As the number of bankruptcies filed has grown by five times over the last 25 years, according to the Federal Reserve, debt settlement has become the popular alternative. The question is: To negotiate ones own settlement, or to seek professional debt settlement assistance? 'Debt settlement refers to the process of negotiation, as well as the mutually agreed upon lower-than-original settled amount. In the face of financial hardship, should a consumer file bankruptcy, the creditor gets paid little if anything. Through settlement, we can provide both creditors and debtors with workable solutions that are beneficial to both parties, says Todd Hayes, Managing Director, Precept Financial Solutions, the first debt settlement company to be admitted to the American Bankers Association. The ten main pitfalls of negotiating ones own debt, plus associated benefits one may expect from a professional debt resolution service are: 1)Lack of Leverage of an Individual Against a Barrage of Creditor Companies: A debt settlement companys status as a company and its relationships with creditors add strength to the companys position in negotiating settlements on behalf of their clients. 2)Needing to Get to the Right People: The chances of being transferred to the appropriate persons inside the creditor organization in a smooth and timely manner are low for the individual, and extremely frustrating. A debt settlement company already has the contacts and goes straight through. 3)Industry Jargon: Yesteryear, the use of terminology was not an issue. Today, a debt settlement company has the advantage of being able to expedite the process by effectively using industry jargon, which comes only through experience. 4)When Creditors Claim Agreement Not Final: A debt settlement company knows how to make an agreement stick. 5)One Individuals Word Against Creditor Companies on Procedural Issues: According to Hayes, It is well known within the industry that the quality of ones record-keeping can make the difference between a good settlement and a bad settlement. A debt settlement company is able to provide a history and system of record keeping. When creditors claim they did not send or did not receive a document, which they frequently do, it can drive the most highly organized individuals to tears. 6)Knowing Just Enough to be Dangerous: There is a long back-end to the debt collections sector of the credit industry with many various specialized, highly skilled professionals at each stop. To suppose that someone knows more than they do is the equivalent of one picking up a sword for the very first time and challenging a professional swordsman to a duel, says Hayes. 7)Thinking that Free Help from Consumer Credit Counseling Is To Do-It-Oneself With Advice: Use of consumer credit counseling is recorded on credit reports as third party intervention, and consumer credit counseling services do not get the principal debt amount lowered, only the interest rate. Unbeknownst, they are primarily funded by credit card companies and banks. For-profit debt settlement companies represent the best interests of their clients exclusively since they are being paid solely by their clients. 8)Threats of Litigation for Wage Garnishment or Property Seizure: Risk varies on a case by case basis. A debt settlement company represents its clients in debt negotiations, and understands when threats are real, how to best handle them, and acts as a buffer for potentially high impact emotional interchange, which is commonplace in debt settlement negotiations. 9)Not Making an Informed Decision on Debt Settlement Company Fees by Neglecting to Actually Find Out: Fees vary from case to case. It is best to call and speak directly to a debt assistance specialist, who will help the caller identify their best option, and explain how fees would work if they qualify for debt settlement. Generally, even with fees, debt settlement companies can save their clients up to 50% off the original debt, and be debt free in about 36 months, which is shorter than any other alternative. 10)No Man is an Island: Although some people may be able to do their own taxes, oil changes and automotive repair, they save time and get much better results having specialists assist them. Debt settlement is a highly complex and emotionally charged area where having the representation of a specialist simply makes better financial sense. For an individual personal or business debt solution analysis to help find one's best debt resolution option, visit Precept Financial's home page or contact a debt specialist at the number provided below. 2006 Precept Financial Solutions |
