Debt Consolidation Company

Debt consolidation companies are showing up all over the place; in television ads, in the phone directory, and on the Internet there are countless organizations who offer their services for the consumer suffering from financial burdens. A debt consolidation company does just what the name implies. They consolidate all debts into one account, reducing payments, usually over a two to four year time span. Before this actually takes place, the companies contact the creditors to negotiate a lower interest rate. Sometimes, an agency even succeeds in lowering the principal. These organizations disburse funds to the various creditors after the consumer sends a monthly payment, thus simplifying the payment procedure. One of the requirements a debt consolidation company has when the consumer engages in their services is that the debtor must close all credit card accounts and destroy the cards. For a debtor who is used to using a credit card all the time, this requirement by debt consolidation companies is tantamount to cigarette smoker having to quit cold turkey. It requires a change in priorities and a new attitude toward buying. The credit card gave the debtor a certain feeling of security, but the debt consolidation companies are aware that this account is the very thing that got the debtor into trouble in the first place. The freedom from indebtedness and the worry that it causes is the payoff. In addition to credit consolidation companies that are in business for that purpose only, there are legal firms who advertise these services also. They have the advantage of a greater understanding of the law, but their fees are higher than other organizations. Also, they often tend to steer a debtor toward bankruptcy quicker than counselors not working through a law firm.

In addition to helping a debtor get out of the trouble created by irresponsible spending, a debt consolidation company will offer it's clients financial counseling to help make the transition. This service is just as important as the consolidation itself. If a client goes right back down the same path, the logical ending is bankruptcy, and that has long term effects on a person's credit. Debt consolidation companies are not all alike, however, and some who advertise as being non-profit are really for profit companies. It is important for a debtor to check an organization out with the Better Business Bureau before signing any agreement. Even in Biblical times, there were occasions where debtors were shown kindness. In Luke 16:5-6, there is this passage: "So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty."

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Non Profit Debt Consolidation Program

People in debt often choose a non profit debt consolidation program when they cannot afford the fees of more traditional consolidation services. When unexpected medical bills, student loans, credit card payments, and other loans start piling up, individuals without a solid financial plan can easily panic. Income flow is less than what is due. As payments fall behind, late fees and interest rates climb at an astonishing rate. Paying for an expensive for-profit money management service can seem unrealistic when money is the issue to begin with. Non profit programs tend to be less expensive, although that is not always the case. A non profit debt consolidation program can offer the lifeline an individual needs to get out of a financial bind and stay debt-free. These programs help debtors establish a repayment plan, consolidating multiple bills into one lower and affordable monthly payment often with a reduced interest rate and better terms. Service professionals negotiate with creditors to lower amount owed and waive or reduce late fees and other charges the debtor has incurred. Enrollment in a program will usually stop annoying collection calls from creditors demanding their money. They work on a person's behalf to reach an agreement that both parties can manage. Payments are made to the service who then distributes monies to the various collectors. Many non profit debt consolidation programs also offer free financial management and budget courses to help consumers stay on the right track. Sometimes, referrals to local social service organizations are made for further assistance.

What attracts many people to these programs are low fees or free services. Since a non profit debt consolidation program often gets funding from the federal government, it can keep fees and rates quite low. Banks, credit unions, financial organizations, and other financial counseling services also offer similar programs. Members of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) are required to provide services that are affordable to the consumer. For more than 50 years, the NFCC has ensured accurate reporting of services and fair repayment plans. Currently about 150 organizations are members and are bound by the reputation and promises made by the organization. "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9)

However, while receiving assistance from a non profit debt consolidation program may seem like a great solution, consumers must weigh both the pros and cons before making the final decision. Although some claim to pay for expenses through donations, those "donations" aren't always voluntary. A percentage of each payment may actually go towards organizational fees and not to the creditors. Others may withhold the first few installments to cover fees, meaning that it may be months before a creditor receives anything. These late payments can further destroy an individual's credit rating. Although financial counselors may also be able to settle an account at 50-75% the amount owed, the consumer may not know that this settlement is listed on his or her credit report. Settled accounts damage credit scores even further. These organizations will usually not let debtors know that they can even take care of the situation on their own by contacting creditors to negotiate lower payments on their own. This can be difficult and time consuming, but it is an option.

Unfortunately, as the popularity of such services is on the rise, so are scams. Many promise offers such as clearing debt or fixing credit scores within a few months. This is impossible. Just as debt takes time to incur, it takes time to fix. Credit scores are based on financial habits. These can't be fixed overnight. At one time, most non profit debt consolidation program scams were offered over the Internet. Under the disguise of a professional-looking website, scammers would collect personal information such as credit card and bank account numbers and then withdraw or spend money without the consumer's consent. Now, many advertise on radio or television under new terminology such as debt negotiation or settlement companies. Some will advertise services that are completely free, but fees are hidden within the interest rate or consolidation plan. Others claim to be local companies when they are actually managed overseas.

Choosing a non profit debt consolidation program doesn't have to be scary. There are legitimate organizations who truly want to help consumers with their financial problems. It may take a little effort to find those companies, but they are out there. Shop around. Ask for referrals. Check consumer guides and reported complaints with the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Make sure counselors are certified through the NFCC. Individuals must make sure that fees and collection processes are completely understood and in writing. Ask for proof of the company's 501(c)3 certificate of non profit status. However, all non profit means is that the organization's expenses are tax-deductible. That doesn't necessarily mean that their fees will be free or cheap. Be aware of companies that solicit business over the phone. Reputable organizations usually will not solicit, even through the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule allows non profit organization special exemptions. Most importantly, don't provide personal information until credibility has been established.

Some organizations may market themselves under a Christian non profit debt consolidation program to appear more credible or reputable. While some may include a faith element and truly have good intentions, others are no different than other organizations. Consumers must not allow a Christian name to sway them from making all the necessary checks before signing. When in doubt, churches and other religious organizations may even offer or recommend services directly. Some receive funding from their parishioners or other third party entities that enables them to offers services at low cost. If this is the case, the service is probably trustworthy. But checking thoroughly will protect consumers who might otherwise be vulnerable to promises that organizations cannot possibly keep.

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Credit Card Debt Consolidation Program

A consumer who has a lot of financial obligations should evaluate how they got that way. What made them apply for more credit cards and take out other types of loans? There could be various reasons some of them being valid and others were done thoughtlessly. Before engaging in a credit card debt consolidation program a debtor should evaluate their own unique situation and find out all options to their problem before committing to just one solution. Some other options might include negotiating with each creditor for lower interest and payoff. Another thing that might help is putting together a budget and trying not to overspend on necessary things. "So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord" (Luke 16:5)?

Writing down all expenditures can help a debtor to see where all the money goes. A lot of the time a person spends a little here and a little there and does not think that it is that much money. Writing down everything that is spent can help one see where a great deal of the money goes. Even just spending an extra five dollars a day can add up to twenty or more dollars each month. This money could have been used to pay a bill or put gasoline in the car. A credit card debt consolidation program can make a difference for someone who understands how he or she got into debt in the first place. An informed debtor often becomes a more responsible debtor.

Only making the minimum payment on a credit card can be disastrous. All of the interest and fees will eat up the payment without removing very much of the principle. With high interest accounts paying a twenty dollar payment might knock off about three dollars off of the principle, the rest goes to interest. This is just an estimate and not based upon a percentage but it can give the debtor an idea about why making the minimum payment is a bad idea. Do an experiment and try this with your own payments and see on the next billing cycle how much the balance is. A credit card debt consolidation program is an answer for the debtor who owes thousands of dollars to multiple banks especially when he or she can not afford to double up on payments.

Charging an item on a charge account can be alright if the balance of the account is paid in full each month. Consumers who often use charge accounts to make purchases need to understand that if they do not pay off the balance in full every month then the items they purchased have ended up costing them double or even triple what they actually paid for them. Does it make any sense to brag about getting something on sale when in reality that item will cost much more than it is worth by the time it is paid off. A credit card debt consolidation program can help the consumer who learns from his or her mistakes and does not continue to spend unwisely.

A debtor who does not know how much he or she owes is in trouble. Other signs of financial trouble include borrowing from one creditor to pay another, applying for a new charge account to use the money to catch up on others, being late consistently and paying late fees, maxing out accounts, having to put off going to the doctor, and getting calls from creditors. When these signs start to take place the debtor needs to find a solution quickly or the road that he or she is on may lead to bankruptcy. A credit card debt consolidation program can prevent a debtor from having to file bankruptcy and can stop harassing phone calls from creditors on past due accounts. Seeking help for just a quick fix is not a good reason to take out a consolidation loan. A debtor needs to be determined to live frugally, pay off debts, to not apply for new charge accounts, and to stop buying things on credit.

Having one monthly payment, eliminating collection calls, reducing interest, lowering the amount paid out for bills, and having extra money to put back for a rainy day are all good reasons to start a credit card debt consolidation program. Becoming debt free is a goal that all consumers should have. Some financial obligations are considered investments and are worth paying interest on. These include tuition for college, buying a home, and paying for a reasonable vehicle for transportation. Other worthwhile expenses include contributing to a retirement plan and saving money. Consider carefully every penny and become a wise consumer when making purchases on things you really do not need. Those little expenditures are not worth the stress they can cause. When making purchases that are necessary use wisdom and do not buy the very best or the most expensive of anything instead shop around and find the best deals. In the long run you will be glad you did.

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Unsecured Loan For Debt Consolidations

An unsecured loan for debt consolidation is a type of loan in which no collateral is pledged as security for repayment of that loan; and is becoming more common for those that have a good credit history and a stable income. Te receive an unsecured loan for debt consolidations, an applicant must provide the lender with a detailed credit and payment history, as well as proof of long term stable employment. The applicant must not be delinquent with any creditors, and must have a debt to income ratio that falls within the limits of the note requirements. These are strict requirements for those that have gotten themselves deep into credit card trouble. Some debts, apparently, are more easily forgiven, as in this scriptural reference: "Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and loosed him, and forgave him the debt." (Matthew 18:27) For those that have too much credit on their cards and are looking for a way to spread the payments out for some breathing room, the unsecured loan for debt consolidation may be a good option. Professionals who are renting an apartment and leasing a car typically use unsecured loan for debt consolidations. These types of people have a good salary, but own nothing that can be used as collateral, such as a home or automobile. Some states require collateral for such notes and are therefore ineligible to offer this kind of note. It is recommended that if an applicant can qualify for a reduction of this type, then they should take advantage of it.

An unsecured loan for debt consolidations frequently carries with it a higher rate of interest. The traditional way to consolidate one's obligations would be through a home equity note, which has a low interest rate, but if home ownership does not exist, the unsecured note for debt consolidation may be the only other option. People that find themselves overwhelmed by the enormity of multiple debts, and are interested in having a more manageable monthly payment schedule should seriously consider obtaining a payment reduction note. With only one monthly payment to make, this type of note can save time, hassle and even money if the interest rate is lower than that of the average of the multiple credit cards.

The process of requesting an unsecured loan for debt consolidation requires that an applicant provide a complete and detailed credit and income history. The unsecured loan for note consolidations counselor will then evaluate the individual's financial standing and determine whether or not they qualify for the note. This process can be grueling and can take up to 60 days to process. The sacrifice is worth it, if the individual does not have to secure the note with any collateral. It is important to note, however, that the interest on the reduction note must be lower than the average interest rate on the multiple cards for the note to be effective. If it is not, then there are other credit card obligation reduction services that can be provided either through the lending institution or referred by them.

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Debt Consolidation Collection

Using this approach as a way to prevent the filing of a personal or business bankruptcy petition is a wise move. Using this method can answer questions without having to become embroiled in a courtroom drama with those money is owed to. Most creditors will gladly choose to forgo a court case for a plan of repayment. Debt consolidation for collection from an attorney programs can often save hundreds to thousands of dollars in interest or in legal costs from handling the financial situation from a legal standpoint by employing a lawyer instead of a debt professional. It is important to weigh all the options presented with a professional in order to make the best decision based on each individual situation.

Talking with an attorney about the choices for debt consolidation can be the answer to the legal aspects of owing money and not being able to pay what you owe when it is due. The confidence gained can be worth the expense of hiring a legal professional. It is important in contacting creditors with a plan of consolidation to have the I's dotted and the T's crossed. A professional debt specialist with legal qualifications can be the best choice for representation and can offer the credentials of their firm for back up.

In Ezekiel 22:30 in the Bible, a discussion is made of a man who will stand in the gap for another and make a strong hedge about him by doing so. Using debt consolidation for collection from an attorney can be a way to make a hedge of protection about yourself and your belongings. By hiring a practiced and experienced attorney, you are exhibiting the wisdom to find representation that can make the process of debt consolidation and collection much more palatable and a more pleasant experience as you are repaying what you owe and regaining financial control.

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Online Debt Consolidation Programs

With online debt consolidation programs, consumers can research, apply for, and take part in loan reduction programs. These opportunities can make managing finances as simple as the click of a computer button. With the problem of excessive debt growing on American's credit reports, solutions are becoming not only easy, but very beneficial as well. With an online debt consolidation program, consumers can save money and begin paying down their principal balances. These loans allow a consumer to get funding that will combine, or cover, all of the balances of their unsecured or credit card loans. Once indebtedness is combined with online debt consolidation programs, the consumer can begin to make just one payment once a month, on the entire balance owed. The interest rate is generally much lower than the interest rates found in credit card agreements, so they can save a consumer money too!

The real beauty of these loans is the ability to easily secure and manage the account. With the Internet, finances have changed, and now consumers can manage their finances on the web, without driving to a bank, filling out documents in triplicate, and explaining embarrassing situations. With an online debt consolidation program, consumers can get control of their finances, and do it from the convenience of their own homes.

A consumer can begin by researching over the Internet. There are hundreds of companies that offer online debt consolidation programs and they are listed on websites that offer general information with links to an application, or a consumer can simply browse for home pages of appropriate companies. There are different options included with different terms and rates, so be sure and compare before determining the right program for you and your needs.

Consumers are encouraged to be careful when searching or researching lending companies that offer online debt consolidation programs. While this type of loan can be very beneficial, and most programs offer good and honest help, there is fraud throughout the industry. The wise consumer will ask for references and check with the Better Business Bureau for more information. Also, be sure and read all documentation before entering into a contractual agreement. God expects His children to be wise in their financial affairs. Proverbs 16:21 says, "The wise in heart called prudent." Prudence includes carefully considering any online debt consolidation program to make sure that it fits godly principles and it a wise choice for the current situation.

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Debt Consolidation Loan

Debt consolidation loans are a great way to get your finances more organized. If you are someone who has just finished college, then this type of loan might be something worthwhile to look at. As most of us know, financing a college education is never easy, nor cheap. Some of us are very blessed to receive financial help from parents and/or other family members, but most of the time; college is something that we have to finance ourselves. This can be a hard task to accomplish, but fortunately, the government and college or university you attend can be helpful with suggesting how to get the education you need and deserve. Often times the education we want comes with a price tag. Many of us have to take out loans to provide funds for our education. Though we don't like having to pay money in the long run, loans have helped out significantly to make our higher education a reality. This is where a debt consolidation loan comes in handy. If you have just completed your degree, you are getting ready to pay back your student loans. Because of the way schools are going up in tuition and tacked on fees you might not have realized were there, you are having to pay a lot of money out of pocket. Maybe this isn't what you had anticipated what student loans would look like. You need help and you need it fast. A debt consolidation loan can be your best bet, especially if you have multiple loans.

Debt consolidation loan centers exist to provide you with the best way to pay back your student loans. Maybe you started getting mail from companies offering you lower payments and interests rates. These scenarios sound familiar? Maybe it would be worth calling and checking to see if these financial services are legit. There's nothing to lose except maybe a few hundred dollars a year when you decide to go with a debt consolidation loan that allows you the freedom to pocket that money instead of paying it to a financial institution. Think about it, what would you rather have-high student loan bills with outrageous interest rates or a loan that is looking to save you money?

Research debt consolidation loans today. If you are still in school and looking to make better preparations for your future, ask whether or not this would be a good financial option for your future. Talk to your financial aid director about debt consolidation loans and how the process works. Good luck!

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