How To Find The Right Debt Settlement Agency In Desoto-Lakes, Florida
Are you one of the millions struggling with consumer debt? Has interest on your debt caused payments to be unmanageable? It may be time to find the right debt settlement agency in Desoto-Lakes, Florida, to see how you can get debt relief.
Debt settlement programs are often used by those who have a large amount of debt. With the current state of the economy, debt settlement companies see an increase in clients who can no longer make their monthly payments towards student loans, credit cards, business loans, medical debt, and various other consumer debt.
Because the interest rates are often very high on this type of debt, you could be paying mostly interest each month. If this is the case, debt settlement may be the best choice if you have over $10,000 in financial debt.
What Benefits Makes Debt Settlement Programs Offer?
If you have never looked into a debt settlement program, you may be wondering how it can help. The biggest reason people choose debt settlement is to avoid bankruptcy. If your situation is bad enough to be thinking about bankruptcy, chances are debt settlement will help greatly.
A bankruptcy shows on your credit history for 10 years, while debt settlement is removed after only 7 years. It is also much easier to get approved for future loans and/or credit cards when your credit report shows debt settlement. However, a bankruptcy action will get questioned every time and can be a big red flag for creditors. In fact, it can prevent you from getting approved for more than credit cards and loans; some employers may decline job applications over a bankruptcy charge, and you could face jail time if you avoid putting it on applications.
Choosing a debt settlement plan that works for you should be the last option you choose, avoiding bankruptcy if at all possible because it does not impact you as negatively. It is also removed from your report much quicker and is no longer a public record after 7-years.
Debt Settlement Do Not Trick Creditors
Many people believe debt settlement solutions rip off the creditors they owe, but that is not the case. First, they are designed to help reduce the struggle of financial debt when people can no longer pay on time or at all. The second part of debt settlement is providing creditors with the opportunity to accept a deal to pay a lower amount, often 40% to 60% less than owed.
Most creditors prefer to accept a lower payoff amount because they understand if they decline a deal, they may not receive anything. Chances are, you have been paying on the debt long enough for the interest paid in to be more than originally owed anyway.
If a person files for bankruptcy, creditors may not receive any further payment or would be even less than accepting the debt settlement deal.
Pay Off Debt Quicker With Debt Settlement
Depending on how much debt you have and the debt consolidation options provided, you can be debt free in just a few years, if not sooner. Many people repay their debt within the first year, while others take a 3-4 year repayment term.
By choosing debt settlement over consumer bankruptcy, your credit score will not be ruined, and you can still be in good standing. With consumer bankruptcy being a public record, a simple background check will be all that’s needed to pull up this information and prevent you from being approved for loans, credit cards, mortgage loans, etc.
Other Perks Of Debt Settlement
Depending on how much debt you are settling, your credit cards may be allowed to stay open and usable. Unless the contract states you cannot, which may occur if you have a massive amount of debt. However, continued use of credit cards defeats the purpose of debt settlement.
Dealing with your debt is easier, which reduces overall stress. Consolidating debt means that instead of having several or dozens of monthly payments to maintain, you will have a single payment to make each month.
The amount you pay each month is much lower. The interest rates offered in debt settlement are often a lot lower than with creditors. This helps free up income to better care for yourself and your family or make extra payments.
Disadvantages of Debt Settlement
Debt settlement is one of the last options a person should consider because of the disadvantages that come with it. While it is still better than filing for consumer bankruptcy, it is not without its consequences. In addition to showing on a credit report for 7years, any canceled debt could be taxable by the IRS. Based on how creditors report the canceled amount after accepting a settlement, it can be considered taxable income. This is based on the circumstance of your situation.
If you are to the point of needing debt settlement help, chances are you will be required to put up collateral. This ensures the debt settlement company will not be out everything if clients do not or cannot pay. In the event you are unable to pay, the property placed as collateral can be lost. For example, a vehicle or home.
Hidden fees are another disadvantage to being aware of. Be sure to ask upfront of any fees included, or you could be paying more over time, even though the rate and payback sound low. These are often due to the longer repayment periods offered. The longer the term, the more interest you will pay overall.
What Will Debt Settlement Cost You?
There is usually an upfront application fee, while the repayment plan includes an average of 10% to 20% of the balance amount. The length of your repayment period will often be under 3-years, with some opting for 1-year or less.
The 10-20% is much better if the debt settlement company is able to work out 50% or better off your original balance.
How Debt Settlement Works
Debt settlement companies do more than help relieve financial stress; they do all the work to get you the best deal possible with creditors. The first step they take is calling your creditors to negotiate a lower payoff amount, usually 40% to 60% less than owed. The consumer benefits greatly with a major reduction of debt right away.
Creditors are often willing to accept these offers because they may not get any payment otherwise. If consumer files for bankruptcy, they are not guaranteed to get paid a dime; at least with debt settlement, they’re sure to receive something.
Nothing scares banks and creditors you owe money to more than being faced with bankruptcy due to financial hardship. However, debt settlement should not be the first choice if you have the ability to repay debt. The consequence of getting a settlement has to rebuild your credit and possibly being unable to get approved for loans or credit cards for a while.
Debt settlement programs should only be a thought once you’re faced with no other option except bankruptcy. When shopping around for debt settlement in Desoto-Lakes, Florida, keep in mind that status, price, and excellence are the most important aspects to consider. If they are lacking in these categories, there’s a reason.
Building Credit With Debt Settlement
When you first get a debt settlement plan, it will ding your credit. However, over time it begins helping rebuild your credit as you make payments on time. Many people have improved credit within the first year, while the average client rebuilds credit within 2-3 years.
The majority of debt settlement companies will keep in touch each month to remind consumers they are not alone in dealing with their debt.
Choosing Debt Settlement Program In Desoto-Lakes, Florida
Steps to take before applying for debt relief include doing your research. Verify the company with your Attorney General and/or customer protection agency in your state. This allows you to view complaints properly filed against them.
Because you are choosing debt settlement to dig yourself out of the massive debt, you want to be informed about each company you consider. What do they charge for applying, what percentage do they add to the plan, and what time period do they offer for repayment?
Ask what services are included and if there are any other fees associated with accepting the plan to prevent getting stuck with hidden fees that could cause you to pay more over time.
It is recommended to find a company that offers in-person support. People often get better service when they are face-to-face, instead of over the phone or online. Many reputable debt settlement companies will offer all three options, online, phone, and in-person.
Remember, just because a debt settlement company claims to be non-profit, it does not mean they are. Some agencies have been known to use this as a way to cover up expensive hidden fees. Also, non-profit does not mean they offer free or discounted services.
Now that you know what to look for and how debt settlement works, it’s time to begin your research and make a list of debt settlement programs in Desoto-Lakes, Florida.
