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Debtconsolidationcare.com - the USA consumer forum

Where are debt letter templates for Settlements

Date: Tue, 10/07/2008 - 09:39

Submitted by anonymous
on Tue, 10/07/2008 - 09:39

Posts: 202330 Credits: [Donate]

Total Replies: 7


I have seen posts with this information to do it yourself but I can't find the templates any where please help


There are some sample letters here, but it doesn't look like any of them are appropriate for the initial offer:

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/letters/

You should read Nascardevil's post about negotiating with creditors. He recommends doing it on the phone, rather than by letter (and then following up with the agreement in writing):

http://www.debtconsolidationcare.com/settlement/how-to-negotiate.html


lrhall41

Submitted by alias1958 on Tue, 10/07/2008 - 10:01

( Posts: 1230 | Credits: )


If you are able to keep up with your minimum payments, then debt settlement may not be the right option for you. Creditors will usually not agree to settle for less than the full balance due as long as you are making your payments. They are getting their money and making a lot in interest, so they really have no incentive to settle. Once you are a few months behind, and if you have a hardship that they feel makes you a risk for bankruptcy or for completely defaulting on your balance, then they are more likely to settle and at least get something from you. However, your credit rating will probably suffer because you will have to be behind on your bills.

Have you looked into a debt management plan? You can go to nfcc.org to find non-profit Consumer credit counseling Services in your area. They will give you a free consultation, in person, or on the phone. You would pay them and then they would pay your creditors each month. Your payments would probably not be much (or any) less than what you are currently paying, but they might be able to get your interest rates lowered, and you would have your debts paid off sooner.


lrhall41

Submitted by alias1958 on Tue, 10/07/2008 - 12:48

( Posts: 1230 | Credits: )


Most of the credit card companies also have hardship programs. However, they won't generally offer them to you until you are behind on your payments. Once I started falling behind and the collection calls started, most of them were eager to offer hardship programs in exchange for my agreement to make regular payments. It depends on the creditor, but most of them offered to lower the interest rate to somewhere between 0% and 10%, waive the late fees, and lower the minimum monthly payment amount to 1% of the outstanding balance. The programs are temporary though, usually for six to twelve months. And they will want you to explain what your hardship is (in our case, it was loss of income).


lrhall41

Submitted by alias1958 on Tue, 10/07/2008 - 15:12

( Posts: 1230 | Credits: )


May it help you in writing one : :D

[LEFT]1. Subject Line Request - Right off the bat let the loss mitigator know what you are requesting.

2. Brevity ??? Don???t let your financial hardship letter go on for page after page. Keep it as short as possible.

3. Personal - Let the loss mitigator get to know you and your circumstances.

4. Clarity ??? Get your points across in the clearest possible way and then provide a summary.

5. Information ??? Make sure you leave nothing out of your financial hardship letter. Attach important information such as bank statements, cash flow documents, income tax statements, letters of reference, etc.

6. Be Appreciative ??? The person reading this financial hardship letter did not get you into this mess but he or she is the one that can help you out of it. So be thankful and humble in your tone.

[/LEFT]
The hardship letter is not the only tool in your chest for a financial reprieve but it is by far one of the most important. So make it your prime instrument when dealing with the bank and get it in soon. ;)


lrhall41

Submitted by eparker on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 05:25

( Posts: 3 | Credits: )