Tips To Take Control Of Debt Collection
Yes, debt collection tips can help. You may think you have no power when the debt collector comes calling, but think again! Creditors don't like losing out on the ability to collect money owed them. And most creditors will take steps to settle an unsecured debt to collect some money as opposed to no money.
Tip 1 - Keep Communications Open
Once you have your Money Management Plan on paper, you will be able to professionally respond to requests for payment from creditors and debt collection agencies. They may ask you, or you can offer, to send them a copy of your Money Management Plan. This opens the communication between you, and they may even be able to offer suggestions to improve your plan. Keep in mind, however, they will offer suggestions based upon their best interests, you need to negotiate based upon what's best for you!
Tip 2 - Know Your Credit Report
Obtaining a copy of your online credit report, and learning how to use it in debt management, can help you when it comes to negotiating with your creditors.
Tip 3 - Negotiating With Creditors
You can request a monthly payment reduction, either a temporary extension, or permanent reduction. Keep in mind, this method can involve adding years to your payment plan, as well as some type of "deferral fee" charged by the creditor.
Ask if the interest rate, principal balance, or monthly payments can be reduced to permit you to continue to pay the debt on time. Ask for principal reduction first, then interest reduction. If these are not agreeable, then request monthly payment reduction.
If you ask for all 3, the creditor will take the one best for them first, which is monthly payment reduction, and you end up paying too much interest. Lower payments, without the other two will only mean you are adding years and years to the payoff time. No bargain there.
If you have access to some money to make a large payment on a debt, you may want to consider debt settlement on some or all of your debts.
On secured debts, you risk losing the asset if you don't keep your payments current. This includes your home, car, etc. These are priority debts to you, as well as priority debts if you decide to file bankruptcy.
Tip 4 - Do What's Best For You
Whether you are speaking with creditors directly, or to debt collection agency representatives, remember, be honest, and don't commit to payments you cannot make.
Tip 5 - Know Your Rights
The Fair Debt Collection Practice Act sets out exactly what creditors can, and cannot do, when talking with your about your debt. Don't be afraid, be informed!
http://www.debtsteps.com/fair-debt-collection-practice-act.html
Remember, being courteous and honest with creditors and debt collectors will go a long way in helping you to cope. No lies to remember, no self-induced stress, just honest communication to achieve your goals.
Debs is the editor of http://www.DebtSteps.com where you can get the answers you need about debt relief, consolidation, credit counseling and more. Subscribe to the free newsletter and discussion list at http://www.debtsteps.com/debt-help.html and get free money management worksheets in pdf and spreadsheet format. Get more information to get out of debt:
Compare the pros and cons of debt consolidation loans, service companies, and credit counseling. http://www.debtsteps.com/consolidate-debts.html
Understanding how your credit score can affect your debt relief choice http://www.debtsteps.com/credit-score.html
Free Money Management Tutorials http://www.debtsteps.com/money-management.html
Latest News
Andhra pays for fiscal profligacy, may be denied debt relief Economic Times, India - In FY08, the state got a debt-relief of around Rs 1889 crore. “We have been attaining a revenue surplus despite huge allocations for revenue expenditure ... |
Know the Details of the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act RisMedia.com (press release), CT - ... in December 2007, Congress stepped in to provide temporary relief in the form of forgiving this debt, but only for the 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years. ... |
Govt to release Rs 21.43 cr for debt relief Express Buzz, India - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As per the recommendations of the Farmer’s Debt Relief Commission, the Government has disbursed Rs 14.11 crore so far, and it has been ... |
HIPC: Togo Gets Debt Relief THISDAY, Nigeria - The statement said that Togo would receive interim debt relief from certain creditors, but in order to qualify for irrevocable debt relief at the completion ... |
Home > News > World Bank Launches Facility to Prevent ... World Bank Group, DC - The Bank also called on donor countries to meet their debt relief commitments. “The debt relief provided by the World Bank and other creditors to heavily ... |
![]() New York Daily News | Sacyr buys time for Repsol after Itinere sale Reuters - MC: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz), one of several assets it had put up for sale to ease a massive debt pile during a housing slump. ... Citi Buys Highway After Exiting Road to Ruin US Citigroup buys Sacyr's Itinere highway operator: company |
Fitch Downgrades Prudential Financial's Ratings Due to Capital ... MarketWatch - ... Troubled Asset Relief Program, as an owner of a thrift institution. Potential debt financing alternatives include (1) participation in the US government ... |
Attorney General Announces Settlement in Debt Relief Scheme Chipley Florida Online Newspaper - Foster Folly News, fl - The judgment permanently bars Florida-based defendants Laura L. Hess and her affiliated companies from engaging in debt settlement and/or debt ... |
Goldman Faces Loss of $2 Billion for Quarter Wall Street Journal - Over the years, Goldman has invested in everything from troubled auto loans in Thailand to the debt of a liquor maker in South Korea to struggling golf ... |
Harrisonburg Daily News Record | Pilgrim's Pride Files For Chapter 11 Wall Street Journal - By KATHERINE WEGERT Pilgrim's Pride Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection as the debt-laden chicken producer seeks relief in court from its short-term ... Pilgrim's Pride Files for Bankruptcy Pilgrim's Pride files bankruptcy |
Resources
-
Sorry there are no resources available at this time
