacks may be: • Reduced credit score – But this is already hurt by late payments. • Taxable Income – Any settlement over $600 may be considered taxable income by the IRS – The consumer needs to discuss this with their tax preparer. • Collection Calls – You may still get collection calls until the debt settlement company notifies the lender. • Fraud – The consumer needs to be sure you select an experienced debt settlement company and ask questions and get references. Call the bank where your account will be open and talk to the companies bank officer.
Debt Settlement – A Way out of Debt
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