Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Know if the debt agency is real or not with these tips

People who are in debt often find that they are confused and disoriented when it comes to finding the right solution for their problems. Being at a loss for a long time may not only cause the debtor bigger financial problems due to the accumulation of debt but also psychological problems due to stress and over thinking. Debtors find solutions for their problems by asking for some financial assistance from their family and friends. However, not all debtors are fortunate to find help that easy. Others seek debt help from debt solutions agency that promise to help them get out of debt. It is a good thing that there are many debt solutions company that offers services aiming to relieve debtors from the burden of having too much debt. However, just like any other enterprise, frauds or fake agencies will surface and plant themselves inside the industry. Since most people prefer to deal with the legitimate debt settlement agencies, they need to research for the accuracy of the agency’s claim.

Some debtors are clever enough to discover when the enterprise is real or not. However, not all have the intuition to know when they are fooled or not. Here are some things that can help you determine if the debt agents are real or not.

ü Incessant calls and frequent visits. This scenario usually happens when the debtor is unable to make timely payments. The calls and visits came from the creditors and not from agents. One should note that it is customary for the debtor’s responsibility to pay the visit to the debt settlement agency and not the other way around.
ü Professional fees, fees, and more fees. When the debt agency collects more than necessary, then you should be alarmed. Yes, it is true that some debt agencies have high service fees, but if every meeting they ask some service charge from you, you might better stop availing their services. Debt settlement agencies do not usually do business that way, and you should be aware of that.
ü Meeting place is not constant/ consultations are not done in the office. Legitimate enterprise usually has a permanent office, so if you are dealing with a debt agency, you should be talking with your debt agents in their office and not somewhere else. If your consultation is being done in different places, then you may have to investigate further and know the background of the company (assuming that the consultation is not included in the debt settlement service that they are offering).

Know if the debt settlement agency is licensed to help you get out of debt

Having financial obligations can take a toll on someone’s life. Regardless of the amount of debt, it can really cause a person stress, though some are able to resurface after being drowned with debt for quite some time. It is unfortunate for others to stay with their difficult situation because they do not know where to find help. Debtors are often disoriented when they are facing difficulty with their problems. Well, who wouldn’t? Debt can really stress someone out, and if you happen to have multiple debts, you will be stressed more than anybody else will.

Debtors often find themselves asking for assistance from their family and friends. However, not all debtors are fortunate enough to find help in such an easy way. Therefore, when they cannot avail help from their peers, they turn to debt agencies that offer services that can help them get out of debt. Good thing there are debt solutions enterprises that offer deals to consumers who are struggling to pay their debts. However, just like any other industry, some opportunists gladly take advantage of the consumer’s pitiful situation. For the debtors, beware. There are frauds and fake debt agents who will do anything just to lure you to their trap. Here are some tips that can help you avoid being their next victim.

Frequent visits and more calls. Usually, debt agents do not do business this way. Though some might call or pay a visit, it is not done on a more frequent basis. Therefore, you should take note if they do.

The boss is not there when you drop by at their office. Their boss usually manages enterprises or offices. The boss can be away for a couple of hours, but then again, they should be at the debt settlement office most of the time. Moreover, if you happen to notice that during your visits, the boss is not there, then maybe those debt agents are not working for anyone.

Their enterprise is not registered in the municipal hall.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Reduce your debts and save money at the same time!

People who have debts usually seek for the surest way to get out of debt. The fastest way out of debt is what other people seek for, due to the burden they are currently having. Some people would recommend bankruptcy as the fastest way out of debt, it can be, but it is not highly recommended by most experts because of its negative implications on people’s future financial status. With that, debtors should just focus on how to repay their debts on time and be able to provide for their daily needs. Nevertheless, how is that possible? Can anyone be able to pay off debts and save for their family’s need at the same time?

Well, it is not easy. It can take up all the determination as well as resources of a debtor. Here are some tips a debtor might consider doing:

* Use piggy banks to save. One may call it childish but admit it, this can be effective. Using piggy banks can save you time and energy. In addition, you do not have to talk to any of the bank tellers to open up a new savings account. In addition, you may not be as tempted to use that money in the piggy bank because it is not easy to get the bills, plus the fact that you have to break the piggy bank before you can get the money.



* Carry larger money denominations.
When people have larger money denominations, they often think twice on whether they should purchase something and break the bill. Nevertheless, when they have smaller money denominations, it is easier for them to spend money on items that may not be important at all.



* Avail debt counseling. The first tip can help you save money while reducing your debts. This one can help you empower yourself ideally on how you should deal with your debts. It can be good to have useful insights coming from experts so you may need to set an appointment for one.





If you want to avail debt counseling, check out TotalDebtServices.com.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Convenient is not always good

People are used to convenience and it is a fact. That is the reason why people are seeking more ways to make life easier. When people discovered that they could communicate faster with mobile phones, they switched to it and less people rely on snail mails. Aside from that, when electronic mail came into existence, people devoured it as if it was a sumptuous food. They use email as if it was part of the core of their existence. In short, every new technology produced and used by people became a household name.



When people got hold of credit card, it was like a lifesaver for them. They can do their shopping without having to have cash with them. They only have to have credit cards and presto! Shopping galore! All they have to do is to swipe it then head back home. Well, it is perfectly fine and normal. Credit card holders have the right to use their credit cards as they want it, just be sure that what they want is within the credit limit. The first users of credit cars are cautious enough to keep their credit card bills within the limit. However, times have changed,have and so people’s needs and habits.


Today, credit card holders’ spending habits have changed as well as their priorities. Most people prefer to buy what is frequently seen being used and worn by celebrities. Though most of them do not have enough money to buy the latest bags and accessories, they do have credit cards. Moreover, that is what they use to get that bag last seen worn by a famous actor. Though they know that they do not have resources to pay for credit card debts, they still go for it. The rest, just as they say, is history. People get into too much debt and struggle to find ways to get out of debt.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Some tips to stay away from scam debt settlement companies

A considerable number of Americans are in urgent need of help with their debt problems. They have fallen into debt for a number of reasons and the most prominent is that they're not frugal with their spending habits. Irrational usage of credit cards has made the situation even worse. The reality that many people are desperately seeking assistance to settle their debts makes them exposed to con artists. Though there are genuine credit card debt settlement companies, it is important that you understand the difference between the ones that provide true assistance and the ones that are there to grab your money. Given below are some tips that you should apply while looking for a legitimate debt settlement company to pay off your debts:

Debt Consolidation Care


Do it yourself debt settlement

Though it appears too simple, but the surest means to stay away from a scam debt settlement company is to see whether the company offers advices on how you can do it yourself. If the company doesn't do it, then it most probably is a scam company.

Debt settlement and consolidation are not similar

A debt settlement company works with your creditors to lower your overall debt amount. Debt settlement can be costly since you sign up for their services and pay a monthly charge. In contrast, debt consolidation combines all your debts into one debt under a new creditor with a reduced interest rate and monthly payment.

If it sounds too simple, it is a scam

Some settlement companies maintain that they would sign you up without any upfront fees and would simply register you to pay monthly fees to them. When this takes place, you have no signed paperwork or formal contract between you and the settlement company. There is no assurance that they would perform what they claimed to you; you just accepted to pay them money. Stay away from this kind of situation – if the company advertises “no hassle”, it’s possibly a scam.

Perform your research

Since youi're searching for companies to assist you, explore each company prior to making a commitment to them or even before talking to them. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Attorney General’s office in your state are valuable resources. You can look for online company reviews. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) would have history of any complaints lodged against a company.

Don't give too many details

A genuine debt settlement company wouldn't request personal details. They would rather ask you to provide details like the amount due, the names of your creditors and the interest rate. If the settlement company is requesting details like your account numbers or your social security number, you should be alert and terminate the conversation.

Look cautiously – there might be hidden fees

Just go through the fine print and ensure there are no hidden fees. A debt settlement company might ask for some type of service fee in the midst of the transactions after you’ve registered with them. Just make sure that you don't sign any contract or document till you’ve checked them thoroughly.

Get recommendations from dependable companies or individuals

You should look for suggestions and referrals from people who settled their debts. Your colleagues, acquaintances or family members might have a satisfactory or disappointing experience with a debt settlement company. You should ask questions to people whom you rely on.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to select a good debt settlement company and steer clear of scam companies. One more thing that you should keep in mind is that you should rely on your gut feeling. If a company appears suspicious or making promises that appear too good to be true, then it’s most likely a scam.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Bankruptcy affects your credit score




People who have debts are usually anxious about their credit score. Credit score measures their creditworthiness, and when it shows that they have been on the low, and then it will cause additional stress to them. It is stressful to have to worry about debts, but it is more stressful to know that your credit score will determine if you can have a pleasant financial future. Credit score also determines if the lenders will accept your loan request or not. Usually, when a person applies for a loan, lenders usually look up the credit score of the people applying to know if they are good debtors or not. If the credit report shows that they are not good debtors, then there is a chance that the loan will be rejected. If otherwise, then the loan will be approved. There are cases when a person who had previously applied for bankruptcy requests for a loan was granted. Surely, one will wonder how on earth is that possible?

It is known that bankruptcy offers an unpleasant consequence of having a negative credit score reports. Moreover, that usually turns off the creditors. Or when they decide to grant loans, it will surely carry higher interest rates. It is to protect the creditors if the debtors go default. So if you have debts, make sure to pay it on time. If you can’t there is always the option to negotiate the matters to your creditors. Instead of running away from them, better talk to them and ask them if they can extend the payment date for you. It will be better to have an open communication line with your creditors.

Be free from credit card debts with debt settlement

Overwhelming debt is very common to consumers, whether they be those with a very stable job or just an average employee. They continue to pay their monthly minimum payments without knowing that their debt burden may never leave them. It will take some time for others to realize that they are just in an endless cycle of debt repayment and they do not know how to end that cycle. Moreover, for them to get out of debt, they need to look for help. Another problem is that people are often at a loss whenever they look for help because they really do not know what they need. Understanding what you really need to do when you are faced with debt problems can really be confusing. Deciding what plan of action to take can also add some stress, so it is nearly impossible to come up with a good decision.

One viable option is to avail debt management services. The debt management company will attempt to negotiate with your creditors to lower down your interest rates and waive other fees. With that, the amount you are going to pay will be reduced, and that is a big help. You must take note that the company will just try to talk to the creditors to lower down the rates.

In a debt management program, your budget will be analyzed to know how much portion of it will be used to pay your debts. In addition, the company will initiate a plan that will include the specific dollar amount you are going to pay and on what date. There should be a payment pattern for it will give your creditors the impression that you are working on settling your debts finally, and there is a chance that they will lower the interest rates further.

For the program to be successful, you have to make the monthly payments punctually. Do not forget that the interest will continue to accumulate so your payments are not all being applied to the principal balance. Portion of the payments will continue to be applied to interest as well as other monthly fee charged by the debt management company.


It sounds complicated, right? But since you want to be relieved of your credit card debts, you may might as well take this move. It presents fewer disadvantage so perhaps it would be better grab this opportunity.

Want to know more about credit card debts and debt management? Visit TotalDebtServices.com.

Walk the path towards financial freedom with debt management

Every problem has a solution, so if you have debt problems and are currently having a hard time managing them, it may be a relief for you to know that there are still solutions to be had. The first thing you need to do to know what solution you need is to acknowledge your debt problem. Some people have trouble handling their debts because they do not fully acknowledge their financial obligations. After that, you can determine how much debt you are in and how long will it take you to pay off debts without earning displeasure from your creditors. Also, determine how much resources you have and if it can cover your debts. If you think that this feat makes your head swirl, maybe you need to ask for assistance from the experts. Since you are having difficulty managing your debts, it may be best to avail debt management programs.


Debt management programs can manage your existing debts in a way that will suit you and your resources. This program is favorable to those who had acquired huge amounts of loan and are currently having difficulty with the repayment. So if you avail this program you can have the assurance that the debt management company will hold the responsibility of managing your debts. When you engage with the debt management company, they will be the ones to negotiate with your creditors about your existing debts as well as its interest rates. They will make sure that the monthly payment will suit you and your savings well.

Once you avail this service, you can now start your day without worrying that your creditors will call. In addition, you can be sure that you are walking the path towards financial freedom with debt management.


Looking for debt management? Visit TotalDebtServices.com.

How hard is it to get out of debt?



Many consumers who are drowning in debt think that they can pay all of their bills in just one go. For someone who is rich, there may not be any problem. For some who are financially unstable, it may be a problem that needs to be resolved immediately. Debt is not something that you can get rid of just overnight. THIS is something that most of the consumers should understand. There are many consumers that are too confident that they will get out of debt that easily. Dealing with debt is a serious business and you need to have a strategic plan of action. OnE wrong move could turn your current position into something that is much worse. That is why you need to plan your move before something else.


There are already many consumers that are suffering under the miseries of debt. And many of those have failed to do achieve their get-out-of-debt plans. One common mistake for most of the consumers today is that they are too confident that they can get quickly out of debt and they still continue to increase their debts. And as a result, they are now drowning in debt. A consumer should be responsible for their debts and should learn more about debt management.

If a person is getting his hands full because of debt, might as well try to seek professional help. there are debt management companies today that offer debt help services to those that are having difficulties in attending to their debts. It may be yet not too late for some one to get out of debt. There are many ways or more to get debt help. Doing nothing cannot help you to get out of debt. Freedom from debt is within your reach. So do something about your debt now.


Looking for a reliable debt settlement company? Visit TotalDebtServices.com today.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Bankruptcy alternatives better way out of debt


It is known that bankruptcy offers an unpleasant consequence of having a negative credit score reports. Moreover, that usually turns off the creditors. That is why those people who had filed for bankruptcy often struggle to take out new loans. On the creditors' side, they usually ponder on whether they grant loans or not. Or when they decide to grant loans, it will surely carry higher interest rates. It is to protect the creditors if the debtors go default. So if you have debts, make sure to pay it on time. If you can’t, there is always the option to negotiate the matters to your creditors. Instead of running away from them, better talk to them and ask them if they can extend the payment date for you. That way, you'll be giving the impression that you want to settle your responsibilities and you are eager to get out of debt.

After communicating with your creditors, you can start planning on how are you going to get our of debt. You don't have to make the plan so elaborate. Make it brief and concise; that way, you can follow it easily. You may want to include some of these things on your list:

* Reduce expenses. This should be mandatory, almost inevitable, what with your present financial condition. it can be done by reducing the amount of money you use for your daily expenses. Also, another way to do this is to economize your lifestyle. You need not live like a miser, it will be terrible. All you have to do is to lessen the amount you spend.

* Save more. You can do this while doing the first one. With reduced expenses, you will be able to see how much you're really earning and you'll be able to divide your earnings economically. Or you can try saving by using piggy banks; that way, you will not be tempt to use the savings because you have to break the piggy bank first before you get the money.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Invest properly and keep out of debt




People are often mistaken when it comes to money matters. They tend to believe that money will last forever. In fact, it will only last if the person knows how to manage their money well. And for that, people have troubles handling their money regardless of the amount. With resources mismanagement arise the problem of debts. When people put their money into investment without knowing that industry, the tendency is that they will only fail. Though there are some who succeed in investments, that is not the usual case.

When people fail with their first investment, they often get depressed. And when that happens, their decision making ability is affected, thus, when making decisions with money, there's a probability that they will make a not so good one.

If you have plenty of money and you want to invest it, be very careful. Do not go for the first investment offered to you. Make sure to make some research about the property before buying it. If you do, you will just end up losing your money for investing hastily. There is a chance that you may want to keep your investment and in order to keep it you may get involved with debts. So be careful with your investments and keep out of debt.

Evaluate your resources before paying off debts



If you feel like you are drowning into the sea of debts, do not panic (though it is difficult to be calm if you are dealing with debt problems). They said that when you are drowning, you have to remain stationary. The more movements you make, the faster you drown. It is the same with debt problems, if you feel like your problems are engulfing you, stay focused. Think of the moves you can do without compromising your already difficult status. It is a difficult task, but you have to do it. You do not need another mistake so do not do things on impulse.


The first thing you need to do is keep your thoughts collected. Nothing works like a focused mind, so sit down and think about your dilemma. You need to think objectively on how to get out of debt. You have to know much debt you have and how long before the due date arrives. It is important to know these things so that you will know how to proceed. After knowing all about your financial obligations, it is high time that you evaluate your resources.


* Do you have a savings account? If you do, how much money do you have? Can it cover the major portion of your debts? If it does not, do you have any other properties that can be easily liquidated? If yes, make up your mind if you are willing to sell or even loan that property so that you can have money to pay for your debts.

* Do you have credit cards? If you have, it may be better to stop using it and use cash as your mode of payment. Even if you are able to reduce your debt, if you continue to use your credit card, you may never be free from debts. Even though you have the capability to relieve yourself from some of your debts, if you do not have the discipline to stop using your credit card, you will still be stuck with debts – this time, credit card debt!

* Do you have a debt agent on your behalf? It is not mandatory to have a professional on your aid. Nevertheless, it may be best to have reliable and knowledgeable people to help you with your fight against debt. Debt can be your worst enemy, better have the best weapons with you.

After the evaluation, you may now have a better comprehension of your situation and you will be able to know what steps to make towards financial freedom.

If you want to know how to get out of debt, you can visit TotalDebtServices.com.

Bankruptcy alternatives: A better detour



When people get themselves into trouble, they are often eager to find the best solutions without considering alternatives. Their reason is that they want to be over with their problems as soon as possible, whatever it may cost them. That is why more often than not, people end up with having more troubles than they originally had. When dealing with any kind of problem, one must think carefully before making a move. It will not result into anything good if one is hasty when it comes to solving the problem. One should not be careless when dealing with problems, especially debt problems for it may make or break his or her future.

A simple mistake with your debt problems can lead to a disaster, so handle your money-related problems carefully. There is no room for mistakes with debts for they might cause you to get out of debt in the most difficult way. When talking about debt problems, people are often mistaken with bankruptcy as the best solution to their multiple debts. They think that it will relieve them from their debt burdens. When in reality, it has disadvantages that may never outweigh the relief it can give to the debtors once the claim is filed and approved.


If you have debts and are already considering bankruptcy as your final resort, you need to think again. Think of the advantages and disadvantages that it presents, and then decide if you can live with that. If you are confused on what to do, you can always avail of bankruptcy alternatives. With that, you can have a more comprehensive view of your financial situation. You can look for other ways to get out of debt other than bankruptcy – bankruptcy alternatives it is. There are bankruptcy alternatives that do not present great disadvantages that can put your future financial status in a compromised situation. Better ponder on your situation carefully and objectively, look for alternatives first before doing a bold move.



Looking for bankruptcy alternatives? Check out TotalDebtServices.com.

Ignore your debts and you'll be stuck with it



Some problems have only a single solution; whereas some have various alternative. One common problem with multiple ways to solve is debts. People who have debts will surely be glad to know that there are many ways to get rid of their debts. With this, we can say that most debtors will not experience difficulty getting out of debt since they have many options or alternatives. However, that is not the case. Despite the fact that there are available options, still, people are having a hard time to get out of debt. Is this because there are too many ways that it turned out to be confusing or it is within people's nature to ignore the solutions, many or few?

Regardless of the reason, the bottom line is that people tend to slow down when the repayment process comes. Though bills are already piling up, either they are too busy to pay attention to it or they are just ignoring it, the consequences of thus are always unpleasant. Be it harassment from creditors or properties pulled out by government, the result is not good.

Also, regardless of the amount you owed to other people, you must keep in mind that they lent money to other people who badly needs it with the hopes that it will be returned upon the agreed date. So better pay off debts now, than suffer the consequences later. It is no fun paying debts which in the first place are way too small and is now depleting your resources.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Credit card debts can be fatal to your financial future




People are used to convenience and it is a fact. That is the reason why people are seeking more ways to make life easier. When people discovered that they could communicate faster with mobile phones, they switched to it and very few people rely on snail mails. Aside from that, when electronic mail came into existence, people devoured it as if it was a sumptuous food. They use email as if it was part of the core of their existence. In short, every new technology produce and used by people became a household name and product that people become well informed with it.

When people get hold of credit card, it was like a lifesaver for them. They can do their shopping without having to have cash with them. They only have to have credit cards and presto! Shopping galore! All they have to do is to swipe it then head back home. Well, it is perfectly fine and normal. Credit card holders have the right to use their credit cards the way they want it, just be sure that they are within the credit limit. The first users of credit cars are cautious enough to keep their credit card bills within the limit. However, times had change and so people’s needs and habits. It is inevitable that people will ask for more, and seek for more; thought it may cost them their arms and legs they will go for it.

Today, credit card holders’ spending habits changed as well as their priority. Blame it on the commercials, but most people prefer to buy what is frequently seen being use and wear by celebrities. Though most of them do not have enough money to buy the latest bag and accessory, they do have credit cards. Moreover, that is what they use to get that bag last seen worn by a famous actor. Though they know that they do not have resources to pay for credit card debts, they still go for it.