“Debt settlement companies work as a middleman between you and your creditor. If all goes well (and that's a big if), you should be able to settle your debts for cents on the dollar. You'll also pay a fee to the debt settlement company, usually either a percentage of the total debt you have or a percentage of the total amount forgiven.” IfsShouldWellsBigsAblePayCompanyAmountDollarsDebtSettlingCentsForgivenPercentagesSettlementFeesCreditorsMiddlemenDebt Settlement Author:Jean Chatzky
“The debt settlement company will direct you to stop paying your creditor and instead send the money directly to them each month. The company's goal is to demonstrate to your creditor that you don't have the money to pay up - that's your leverage. After a few months, the company will typically go to the creditor and say, "I'm holding X dollars on behalf of your customer. He doesn't have the money to pay you, so you should take this amount as a settlement or you'll end up with nothing." If the creditor wants to get paid badly enough, it will take the money.” IfsWantShouldEndsEnoughGoalPayCompanyMonthsAmountDirectPaidDollarsDebtCustomersBehalfSettlementCreditorsEach MonthDebt Settlement Author:Jean Chatzky
“You really don't need to hire a debt settlement company to negotiate with your creditors.” NeedsCompanyDebtSettlementCreditorsDebt Settlement Author:Jean Chatzky
“Unless you have multiple accounts that you need to negotiate and you think the project is just too big to tackle on your own, you're better off just calling your creditors directly.” ThinkingNeedsBigsCallingProjectsAccountsMultipleBetter OffCreditors Author:Jean Chatzky
“In most cases, if you've gotten to this point, you've already received a letter or phone message from your creditor with the name and extension of a representative. If you haven't, you can call the toll-free number on your bill, but keep in mind that the person who answers may not have the power to negotiate a settlement. Ask to speak to someone who is either a supervisor or in the settlement department, if the creditor has one (as many do).” IfsMindMayPersonsAsksNamesSpeakAnswersNumbersCasesHavensMessagesLettersBillsPhonesDepartmentRepresentativesExtensionsSettlementTollsCreditorsSupervisors Author:Jean Chatzky
“After explaining why you're in trouble, ask the creditor if the company would be willing to accept a smaller amount. Start negotiations at about 30% of the total amount due, with the end goal of paying 50%.” IfsEndsWould BeAsksGoalCompanyAcceptingTroubleWillingAmountDuesNegotiationExplainingCreditors Author:Jean Chatzky
“Sometimes a creditor is willingto do this as a bargaining point - you give the creditor cash in hand, it gives you a positive listing on your credit report - even though you haven't paid the full amount. Get this agreement in writing.” GivingWritingSometimesHandsHavensAmountPaidCreditReportsAgreementCashBargainingCreditors Author:Jean Chatzky
“You'll get much better results by being upfront, answering creditors calls, and responding to their letters. Delaying the inevitable only digs a deeper hole.” ResultsLettersDeeperHolesInevitableRespondingCreditors Author:Jean Chatzky
“When you default on a secured debt, the creditor takes the asset that backs up that debt. When you convert credit card debt to mortgage debt, you are securing that credit card debt with your home. That's a risky proposition.” HomeCreditDebtCardsAssetsPropositionsMortgageCredit CardDefaultSecuredCreditorsCredit Card Debt Author:Jean Chatzky
