A debt settlement plan is a consolidation plan that basically provides lender forgiveness on portions of the unsecured debts owed, usually
credit card debts that have been sold to outside collection agencies for pennies on the dollar. Consumers who have reached the point where
they are simply unable to afford regular monthly payments can seek bad credit settlement solutions for economic relief through debt
negotiation.debt consolidation
Lenders â€" forgive â€" the majority of the consumers total balances due via negotiations made on behalf of the consumer by the third
party debt settlement agency. Debtors are placed on a new payment plan based on the amount of debt they owe and the estimated pay off
time frame, usually between 24-36 months. Â The new monthly payment also coincides with the consumers financial analysis or
household budget to ensure they can afford the program and successfully complete the payment plan.
In a settlement plan, creditors are not paid monthly. The consumer is required to make monthly payments to the settlement agency and
funds are held in a trust account in an effort to build up an agreeable amount over time to offer in a proposed settlement pay off with the
original creditor.debt consolidation
Accounts must be in a charged off status to begin settlement negotiations. An account â€"charges off â€" when it has gone 5 to 6 months
consecutively without any payments. After said time period, the creditor writes off the debt and usually sells it to an outside collection
agency for pennies on the dollar. Once an account is charged off it remains as a negative blemish on a consumers credit report for seven
years. Paid in full or not, the negative mark will remain for seven years.
In noting such, it is understood that debt settlement is not for everyone. A settlement plan is best suited for those who simply cannot
afford their monthly payments or have fallen severely behind on their monthly payments. Debtors who are thinking about filing
bankruptcy could also consider settlements as an alternative. While a bankruptcy remains on your credit for 10 years, charged off
accounts from a settlement plan only remain as negatives for 7 years.
If a debtor is just a few months behind a general debt consolidation credit counseling plan should be sought for debt elimination.
Consumers who are current and want to stay current to maintain a positive credit rating could also consider debt consolidation credit
counseling services over a settlement plan to eliminate their debts faster while still building their credit score.
Basically, a settlement plan is only truly beneficial to those consumers who are behind in payments more than 5 months or are looking at
bankruptcy but would like to avoid filing.
Like most consolidation plans only certain types of accounts can qualify for a settlement plan. Credit card, medical, and personal loans
are the most common type of monetary dilemmas that can be settled. However, secured loans, mortgages, and car loans can't be settled
because anything a creditor can acquire as collateral is considered off the table. Student loans also cannot be settled.
It is best to work with an industry professional to help assess how a settlement plan could help you be debt free or what other options may
best suit your individual needs and long term credit goals. Most non profits employ certified credit counselors who provide a free financial
analysis, budget counseling session, and consolidation quote without any commitment from the consumer inquiring. These agencies can
be easily found online but be sure to find a company that has client reviews and testimonials from their own experience as there a lot of
scam companies out there as well. It is always best to check a company out with the Better Business Bureau before providing any
paperwork or banking information locking you into a consolidation plan.
To speak with a BBB Rated A+ nonprofit certified credit counselor please contact Freedom Debt at 800-905-1563 or visit our website
freedomdm.org and complete our contact request form to be reached at a time that is convenient for you and your schedule. You can also
opt for our LIVE CHAT feature and speak to a certified credit counselor online immediately. You can be debt free, Freedom Debt can help.
â€" Michael Brazier x 232.debt consolidation
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