According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, mortgage interest rates are at their lowest levels in five weeks, and not surprisingly more people are seeking home loans.  This is can be seen as a positive sign that the value in homes are increasing slightly instead of homeowners being upside down on their mortgages.

This is both a positive and a negative for some homeowners.  On the positive side, this means they are able to refinance their homes at a lower rate and take advantage of equity in their homes.  But on the negative side, this assumes that the borrowers who are purchasing new homes still have good credit, can make at least a 20% down payment on residences with value of no more than $417,000.

Two important keys to this type of program:

• Loan amount available up to the maximum JUMBO FHA limit in your area
• FHA financing is for Everyone and not limited to first time homebuyers

FHA loans are guaranteed by the government and offer more flexible guidelines than traditional mortgages.  Some of these features are:

·         Down payment of 3.5%

·         Allows for lower credit scores

·         Cash out refinance transactions up to 85% of loan to value

·         No minimum or maximum income limits

When considering to refinance or purchase, a new property, the consumer must be prepared to present a complete financial package to their lender.  By having all the financial information available, this will allow your loan expert to find the correct loan program to fit your financial requirements.

Today everyone is looking for a path to financial freedom during this difficult economic climate.  They are looking for ways to safeguard their reputation and keep their buying and borrowing power.

The consumer knows that loans, bills, mortgages and credit card charges can increase very quickly, in particular the credit cards used for day to day expenses, it is a challenge to maintain the monthly payments.  So in order to safeguard the consumer’s reputation and credit score rating, they need to review and relearn ways to protect themselves.

Some of the things the consumer needs to revisit are the following key ideas:

• Am I borrowing wisely and paying back promptly?
• Have I identified, avoided and recovered from various financial pitfalls?
• Have a gotten a recent copy of my credit report and do I understand it?
• Does my family have a financial plan for the future

The key to being a good credit risk is based upon the consumer’s credit score.  This score is a numerical number assigned to the consumer based upon their credit history. This history is based upon number of opened and closed accounts, payment history, including late or missing payments and collection referral, original credit limit, current balances, etc. The higher your credit score is the better your ability to borrow at more favorable interest rates.  The lower the score the consumer is charged a higher interest rate or decline altogether.

Basically, the consumer needs to obtain a copy of their credit report from one of the following three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.  Once you have this report, the consumer needs to set down and review this report for accurate information. 

There are several methods available to the consumer to consider when trying to get out of debt.  These methods are:

·         Try and manage their current debt themselves – in other words tighten their belt and spending habits.

·         Debt consolidation loan – this would combine all outstanding unsecured debt into a single payment loan. The problem is can the consumer qualify for a new loan with no job or financial hardship issue.

·         Refinance or Home Equity loan – This might work, if the consumer has enough equity in their home, however the repayment may be an issue.

·         Credit counseling service – This program acts like a debt consolidation loan. The consumer pays a third party company who in turns pays a small or set percent each month to the lenders until all the balances are pay off. In addition, there is credit counseling for the debtor and this will also have an affect on your credit score.

·         Bankruptcy – This is the most serious and the final step that a consumer should consider.  The consumer needs to discuss with an attorney all facets of bankruptcy since it will cover all debts, both secured and unsecured.

·         Debt settlement – This is a program by which a third party negotiates with the lender in order to reduce the outstanding balances on unsecured credit cards.

Debt settlement is an alternative approach to the other methods that maybe available to the consumer.  A debt settlement company is a method to use by the consumer to get out of debt.  This debt is typically the consumer’s unsecured credit cards and medical bills.

The other methods which the consumer may consider are:

• Trying to manage their current debt themselves
• Debt consolidation loan
• Home Equity Loan
• Credit consulting
• Bankruptcy

Due to certain financial hardships, the consumer is not longer able to meet their monthly obligations.  This hardship has been caused by loss of job, medical emergency or death in the family. No consumer wants to file bankruptcy since that is the last course of action for the individual and their families. 

Debt settlement is an easier way to resolve the consumer’s obligations.  It is a method by which the unsecured debt is negotiated by a third party with the various credit card lenders. In most cases, the lenders are willing to negotiate a settlement of approximately 50% of what you owe on the obligations.  This is not a quick fix or an overnight process in reducing the consumer debt.  A debt settlement program can take between 12 to 48 months depending on the number of credit cards and the dollar amount outstanding. 

If the consumer is willing to work the program, then debt settlement is a way to proceed to reduce their debt. 

Today’s consumer is overwhelmed with both secured and unsecured debt. This debt burden is causing not only a financial crisis but an emotional crisis within the consumer’s family.  When a family is overloaded with debt and trying to keep their head above water several things need to occur to assist with this situation.

The consumer needs to step off the financial and emotional treadmill they have built for themselves. There are several ways to approach the problem.  The consumer need to investigate the solutions that are currently available for them and their particular financial situation. 

The most common methods are:

·         Bankruptcy - This is the most serious of solutions to your problems.  Please consult an attorney.

·         Debt management/debt counseling - Basically, this program works to get the interest rate lower but the balance is not reduced.  These type of programs are reflected on your credit report.

·         Debt settlement - A third party works on your behalf to negotiate with your lenders to cut your balance from 40 to 50%.

·         Home  equity loan - This is 2nd mortgage against your home if you have any equity in the property.  This is normally an interest only loan with the rate floating at prime rate plus some percentage above prime.

·         Do nothing - This is not a good way to fix the problem.

This is not an overnight solution for the consumer.  If you select debt settlement, you will need to understand all the steps involved in the process. However, it is a method  to reclaim your finances and relieve yourselves from the pressure of the mounting debt burden.  

According to debt expert Gerri Detweiler, author of “The Ultimate Credit Handbook”, “It’s a little-know fact that when you fall further and further behind on your payments, creditors would much rather agree to settle your debts than have you file bankruptcy and not get paid at all.”

So call an expert today to find a solid solution for your problem.

Has your monthly spending continued to outgrow your earnings? Have you suffered an medical emergency or lost your job? This is very typical of our economics in today’s reality and if this is your situation then a debt settlement company may be the solution.

Debt settlement is a method by which a third party negotiates with your lenders to reduce your unsecured credit card debt. With that said - it’s important for the consumer to have an understanding of their options and various alternative that may solve their finances.

The alternatives available to the consumer are: debt consolidation, debt counseling, equity loan on home, bankruptcy or debt settlement.

So a quick review of these alternatives:

·         Home equity loan - This allows the consumer to borrow against their personal residence.  There may or may not be enough equity in their residence to qualify for this loan.

·         Bankruptcy - This is a major step for the consumer.  The consumer needs to discuss with their attorney.

·         Debt consolidation - This approach allows the consumer to pick and choose which debts to consolidation into a term loan with a lender.  A term loan is normally secured by collateral from your lender and can try up to 5 years to repay.

·         Debt counseling - The consumer meets with a counselor to determine an set budget to pay off your debt to the lenders. The consumer is still required to pay off their entire balances.

·         Debt settlement - The debt settlement company establishes a monthly repayment plan. After at least half of your lowest outstanding unsecured credit card balance is achieved. The third party will negotiate with your lender to reduce your debt.  This negotiation can be from 40 to 50% of the balance. This process can take between 12 to 48 months depending upon your debt burden.

When compared against the other alternatives it appears to be a better method in changing your financial situation.  If is important for the consumer to understand all the step involved in a debt settlement.  Call today to speak with a representative!

Getting out of debt is something that as a consumer needs to be done for you and your family. This can be accomplished through a variety of plans and programs. However, every consumer needs to explore their options before selecting a plan or program.  Here are some of your options……

• Debt Consolidation
• Bankruptcy either Chapter 7 or 11
• Debt Settlement
• Do nothing approach

Before selecting a plan, the consumer needs to understand how and why they are in this current financial situation. This debt was caused by:

• Unable to payoff full balances on credit cards
• Making minimum monthly payments , charging more expenses which increased limits along with the growing interest payments
• Used credit cards to purchase goods and services
• Take on more credit cards to payoff old credit cards

A debt settlement program is a better alternative to the above referenced programs.  The reason for using a debt settlement company is they will negotiate on your behalf.  They will deal with the credit card companies and work to achieve a settlement of up to half of your current balance.  This is not any easy program for the consumer. It requires financial discipline and an understanding of the program.  It may take anywhere from 12 to 48 months to be complete free of the consumer debt burden under a structured debt settlement program.

Here are a few items which you will need to address when entering into a debt settlement program: 1) be aware that your credit score will take a hit but it probably already is low due to high balances, minimum monthly payments or late payments, 2) as debt is be negotiated your credit score can begin to rise, and 3) there maybe tax ramifications upon final negotiations with the credit card company.

Debt settlement companies work because creditors often except settlements because if they don’t the consumer most likely will file for bankruptcy.  In most cases, this eliminates the any funds to the unsecured creditors.

Contact us today to discuss a debt settlement program that is right for you and your family.

There are various kinds of options that consumers are given to get rid of their debts. In your credit  card debt payments have spiraled to 25 percent to 50 percent of your take home pay, you probably need some help with getting that problem corrected.   In today’s economy you are probably reeling from the weight of your credit card bills.  As painful as the situation is - you can fix your financial situation with Debt Settlement.

The debt settlement company negotiates on the borrowers’ behalf with creditors to reduce the overall debts in exchanged for an agreement upon regular payments.  The debt settlement companies typically have relationships during their normal business practices with the credit card companies and can come.

You see, debt settlement consist of long term payment agreements which can last from 12 -48 months.  If you are considering a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy that involves a long term repayment schedule from 5-7 years The process of Debt Settlement can be completed in a matter of months, depending on your ability to  pay the reduced settlement balances to your creditors. 

If your anxious to put your debt behind you sooner rather than later, you’ll be pleased with your decision to choose debt settlement to resolve your current financial situation.

Due to unfortunate circumstances in our nation as well as around the world, many of us are struggling to make ends meet. We have rising prices in the cost of heating and cooling our homes and maintaining our cars. Shoppers are shocked at cost increases in groceries, clothing and other miscellaneous items. How do we manage to deal with these expenses? Those with adjusted ARM home mortgages, car and credit card payments in addition to normal costs of living often just can’t stretch their available income to cover everything and sometimes the house mortgage is one of those left unpaid.

Do Not Give In To Collectors

We frequently receive unwanted and unnecessary threatening phone calls from collection agencies for our past-due credit cards. When faced with choices of which bills to delay a month, we give into the pressure and make the minimum credit card payment. These collection agencies are quite skilled in intimidation and scare-tactics and sometimes that’s the best method for these collectors to get overdue payments as the debtors just want to get rid of the harassment.

Meet Your Living Expenses Before Paying Credit Card Debt

Although it’s not proper to neglect to pay your just debts when money is limited, decisions need to be made as to importance of the bills you are facing. Being on limited income and continuously facing higher costs of living, it’s a necessity to decide on what takes priority for payment and what can take a “backseat” for a month or two.  Housing, car payments, utilities and food costs must be met. Also, to be considered are insurance premiums. In some communities, medical needs will not be met unless one carries insurance, although the cost of these premiums can increase budget costs. State laws require car insurance, because should you not carry liability coverage and are involved in a car
accident, serious legal consequences will follow.

Prioritize Your Bills

After planning your budget and paying the most necessary bills, then should you have money remaining, make those credit card minimum payments. If left without any money, then don’t be stressed out over the unpaid credit card bill(s). It is not likely your wages will be garnished. You will probably receive more unpleasant phone calls from credit card collectors, so calmly explain you’ve paid your main housing/living expenses and have depleted your funds.  If bill collectors get nasty, lose their temper or start being obnoxious, you could lay phone down without hanging up and walk into another room. Losing your “cool” and responding to their verbal abuse lets them “win” which is their real motive or intention.

Catch Up Later On Credit Card Debt

After your financial circumstances improve, plan on catching up on all your overdue bills especially clearing up your credit card indebtedness. Try to pay off the least amount owed first, and then apply that amount to the next higher bill. Eventually, you’ll be able to get yourself out of debt. But be careful that, after doing so, you use wisdom by using credit cards only when absolutely necessary, and if possible by paying the entire balance off each month.  Remember though that the most important issue is in keeping current on your house payments and normal living expenses.  If you want more information on negotiating with bill collectors Negotiating with Collection Agencies, Bill Collectors, and Debt Collectors - 10 Tips.

Debt Free Dave has been in the mortgage and consumer finance business for over 10 years. He has a Finance and Real Estate degree from the University of Arizona. This Article is designed to be of general interest and should not be considered legal advice. The specific information discussed may not apply to you. Before acting on any matter contained herein, you should consult with your personal legal adviser.

I just saw on the Phillips & Associates website that they are doing debt negotiation and debt settlement.  The Phillips & Associates company is run by Jeffrey Phillips.   Phillips and Associates is the same company that does DUI and Bankruptcy.  Their commercials are pretty bad.  It looks like they have the people read right off a card.  I cannot see how the actual clients agree to go on TV an embarrass themselves.  They must offer to reduce their legal bills. Continue Reading »

As you all know, Labor Day marks the end of summer and  the beginning of a new month. Because I really don’t have any interesting tidbits to tell you about the history Labor Day or what the month of August used to mean in SomeYear BC, I’ll move on to the good stuff.

For the month of August, $650,555 worth of debt was settled at an average of 44%, handling 120 of our client’s accounts. Additionally, as a running total, there have been 67 graduations in the last year, 9 of which were in the last month (and more to come!). Continue Reading »

When you settle debts through a debt negotiation program, will you get a 1099 for what you save? You will not get a 1099 if you can demonstrate that you are financially insolvent. IRS Publication 908 states that you must owe more than you have in assets at the time of the debt settlement agreement with your creditor. You would only pay tax on the amount of solvency you have. If you save $5000 on a debt settlement agreement and have $1500 in assets, you would pay tax on $1500. Speak with a tax adviser or tax professional to see how this would apply to you before registering into a debt settlement program.

Do I have to pay income tax if I am in a debt negotiation program? Continue Reading »

How do you use a credit card? The credit card industry has changed the way we buy consumables. You see Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express logos everywhere now. You can even buy your hamburgers at McDonalds with a credit card. It is now convenient to make purchases even if you don’t have the money. Anyone who survived the depression would probably cringe. Back then if you didn’t have the money you didn’t buy it. Bank loans were tough to come by. So if you couldn’t afford something you just made do. Now you can go buy something an hope to figure out how to pay for it later. This type of thinking has made us a nation of debtors. At no point in our history have we seen such an abundance of debt and financial issues facing people. Bankruptcies in our country are at an all time high with no relief in sight. Continue Reading »

Tips on Negotiating your Debt with Bill Collectors and Collection Agencies

Many Americans now feel that their debts are spiraling out of control and there is nothing they can do but have an attorney file for a bankruptcy. Most debtors believe all of those freighting stories told by the bill collectors of the impending doom that faces them. The biggest scare tactic used is utterance of a wage garnishment and seizure of property. The collection agencies usually fail to point out that they will first need to go to court and get a judgment to be able to do anything to you. I recommend that bankruptcy would be your last option in trying to get out of debt. Most debtors jump to quick to do a bankruptcy before examining all the possibilities that exist to resolve the debt. Usually this option is exercised out of fear and wanting it to go away quickly. I hope that this information will educate you in this area of the unknown for you. Continue Reading »

How Does Consumer Credit Counseling Work?

This information going to discuss the advantages of doing a Consumer Credit Counseling program. You may have heard of debt consoladation referred to as Consumer Credit Counseling, CCCS or debt management. To clear up the confusion, they are pretty much the same thing. Doing a debt management program is much different than doing a debt settlement program. In debt settlement you are negotiating down the amount of principal to pay back and debt consoladation you are negotiating the interest rates. In consumer credit counseling you will pay all of the principal plus interest. Debt negotiation will save you a lot of money in the principal but your credit score will get wrecked during the process. In debt negotiation you will pay back less than you originally borrowed. As you can imagine your creditors do not like that too much. Continue Reading »

Debt Settlement vs. a Home Equity Line to pay of your Credit Card debt

Getting yourself into debt can be a scary as well as a frustrating experience. Getting hounded by debt collectors night and day can be exhausting as well as emotionally draining. But there are options that you can take to take care of the problem quickly. The two that we are going to discuss in the article are refinancing your home to pay off the debt or doing a debt negotiation program. Continue Reading »

Debt Settlement tips from the experts – Debt Negotiation

Most consumers have questions about debt settlement and debt negotiation programs for their past due accounts and collections. This article is a commentary about the debt settlement industry. I think the first thing to talk about is what debt settlement and debt negotiation are not. Debt Negotiation is not about avoiding paying your bills. This is just a wishful thinking. If you borrow money from someone, they are going to want it back. This is only reasonable. If you borrowed money from someone, they can come after it for you. Some will come after you very aggressively. Creditors do have rights to contact you for repayment. Debt Settlement is not Bankruptcy. Continue Reading »

10 Tips on how to do your own Debt Negotiation and work with collection agencies, bill collectors and creditors

If you are going to do your own debt negotiation you are probably going to go up against a tough and aggressive pro. By following these steps you can take the upper hand and save yourself thousands by doing a debt settlement.

I think the first step in the game is to know what the rules of debt collection are. The more information you know about debt collection practices, the less harassment you will get. If a debt collector knows that you know the game, they probably wont mess with you as much. You need to become very familiar with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1977. You can also get a free booklet for the rules of debt collecting form the National Consumer Law Center. Continue Reading »