Some consumers have been facing financial hardship such as the lost of a job, reduced salary, divorce, death or a medical emergency. During these time loans, bills and credit cards can quickly pile up and destroy the consumer’s ability to repay their financial obligations. Not only are these obligations weighting heavily on the consumer, the various credit card lenders are increasing the interest rates and fees on the consumer’s credit cards.

So what is the consumer to do about this situation?  Some of the solutions make sound simply, in a normal economic such as:

• Borrow only what you need
• Pay all bills promptly and more than the required monthly minimum payment
• Understand your credit report
• Recognize financial situations
• Understand the type of loan you are requesting, is it an open credit, revolving or installment loan.  Know the terms and repayment requirements.

One way to reorganize their financial situation is to:

• Call their mortgage lender to discuss a loan modification – This will achieve lower monthly payments
• Order a credit report – The consumer needs to know their credit score and identify any errors.
• If the consumer currently has a good credit score, call the credit card companies to obtain a lower interest rate 

A good credit rating is one of the keys to financial freedom in today’s economic climate.

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.

How do I get rid of credit card debt fast?  Being in credit card debt can be a frustrating and scary experience.  The over the limit fees and the late fees can get burdensome if not pushing you over the financial edge.  If you have your back against the wall you do have a few options.

What Is The Quickest Way To Get Out Of Debt? Continue Reading »

Many debtors will wake up one day and ask the question, how did this happen to me.  How did I get in this much debt?  The truth is that it does not happen all at once.  Debt is a consequence of a series of decisions that are usually lies to yourself.  You may tell yourself that you will pay the bill in full when you get it, only to pay the minimum payments.  There may be emotional triggers that push you to buy things that you really do not even want.  You may be trying to fill up that empty hole inside of you.  Unfortunately it is short term pleasure and long term pain.  The joy of a purchase may only last a few minutes or even a few seconds but the reality of paying of a credit card purchase can last for years or even decades.

What Is The Long Term Cost Of Being In Debt? Continue Reading »

Just because you are in debt does not make you a bad person. You are only human. If you were perfect you would be a perfect being and not a human being. You can learn from your mistakes and become a better person for it. I promise that you will come out of your financial circumstances better than when you went into them. Continue Reading »