Usually this is a last resort option for most people due to the fact that it can appear on their credit report for up to 10 years. Bankruptcy is also a matter of public record for anyone that wants to know. Filing bankruptcy requires you to appear in Federal Court for at least one hearing, possibly more. In addition, certain types of bankruptcy require a court-appointed trustee to control and oversee your estate.

2. Consumer Credit Counseling Service

A consumer credit counseling agency will usually be able to get your interest rate lowered, but thats it. It is important to understand, though, that you will pay the full balance owed on your various accounts with interest. In other words, your creditors will not be forgiving any of the remaining balance that you still owe. So if you are already struggling just to pay your bills each month, this might not be the best choice.

3. Obtain A Debt Consolidation Loan.

Certainly not the worst thing you could do, but you must own a home, have some property or have some assets to pledge as collateral for the loan…otherwise a loan isn’t even an option at all. In addition, you cannot borrow your way out of debt. You’re still going to have to pay back the money to someone.

4. Do Nothing.

For most people this is not a practical solution, but technically it is an option. An example where doing nothing might work for you would be if you were unemployed and had no assets a creditor could pursue. Essentially you would be “judgment proof” and your creditors would (at least temporarily) hit a roadblock. However, this does not mean that they can’t come after you at a later date…when you least expect it.

5. Negotiate Settlements For Less Than Full Balance.

In certain situations and if handled correctly, most creditors will agree to accept less than full balance to settle outstanding debts.  
 

For now, let’s focus on option5 

Would A Debt Reduction Of 40-60%
Solve Any Of Your Financial Problems?

 

For some people, a reduction in their overall debt total is all they need to get back on stable financial ground again. For others who are already too far in the hole financially, no amount of debt relief would help, and bankruptcy might be the only realistic option.
Keep in mind that settlements are only available on unsecured debts like credit cards, medical bills and department store cards. Things like mortgages, student loans, alimony and child support fall into the category of secured debts and there is usually not much that can be done with these types of debts.

 

There are many factors that dictate what creditors will or will not accept to settle outstanding debts. Depending on your situation, one or more of your debts might be settled for as little as $0.30-0.35 on the dollar. Or it’s possible that some of your creditors might be difficult to deal with and they won’t accept any less than $0.55-0.60 on the dollar. Every situation is different. 
Do you need to hire someone to try and negotiate settlements with your creditors or can you do this on your own? Absolutely you can do this on your own. It’s similar to selling your home. You do not need to hire a real estate agent to sell your home. However, if you lack the time, knowledge or expertise to sell your home it’s probably a good idea to retain an experienced professional that knows what they’re doing.
 

If you presently find yourself with a debt burden that you need to resolve, the good news is that you do have some options. However, the bad news is that you don’t have a lot of options to choose from.

 

Our Company “Credit Cures” Has Help helped thousands of individuals and small businesses solve their financial problems, therefore we have a pretty good idea of what can and cannot be done to address your outstanding debts

 

Some of this information may be brand new to you, and some of it may simply confirm what you might already know. Either way, our goal is to sum things up for you so you can make a decision ASAP and take action while you still have the opportunity to do so.