Credit Card Debt Consolidation Vs Debt Settlement Programs - What Option Is Right For You?

Posted: Dec 14, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

Credit card debt consolidation and debt settlement programs are two options for consumers seeking debt relief. So what option makes more sense for your financial situation?

Credit card debt consolidation allows consumers and small businesses to trade their high interest unsecured debt and for a low interest secured loan. Typically the consolidation company will pay off all your high interest credit cards and allow you to pay them back at a lower interest rate but you will have to secure the new loan with a secured asset. Most of the time this will be your house or other large asset. So why'll consolidation loans are great for paying back debt more efficiently, it also carries with it a significant risk of losing your house.

Debt settlement programs are another option for consumers and small businesses in need of debt relief. Debt settlement is intended for those who are experiencing a financial hardship and are struggling to pay their credit card debts. Those who qualify can typically eliminate 40-60% of their unsecured credit bills while avoiding bankruptcy. This however will have a negative impact on your credit rating, at least in the short term, and is only intended for individuals that are going through financial hardship.

New federal laws were recently passed by the Federal Trade Commission which make debt settlement a much better deal for consumers. These new laws ban debt relief companies from collecting upfront fees and therefore the risk of being ripped off has been eliminated. If they don't perform and eliminate at least 35% of your unsecured credit card bills, you don't pay a single penny.

Debt settlement is seen as a legitimate alternative to filing bankruptcy. If you have over $10,000 in unsecured debt and are experiencing a financial hardship then a debt settlement can make financial sense.

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    Homeowners who are considering re-financing for the purpose of debt consolidation should carefully consider whether or not their financial situation will be improved by re-financing. This is important because some homeowners may opt to re-finance because it increases their monthly cash flow even if it does not result in an overall cost savings.

    By: adamcouchl Financel Jul 24, 2010

    The United States Federal Trade Commission is always on the role to make consumers aware and the Government itself has initiated a number of laws and programs such as the Credit Card Reform Act of 2009 and Obama debt relief initiative.

    By: Clyde Archerl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Aug 28, 2010

    Many people are suffering from the stress of debt. There are many reasons people have debt and it may be due to circumstance beyond your control.

    By: Brendon Calvertl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Sep 13, 2010

    But it doesn't have to be that way. Many credit card companies will give you a card, albeit with high interest after a period of time, that for the first 6 months to a year comes with 0% interest on all credit card transfers. What this means is, if you use your new card to pay a big chunk of your old card, you pay no interest on the new card for a set period of time.

    By: Crosby Bartholomewl Financel Jul 24, 2010

    This is yet another unique way of clearing all your debts. This is a loan that is taken to consolidate and pay-off all your debts at the same time. After all your multiple debts have been cleared, you only have to deal with one single loan, which you can pay gradually. A debt consolidation loan has some distinctive advantages:

    By: Conrad Corwinl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Aug 07, 2010

    Debt advisor give you financial assistance in excess of $10,000 debts. They need a record of each owed dues and expenses to finalize the report for gainful do a deal.

    By: Nasrullah Mardanil Finance> Personal Financel Feb 02, 2011

    Debt settlement firms and agencies in New York have made it easier for New York debt negotiation to be easier for those who are in debts.

    By: ramitl Finance> Debt Consolidationl May 30, 2012

    Debt firms that handle settlement of debt lawsuits are one of the most beautiful settlements of debt lawsuits that can be seem in the debt settlement mortgage market.

    By: ramitl Finance> Debt Consolidationl May 30, 2012

    In the beginning Debt settlement IIc firms that take care of loans started with products that were fascinating until the impressive Debt settlement firms that take care of loans debt settlement firms came to limelight.

    By: ramitl Finance> Debt Consolidationl May 30, 2012

    Most people in UK nowadays live with credit cards and loans. Majority of the population would use these plastic cards to pay for items they purchase in big shopping malls and supermarkets.

    By: JimOneill Finance> Debt Consolidationl May 29, 2012

    Debt comes natural nowadays due to economic downturn and budget crunch. People who experienced unexpected circumstances would certainly apply for unsecured loans without even thinking about interest and additional charges.

    By: JimOneill Finance> Debt Consolidationl May 29, 2012

    Many people become debtors just because of these bills. For these people, medical debt relief programs do a good job.

    By: jerryarcherl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Mar 01, 2011

    This comes through smart thinking that can be implemented through legitimate sources such as settlement companies today.

    By: jerryarcherl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Feb 27, 2011

    And this is a big loss because hard times never come before asking. So you should always avoid it and find its alternatives.

    By: jerryarcherl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Feb 26, 2011

    These companies offer their services and charge very reasonable amount for it. They bargain with the credit card company to make debts as affordable for customers.

    By: jerryarcherl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Feb 26, 2011

    So those who are afraid of these debt settlement companies because of being betrayed have now legal protection given by the Government for the debt settlement.

    By: jerryarcherl Finance> Debt Consolidationl Feb 26, 2011

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