Credit Cards and Debt Settlement

Credits cards were originally designed to give the consumer short term borrowing ability. The cards were first used by major department stores for purchases only at their locations. In some cases, this was the consumer’s first credit card or credit in their name. Then the first major credit card issued by a non-retail company was the Diner’s Club card. This card was considered to be a business card to cover entertainment and meals and repaid in full each month. Then the major banks become players in issuing credit cards and the borrowers were on their way to creating new financial problems for themselves.

In the beginning, the consumer used the card judiciously and paid off the balance in full monthly. However over time, the consumer started paying only the monthly minimum payment along with a little bit toward the principal balance. The consumer was alright with this practice because they had enough monthly cash flow along with a good job and the economic was doing fine. From time to time because the economic climate was on the up swing, the consumer had equity in their homes. Because of the equity, the consumer would refinance their homes at a lower rate and take monies out to pay off their unsecured debt. This way of handling finances was alright as long as the economic was in a positive position.

This all changed over the past several years. Consumer’s started facing financial hardships, lost of job, reduced salaries, and divorce or faced a medical emergency along with the adjusted interest rate on their mortgages and increased unsecured credit card debt.

The consumer was faced with the reality of how to get out of debt. In most cases, this is the first time many consumers were faced with these uncertain financial times. So the consumer started looking for ways to payoff their financial obligations.

One of the options the consumer is selecting is a debt settlement program. Debt settlement is a method by which a third party negotiates with the lenders to reduce your obligation by up to 50% of the outstanding debt. The consumer puts aside a set amount of monies each month into a “trust/escrow” account over a period of 12 to 48 months depending upon the amount of their credit card debt. The debt settlement company starts to negotiate when at least half of the lowest balance is in the account. This proceed is repeated until all debts are settled.

Debt Settlement a Solution!

The consumer needed a way out of their current financial situation. The average consumer does not want to totally walk away from their obligations but just needs a method by which to handle their situation. In some cases, the loss of a job will be corrected and the consumer will be able to get back on track. It is during this time, that the consumer is seeking some type of financial relief from their lenders.

One of the ways to get relief is to use a debt settlement program. This program is not an easy fix or an overnight miracle for the consumer, this program can take between 12 to 48 months depending on the size of your debt. Basically the debt settlement program works with the consumer to establish a payment plan by which monies are placed monthly into a “trust/escrow account.” When a less half of the monies owed to a lender on your lowest balance credit card, then the debt settlement expert will begin to negotiate on the consumer’s behalf. The monthly payments into the account are normally much less than the current minimum monthly credit card payments. The debt settlement company is usually able to negotiate a 40 to 50 percent reduction of the consumer’s debt.

Debt Settlement Cost

Today’s consumer’s largest problem is their unsecured credit card debt. This debt can be reduced by considering a debt settlement program. The consumer might consider this program because they want to paid off their credit cards but have been struggling because of possible job loss or reduced salary or a medical emergency.

The consumer is asking themselves how can get out from this burden. If we take a quick review of what it is costing the consumer on their unsecured credit cards. For example:

· Credit Card debt of $30,000
· 3 years of interest at 19% is $17,100
· 5 years of interest at 19% is $28,500

The above interest figures do not calculate any principal reduction on the $30,000 outstanding. So you can see that you are not making any headway on reducing your debt only adding to your financial situation.

If you have faced a financial hardship, then consider using the debt settlement method. Under a debt settlement program, a third party will negotiate with the lenders to reduce you debt possible up 50%. This would mean you would cut your outstanding balances in half and would save up to $17,100 or $28,500 over the next three to five years.

Here is an example of a possible monthly program:

Credit card debt reduced from $30,000 to $15,000
Minimum monthly payments of $700.00 for 24 months*
Minimum monthly payments of $500.00 for 36 months*
*This figures are an estimate only

So isn’t time do something about your financial situation. Debt settlement may not be the right program for everyone. However as a consumer, you need to call an expert today to discuss a program that is right for you and your family.

Credit scores and your debt's

Debt settlement is an alternative method of getting the consumer out of their unsecured debt burden. It is a program what is intended for those consumers facing undue financial hardship caused by the loss of a job, death of a spouse or medical emergency. The debt settlement option which is available to consumers is sometimes considered the last resource before filing bankruptcy. The majority of consumers do not want to take that approach since filing bankruptcy would cover both unsecured and secured debt. Under taking bankruptcy is a major step for the consumer who should consult an attorney to discuss the in’s and out’s of filing bankruptcy.

When the consumer decides to use a debt settlement company one of the issue discussed how this will affect the consumer’s credit score. In the past, the higher your FICO (credit score) score the better risk you are to lenders. This score has meant you might be able to get lower interest rates either on your secured or unsecured borrowings. The three major credit reporting services use a numerical range of between 300 to 800. According to John UYlzhelmer, president of consumer education at Credit.com, “A 700 used to be enough to nab the best rates, but now a consumer needs a FICO score of 750.”

However, if the consumer is seeking out a debt settlement program their FICO score’s have already dropped. The drop in score has been caused by late payment, over limit or high balances. In fact, paying off a card and keeping it inactive will not necessary hurt your credit score nor will it help your credit score. Recent news articles have indicated that lenders are closing or reducing credit limits on inactive or low usage credit cards. This is also having a negative affect on the consumer’s credit score. So this means if you had good credit and are not facing a difficult financial situation, your credit score is dropping anyway.

The good news is as your debts are negotiated your credit score will begin to improve again. According to creditcards.com, the average household has about $10,679 in unsecured debt. By paying this debt down, is another key to lifting your score, making up 30 percent of the score.