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.

Addiction to Credit Cards

In today's society many Americans are addicted to buying almost everything on credit. Perhaps out of convenience - to simplify their life or maybe out of personal or economical hardship. The retailers make it possible for us to thrive on this concept with buying everything on credit.

However, it doesn't take long before your wallet is filled up with bank cards and department store cards. Most people think that it is easy to pay them off at the end of the month. Easier said than done. Many people start to justify reasons to use the cards. It's easier than to part with cash.

The debt builds up slowly with no major purchases to show for. And before you know it - you can be thousands of dollars in debt with no end in sight. This type of consumer debt is considered unsecured debt verses secured debt. The difference between the two types of debt is at secured debt is backed by some type of collateral with fixed payments to reduce the debt while unsecured has high interest rates, no tax advantages and is not collateralized.

In the beginning, the consumer feels it's alright about repaying only the monthly minimum payment because they believe the next month they will be able to paid more on their account. This gives the consumer a feeling of confidence to continue to spend more freely and leads them down the path of spending more than they earn each month. However this spiraling debt only continues to grow and the consumer is now facing added pressure to met their financial obligations.

Because of this spiraling debt, the consumer needs to consider how to get out of debt. One of the options for the consumer is debt settlement. Debt settlement is a method by which a third party works on the consumer's behalf to negotiate with the credit card companies. This process requires the consumer to stop using their credit cards, budget their finances and start saving a certain amount of money each month. This money is placed in a "trust" account and until it achieves at least half of your lowest balance credit card before the third party company can start negotiating. This process may take between 12 months to 48 months to clear all of your unsecured debt.

Now is the time to explore how our debt settlement company can help you out of the depths of financial problems. Contact Debt Free Partners to speak with a representative.

Should I File For Bankruptcy?

Should I File For Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? Bankruptcy should be your last resort. Your should explore all of your options before doing a BK. You could consider debt settlement, debt consolidation, cccs or even a debt management program. Bankruptcy should be avoided especially for a small amount of debt. A bankruptcy will stay with you for up to 10 years as it is reflected on your credit report.

Debt Negotiation Information

What is Christian Debt Consolidation?

What is Christian Debt Consolidation? It is a non profit debt consolidation program run by Christians and Christian ideals. They are Christians so you can trust them. If you can't pay your bills they may be able to help.

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Debt Articles

Should I pay off a judgment?

Should I pay off a judgment? If you have a judgment showing on your credit report your credit is probably getting hammered. You need to pay it off it you want to get your credit back in shape. I have seen credit scores jump 150 points or more just by taking one judgment off your credit bureau. For information on how to negotiate a judgment go to

DebtNegotiationZone.com.

Can I negotiate my medical bills

Can I negotiate my medical bills? If you are in collections on your medical bills you can negotiate them down. You can typically negotiate your medical bills for about 50% of what you owe. You can also hire a debt negotiation company to do this for you if you do not feel like playing the game. It wont cost you anymore money to use a debt settlement firm.

Can I negotiate my medical bills

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What is debt consoladation?

What is debt consoladation? Debt consolidation will give you one payment instead of many. If you are getting behind on your bills and are experiencing late payments and over the limit fees, debt consolidation may be for you. It is a way to lower payments and possibly even an option to filing bankruptcy. Once you miss a few payments, your creditors are going to jack up your rates and then you are screwed. Debt consoladation is a way to break the cycle of debt. Once you enroll in a program, your interest rates and payments will be lower. Often the debt consolidation company will work out a plan for you to be out of debt in less than 5 years.

Debt consoladation article

Debt Settlement America

Re-Aging A Credit Account - What Is It? How Do I Do It?

There are many tips and techniques for improving your credit and your scores. This technique called "Re-Aging" demonstrates to your creditor your intention to pay them as you agreed when you borrowed (charged) their money.

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credit card debt and settlement

How do I get creditors to stop harassing me?

The simplest answer to get creditors to stop calling you is to hire an attorney that specializes in debt negotiation. Once your hire the lawyer all calls by the creditors must be directed to the attorney and not to you. Typically the attorney will send out a letter to the credit that the law firm is taking over the case. Legally they are notified and must comply with the letter. If they do not comply they may be violating the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and could be subject to a fine.

If you do not want to settle your debts yourself you may want to hire an attorney to do your debt settlement.

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Why would a creditor be willing to settle a debt with me?

I am often asked why a creditor would settle old debt for pennies on the dollar. The answer is simple really, millions of dollars of debt every year go uncollected and probably would never be collected. Something is better than nothing. Often the debt has already been written off and is owned now by a collection agency. They probably bought the debt for pennies, so if they get 25 cents they may be happy. That would be a big profit to them. If they make your an offer, you don't have to take it. You can negotiate with them. See if they would take less. I have been in the debt negotiation business for nearly 9 years. It only seems like they have the power. If you know how to play the game with them you can save yourself thousands. They may threaten you and say that your credit will be ruined. This is not the case. Once you settle the debt with them it will not be reported negatively anymore. Be sure to get documentation form them that the debt has been satisfied. If you notice that your credit bureau has not been updated you will have your documentation to fall back on. If you send it in to the credit repositories they have to change the notation from unpaid to a paid collection. A paid collection mark on your credit is ok. It is actually a positive mark in your credit.


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