[curlycarl]

what is the difference between debt consolidation and debt settlement? with settlement the credit report is ruined ...is this true?

Thanks
Carl

[Jason]

Hi Curlycarl,

Welcome to the debt consolidation forum.

difference between debt consolidation and debt settlement

Debt settlement: This is another option that's become increasingly popular with consumers who have a lot of debt and can't, or won't, file bankruptcy. You stop paying your bills and instead make a regular monthly payment to the settlement company. Your creditors contact them, and not you, about your overdue bills. As your accounts fall further behind, the negotiation company will settle your balances – usually for 50% of the balance or less (including fees) depending on the debt. Most people can be out of debt in less than two years or less using these programs.

Debt consolidation: Debt consolidation is a process where your multiple debts are consolidated into a single amount. On approaching a debt consolidation firm the consultant first analyses your present debt amount. The debt consultant then negotiates with the creditor on your behalf and reduces your debt amount to around 30%-60%. In most cases interest rates are reduced. Late fees and hidden taxes are also waived at times. The revised debt amount is divided into easy monthly installments that make your repayment plans much easier.

with settlement the credit report is ruined

Yes, with debt settlement there is high chance of a negative credit rating. It's not perfect choice. Your credit rating will be hurt in the short run and make sure you're dealing with a reputable company. Still, for consumers who can't shoulder the burden of debt they have now, it can be a very good option.

We would appreciate your active participation in the forum more often and hope you share your insights and knowledge with other members of the forum.

Regards,
Jason.

Does being enrolled with a debt consolidation company and making monthly payments faithfully give a better credit report than enrolling in a debt settlement company?

[Bony]

Yes, debt consolidation is much better from debt settlement. Sometimes people are not able to afford the payments set in the consolidation plan, and hence because of this reason, they likely enroll in a settlement plan. You may try negotiating with the creditor for a fair reporting with the bureaus. Your credit will look good if the account is not marked as "Settled" or "Settled in Full"

what is difference between debt settlemnent and debt management

how is fees calculated

I have serious credit card debt, serious payday loan debt, and I still owe about 2,000 on my car and that has been sent to a collection agency. I make decent money at my job, but the pay day loans have me so backed up with interest and I have to keep taking them out over and over and then more that I can't get ahead of them. All of my bills are suffering and my car doesn't even run now and it needs major work. What is my best option? Can all of these be included in debt management or settlement?

I thought Debt Consolidation was a loan.

If I only have one credit card and a balance of 12,000.00 but
I can't afford the monthly payments and I don't want to
not pay the bill what is the best solution for me?

I would like to know also. I have $20,000 on one cc and will not be able to afford min payments. What is best option?

I have close to $100,000 of debt through credit cards, hospital bills, and car notes. I am drowning in bills that can't be paid. What can I do?

I am unemployed and borrowing from one card to pay another only works for so long. I signed up with a Debt Settlement Co. Who will help me file a chapter 7 if I cant afford the payment to them. My debt is soo high it is overwhelming. Debt consolidation wont work for me and I need to get rid of this debt. Still looking for work. I know my credit score will suffer, I caused this. I am willing to live with that, I have been thru one bankrupcy and I dont want to go thru that route. According to the law to file for B.R. You have to have proof you tried to pay off your debt, thru debt consolidation for 6 mo. In Illinois. This was my best option for me. Debt Validation of America was my choice.

[mygodreigns]

can I get a payment reduction and later when in a postion
offer to settle?

Will debt consolidation and debt settlement reduce credit scores and stay on our public records ?

Debt Settlement is a program that take approx 2-4 years and only requires you to pay back 40% of your debt. Ig you have any questions give me a call xxx-xxx-xxxx


Dude, you can't advertise here. - Uncle Wulf

Haha debt man, he is a perfect example of a slimy salesman who is clearly desperate for money because hes on a discussion forum trying to sell. I also offer settlement however, I am going to make key points that will further help you make a decision. Also I will construct rumors of debt settlement versus myths also with counseling or consolidation.

First off debt settlement AND credit counseling (consolidation) will have an effect on your credit. Debt settlement which i will now refer to as DS has a direct effect on your score becuase the payments that you are now making are not submitted to your lender on a monthly basis. The debt will fall in the charge off stage or collections (it sounds horrible right? well not when you are already 4 months late ) With debt consolidation or DC there is no direct effect on your credit score HOWEVER, on your credit report under public inquires you will have a record showing proof that you are in DC which in some cases will hurt your chances of getting a loan. What a lot of people need to realize is that there is much much more to your credit than just your score. For instance, if you are renting out a condo and you have two buyers ready to take you on your offer, One of them has a 720 FICO (credit score) and is current with his bills but has a womping 75% debt to income ratio versus a person who has a fico of 650-670 has a few late payments on his credit from when he was younger but now has a clean 25% debt to income ratio, who would you rather go with . I know i would entrust a man who has a better chance of paying me on a monthly basis versus the man who has to chose which lender to pay for the month. That is just one philosophy though which most of you will probably ignore due to arrogance. The fact of the matter is that enrolling for these programs will have an effect on your credit, and usually will increw a fee. HOWEVER the fee in comparrison to making the minimum payment on your debt is absolutely nothing. Here is an example:

You owe $10,000 between 2 cards with rates of 15% and making minimum payments of $430, you have recently lost your job had some sort of reducded income or flat out have just been making the minimum payments and are currently just racking up a higher balance until it peaks the limit. Now at the thought going with DS and falling behind makes you nervous but realistically makes sense. Just measure it (do this for cards you actually have and you can see where your money is going)

Take the time you have been paying on the card (1 year = 12 months etc.)
Multiply by the amount of your payment (if you have been making payments of $350 which is an average payment for 10k)

And come out with your solution
24 x 350=$8400 dollars spent in the last year towards your credit card and you still owe near the full balance if not more.

with DS the equation is
23x350=8050 and best part is Your actually debt free, not oweing an additional 8 or 9 or 10 k.

Settlement Clearly has it's benefits, everyone is just wrapped around their credit score and it being above par. But if you're having trouble with debt your credit shouldn't be your first concern because it will be the thing to bury you into the ground until it is effected.

And people please stop thinking that making the minimum payment is giving you good credit. I mean come on, your lenders will give you a pat on the back for keeping there lights on and giving jonny his bonus, but no one is going to give you a loan with that type of payment history. Also the main use of credit is to extend it, buy a car or a home. NO ONE wants to give someone in debt a loan. Is that not the most logical thing you've heard all day. If you owed me $10 and came up to me asking for another $20, i'd look at you crazy and charge you interest on the 10. Do your research there is alot more to credit than just your score. As you can tell i run into a lot of arrogance regarding there score and the situation : ). It is made for specific situations if you are a person who can afford double the minimum payment NO KIDDING settlement will kill your credit. Going from superb payments down to not paying obviously is not smart. It is made for people who are on the break of falling behind, have fallen behind, or have to chose between paying the credit cards or providing food for the family. If you dont fallinto that category then its not worth it.

Credit counseling will help you reduce your rates and bring you concurrent if you can afford it. Generally your payments will remain the same or in some cases increase which is usually uncomfortable on people because they have to remain on that payment for several years. It is made for people who have high rates but can back up the payments.

I hope i helped if you do have additional questions feel free to email me at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and i will be more than happy to help you out.


You can't advertise here either, Anthony. - Uncle Wulf