Home

Posts Tagged ‘Interest Rates’

What are 3 Worst Debt Consolidation Moves?

Sunday, February 6th, 2011

You have unbearable debts and the debt consolidation might be your option for you debt problem. There are so many debt consolidation agencies around in the marketing with their The Best debt management program which will help you to resolve your debt problem. All the plans seem to very good and it is a hard decision for you to select the best for you.

While considering all the plans offers by debt consolidation agencies, there are at least 3 worst debt consolidation moves which you should avoid them. These 3 worst debt consolidation moves include:

1.The Hard-Money Loan

If you already miss a few months repayment and your repayment sums are piling up and exceed your monthly financial capability; and you are tired of answering harassing call and mails from various creditors to urge you to make payment. Then, you probably need a loan urgently to eliminate the harassment from creditors and bring down your monthly repayment to affordable level.

The consolidator may entice you with promises of an easy-does-it loan, and end up charging you higher interest rates than youre paying now — as high as 21% or 22%. Your monthly payment may be lower with one of these loans, but youll end up paying more. You should get a consolidator who will look for other alternatives besides offering you an easy loan with high interest rate, such as negotiate with your creditors for better repayment options.

2.Debt Consolidators Who Promise to Take Care of Everything

The debt consolidation companies may incur an up front fee of one easy payment to cover for everything, they will negotiate lower interest rates, reduce your monthly payments. & etc. These debt consolidation companies will promise you that they will take care everything for you and all you have to do is make one Easy payment

In reality, many debt consolidators build in a fee as part of the monthly payment you make to them. Its usually about 10% of the payment (i.e. about 50 on a 500 monthly payment). They pass along your payments to the creditor and get back a 10% to 15% from your creditors; normally this is part of the negotiation outcome with your creditors.

Heres another risk with consolidators you should know about: they have been known, in some cases, to make late payments or even miss payments, thus worsening your plight (and your credit record). Hence, it is good for you to follow up with the debt consolidation company or even your creditors to check you payment status.

3.The Balance Transfer Trap

Low-interest balance-transfer cards are a dime a dozen these days, but remember that those rates only last a few months. Most of the balance transfer plans offer you with a low interest for the first fee month normally 3, 6 or 9 months; after that period, the interest rate will get back to normal, worse still almost all the balance transfer plans will require you to pay for a process fee. After that low-interest-rate period, you may have to apply new card to balance transfer these amount again. The danger is that at some point all this activity begins to show up on your credit report, and you start to look like a bad risk.

If you think you can swing from the balance-transfer vines for a few months, just make sure you formally close all your accounts yourself, and then notify the credit-card company to mark the account closed at customers request. Otherwise, on your credit report, it will look like the creditor closed your account which will have a bad impact on you credit record.

Summary

A debt consolidation is an option for you to resolve your debt problems and they are many alternatives and plans offers on debt consolidation. Review them carefully and avoid worse debt consolidation moves as mention above if you have a better option.

Things You Must Know About Free Debt Consolidation Services

Sunday, January 16th, 2011

Passing through a phase of debt in your life will prove to be a rather tedious and strenuous period. There is lots of stress involved in ridding yourself of debt. You may feel the need of some support from someone to come out of debt safe and sound. This is the reason the free debt consolidation services prove to be rather inviting and helpful to you. However, there is more to these free debt consolidation services than meets the eye!

Basically, a debt consolidation loan is a single loan that is used to pay for your multiple loans. Here, instead of making numerous monthly payments to your creditors, you have to make a single payment to the debt consolidation company, and it is they who will pay your creditors on your behalf. With this, you can avoid the hassle of facing the creditors every month! However, be aware of some companies that collect money from you to end up never paying the creditors! There are some black sheep amongst free debt consolidation companies that do such things, and thus spoil the repute of debt consolidation services in general!

When a company advertises free debt consolidation services, don’t get misled by the word ‘free’. Remember, you can never consider yourself free with a debt consolidation loan as you are still in debt! These companies may claim to offer free services without any fees, but they usually make up for these free fees in your monthly payments.

You can get debt consolidation services where the consolidator will study your financial situation and then approach your creditors to negotiate interest rates. They will negotiate on lowered interest rates, and for a longer period to repay your loan. Your creditors are more than likely to agree to this arrangement as they will definitely prefer receiving some payment from you, instead of getting no payment at all!

Though some debt consolidation companies like Christian debt consolidation may charge you for their services, the charges will definitely be lower than the fees charged by for-profit debt consolidation companies. The reason the debt consolidation services can afford to quote reduced fees is because they are subsidized in part by creditors. This is why they only charge a flat monthly fee from you. Besides offering debt consolidation loans, these debt consolidation companies help people get their credit under control by offering sound financial advice.

It is usually people with poor credit that choose free debt consolidation services. This is because the debt consolidation company can take the risk of helping a person with bad credit. They receive healthy subsidies from creditors and thus are not that worried about the occasional missed payments.

However, when approaching a free debt consolidation service, make sure that the company is a reputed one to avoid ending in massive debts! Always get quotes from different debt consolidation companies, to compare and decide which company actually offers debt consolidation services. It is always better to read between the lines of any agreement you sign with the company, to avoid future misunderstandings.

Keys to a Debt-free Life: The Debt Management Company

Sunday, December 5th, 2010

Being heavily in debt is no ones idea of a pleasant experience. If you find yourself in this situation, youre probably looking for a way out. A debt management company may just be what you need to free yourself from debt.

Debt Companies in A Nutshell

For a price, these companies work by handling your debts, analyzing them and working out a plan that works for you and your creditors. Typically, the client will pay or deposit money into accounts with the debt company who will then allocate the funds to the creditors accordingly. Take note though that these agencies typically handle only non-priority and unsecured debts.

Why You Should Consider Debt Management

There are several reasons why using debt management services may be beneficial to you. First of all, they discuss with your creditors about your debt and the possibility of making allowances in payment or deductions in the interest rates or other fees. If the company you chose has a good reputation, it is very likely that your creditors will be willing to cut interest rates. Keep in mind, however, that the amount that is waived from your debt is usually considered as income on your tax returns.

Another benefit a debt management plan gives is the decrease in effort you have to put in. All you will need to do is deposit your money in the account and the company takes care of the rest, including dealing with creditors.

Finding a Reputable debt company

Friends and relatives who had the same dilemma may have had experiences in dealing with management companies and may be able to suggest a dependable one.

If you have a company in mind, visit or call them for a free consultation. This will let you get an idea of what to expect from them and how much they can actually help you. Remember that a good debt negotiation agency will be considerate of your needs, questions and concerns. While you are there, dont forget to ask how much they charge and if there will be additional charges later on.

Check with the Better Business Bureau about the companys client track record. Go for a company that has been proven to successfully lower their customers debts. A red flag you should watch out for is a history of unresolved complaints.

Caveats when dealing with third party companies

In dealing with these agencies, there is a tendency for your credit rating to suffer. This is because when you stop paying creditors as your debt settlement company has advised, creditors will alert the credit bureaus of your non-payment. To avoid this, continue paying your bills until the debt negotiation agency has started paying the creditors.

Take note of the fee the company charges. Some take the first deposit you make as their payment and/or take certain percentages each month. Some also ask for exorbitant fees from the start.

Be wary of companies who insist on having all of your creditors included in your management plan. This may just be an attempt to get more money from you by managing more accounts.

Also be cautious if a company asks for specifics like your social security number or personal financial information before they give you a price quote. There is usually no need for them to know these.

Know that a debt management company is only one of the many options that are available for people in debt. If you dont think that this is the best option for you, there are others you can consider.

Is There Any Such Thing As Free Debt Consolidation?

Sunday, November 21st, 2010

Free debt consolidation – yea right! The fact is, nothing in life is free, which is exactly why you should be dubious of any advertisements that claim to offer “free” debt consolidation. In most instances, you can get a free quote or else a first-time counseling session. And in most instances, the first-time counseling session is to lure you into the company’s agreement.

Debt consolidation is a procedure that can take years to hash out. In most case, people with bad credit or current debt problems often believe there is no way out. They may go online and find a source that will help reduce their debts, believing that the amount of their debts is lower. Since few companies will lead many to believe this is true, it is important that you know that the debt consolidation companies are only reducing your rates of interest.

If you own a home and want to use the equity to refinance, you may want to understand that a good number of the Home Equity Loans will actually land you deeper in debt. Once you are bound to the contract, you will find the complications are more frustrating than when you first applied for the loan.

I brought this up because many homeowners will refinance their homes without looking into the details first, believing they are consolidating their bills. They may feel they are getting something free, since the amount on the mortgage appears reduced. However, if you take out a loan to consolidate your mortgage, you are only stepping into another debt.

Be advised that some mortgage contracts stipulate that if you refinance your home during the contract agreement, you may face penalties, which may include paying off your first home, your second home, and the interest rates included. Therefore, if you are considering debt consolidation, consider the entire picture first-and don’t ever fall for the bogus claim that any debt consolidation will actually be free.

How to Find Free Debt Consolidation Services

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

There is no such thing as free debt consolidation services. To the contrary, the services that offer free debt consolidation have hidden fees and interest rates attached to their schemes in most instances. The lenders or debt services are sponsors of the exact same people who you owe money. Therefore, the services in most instances are paid by these creditors and are waiting to make extra money off the person suffering.

Debt is a cruel and vicious cycle; and in most cases, people are overcharged for products, services, and support. Many companies are out to make money, instead of helping people survive. I personally knew a company that charged four times the amount the product was purchased for; and this company continues to grow, leeching their customers’ surplus everyday.

Therefore, if you are in debt, don’t feel like you are a failure; rather get up and fight for your rights. Free debt consolidation service could mean free quotes, or else free first-time sessions with counselors. The services guaranteed will have a charge attached, unless you land with a company out to help people get back on track without burying them deeper in debt.

One of the better services for debt consolidation is United Way and its affiliates, which include a number of Credit Unions. Anyone affiliated with the government also will help in most instances without jacking you for more money. If the services are affiliated with the government, you better believe they will be towing the line, since the government’s privacy is at stake. Therefore, if you need free debt consolidation services, seek out the companies that affiliate themselves with the government. And if you’d rather go directly to the source-the government-you can find more information about free debt consolidation on various government websites on the Internet.

Guide to free debt consolidation

Sunday, November 7th, 2010

There are innumerable people under debt who are plagued by the pressure of paying back their dues to collection agencies. This calls for consolidating their debts. Debt consolidation is a process that saves an individual from handling large debts of multiple creditors thru debt management program.

The debt management program helps to convert the credit cards, medical bills and utility bills debts into monthly manageable payment and also reduce the monthly payment.

In this regard several firms have come up who hire professional debt consolidation staff who first analyze the present debt amount and then negotiate a payment plan with the creditors to lower the interest rates and thereby reduce the debt amount. Late fees, penalties and hidden taxes are also waived off at times. The revised consolidated debt amount is then divided into easy monthly installments that make the repayment plans much easier.
The benefits of a debt consolidation program are:
Elimination or reduction of past interest and penalty: In case of unsecured dues such as credit card dues, the amount due becomes much more than amount borrowed over a period of 4-5 years due to the interest and penalty charges levied on the amount over the due course of time. A debt consolidation program eliminates the interest and penalty charges on the amount borrowed. Now one needs to pay back only the borrowed amount.
Consolidation of Credit Cards: Since people own more than one credit card at any point of time, they need to keep a track of payment of each credit card bill every month separately. In a debt consolidation programs all the accounts are consolidated into one account. So that only one bill is paid against all the credit card statements each month.
Reduction of Average interest rate on the total amount: In case of different credit cards the interest rate varies from 8- 18%. When one goes through the debt consolidation program the interest rate on the consolidated account is much lower. The consolidated account might have an interest rate of only 8%. So the average interest rate for the unsecured debts is reduced significantly.
Acquiring a payment plan depicting your payment abilities: With the debt consolidation program, the consultant first understands the persons needs and restructures the payment plan which suits the current payment capability of the person.

Individual becomes debt free sooner: All the above benefits reduce the payoff time and thereby enable the person to repay the debt faster and easily. With in months this makes the person enrolled in the debt management program to be in control and debt free. In due course of time people are able to be fully debt free and earn better credit scores.

The increased demand for debt consolidation services has created opportunity for unscrupulous telemarketers. They exploit individual debt problems to their advantage and damage many people’s credit in the process. A poor debt consolidation plan can leave one in worse shape than one was before the consolidation of debts.

It is therefore extremely important that one should understand the different types of debt consolidation services available today before rushing into blindly.

Get Another Debt to Be Debt Free?

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

These Debt Consolidation or Debt Continuation Companies don’t tell you what you should absolutely know to be debt free.

78% of people who consolidate their debts will fall again in debts after a short period of time, and will end up in the office of a debt consolidation service.

Why? Simply because you think that you will really be debt free after three or five years, but it is not the case. Let me explain… Those company, after giving you a very nice pitch (anyway, you did not have choice: bankruptcy, home equity – you can loose your home – , debt settlement company another kind of wolf -), promise you that you will pay a lower interest rate.

But what is the catch? Yes there is a catch. The catch is that you will stay longer in debt if you want lower interest rates.

It is not the only reason why I call them Debt Continuation Services. Another reason is: While people are trying to consolidate their debts, they still need to live, and they drag out the credit card for their everyday life. Yes, bills are not stopping while you are trying to get out of debt, it is going on. And those services know that you will come back, this is the reason why they want to help you.

They know that debt consolidation companies are gaining in popularity, and because thousands of customers turn to these services, they continue to grow.

How do they catch so much customers?

Let’s review some examples of pitches promising to be debt free:

* We will help you to eliminate your debts, don’t worry

* Consolidate your bills into one monthly payment without borrowing

* Stop credit harassment, foreclosures, repossessions, tax levies and garnishment

* Keep your property

* Wipe out your debts! Consolidate your bills! How? By using the protection and assistance provided by federal law. For once, let the law work for you

Until here, it sounds good… Let’s continue,

* For that, you just need to pay us a one time bill, or a small fee.

Oh great you say! I found these people and they want to help me, and I will be debt free in less than three years. I must give it a try.

What? They just need to get you more in trouble, by having more debts, paying interest rates, work for them (making them richer than they already are).

And upon that, you need to investigate before choosing any debt consolidation service, because there is a lot of scams out there.

Free Debt Management Services Compared

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

Debt plagues millions of people all over the world. Debt can be a positive thing. For instance, if we never had any debt we would never be able to buy a house or a car. Debt is necessary in many cases, but for some people it can get out of hand. There are many free debt management services available to the public. Each service offers various advantages and perks unique only to their company. Here, several free debt management service characteristics have been compared to give you an idea of what to expect.

Paying Bills For You – Some debt management services use a hands-on approach to your financial problems. They design a program in which you deposit money once a month into a trust account. When your monthly bills come due, the debt management firm pays them for you. This type of service allows you to make one monthly payment while letting the debt management service take care of the rest. Many times these companies will call your creditors and get monthly payments and interest rates lowered. This hands-on type of debt management program is usually exclusively for people in serious financial trouble.

Help With Budgeting – Another free debt management program uses some of the same payment lowering techniques, however it is their last resort. First, these programs take a look at your individual financial situation. They closely examine the cash flow that comes in and goes out of your household. Next, they help you create a budget and assist you with some actual credit counseling. Their goal is to correct the problem at it’s source. If you need additional assistance, they can contact your creditors as well.

Non-Profit Help – The last type of free debt management service is purely nonprofit. Many of these programs are offered as charity services. They assist you in creating a budget that will work for your unique situation. Sometimes these programs are run through churches or other nonprofit organizations. These free debt management services will not contact creditors and get your monthly payments lowered, but they can help you manage the payments you have.

Choosing a free debt management program all comes down to personal preference. Each of the different services have benefits and drawbacks. The bottom line is: you don’t necessarily have to pay a fee to get quality debt management services.

Finding A Debt Consolication Free And Non Profit In MI?

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Finding A Debt Consolication Free And Non Profit In MI?

Green Path is a debt consolidation free and non profit in Michigan. This debt consolidation firm offers an array of services when it comes to taking control of your finances.

Green Path provides free counseling and budget plans that are customized to the needs of each individual.

Their budget assistance is personal and arranged to fit your lifestyle. To begin with you are asked a few key questions about how much outstanding debt you owe, and how much money you earn. When that is finished you will be given an appointment to meet with a certified credit counselor to talk over your options. You will need to bring statements from all of your creditors and a copy of your credit report. If you do not have a credit report you can purchase one from Green Path.

The counselor will help you to figure out all of your options and provide you with a budget and plan of action. You will have 2 choices, to pay the debts yourself or to pay your debts through Green Path. You will have an opportunity to choose.

If you choose to join a debt management program through this debt consolidation free and non profit in Michigan, the counselors at Green Path will be available to answer any of your questions any time you need help, free of charge.

Green Path has pre-filing bankruptcy counseling for a fee. Anyone contemplating bankruptcy is required by law to seek bankruptcy counseling before they are able to file. By taking advantage of a debt management your counselor will be able to get your creditors to lower interest rates, waive fees, and stop collection letters and calls. You will be able to pay down your balance much faster. You may also be able to get a discount on the debt itself. If you are still receiving collection calls and/or letters after 90 days you should refer the creditors to Green Path.

You will be able to consolidate all of your debts into one payment to Green Path. They will then forward all your payments on to your creditors. This is a great alternative for those with many credit accounts all due at a different time. Your counselor well arrange an easier payment plan for you and also make all of your payments due on one convenient date. After completing a debt management program you will feel the personal freedom of living a debt free life.

Green Path will send you a monthly statement showing how much money was sent to them and when and how much was sent to each creditor. Credit counselors are available to answer any questions you may have. Green Path’s credit counselors will work with your creditors to stop repossession, foreclosure and even utility shut off.

Our home and our car are our most important possessions. Credit counselors will make these a priority when calculating how the money will be disbursed. They can help you get back on track so your payments will be brought up to date.

Green Path will work with consistency to make sure all of your debts are paid on time each month. This will improve your credit rating immensely and we all know a good credit rating is paramount if you ever need to borrow money for any reason.

Debt Consolidation Programs – Join To Become Debt Free!

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Are your bills long since due? Do creditors keep calling? Are you deep in debt?

If you answered yes to every question, you are not alone. Statistics show that the average American house holds 13 credit cards, and a combined debt of $5,800 in credit card debt or more. In debt, it’s almost impossible save, invest, or enjoy life due to a lack of financial freedom.

If you are experiencing severe debt difficulties and find it difficult to cope, you really should
not borrow more money. Try to consolidate your debt using some debt consolidation program.

Debt consolidation programs – what are my options?

There are various debt consolidation programs, which gives you a lot of options. You could either select a paid service or go for the many free services available. If comfortable, you could also avail an online program for debt consolidation. Banks and financial firms will provide
you with these services.

Once enrolled in a particular company, you will have a financial analyst or an expert counselor working with you to frame a program to suit your financial need. They then work with your creditors to get lower interest rates and lower monthly payments for you. In some cases,
they might even get creditors to eliminate past fees.

Once your counselor has come to an agreement with each of your creditors, you must begin making payments to the debt consolidation company each month. They will divide your payment among your creditors.

Another benefit of a debt consolidation company is that they will teach you how to use credit wisely and how to budget better so that you won’t find yourself in debt again.

If you want, you can search the Internet using the term “debt consolidation” and you will find a wide variety of companies to choose from who will be willing to help you. Fill out their free, secure online questionnaires; and a representative from each company will get back with you
within 24 hours with a recommendation about your financial situation.