Thursday, 1 May 2008

Debt Reduction Negotiation And Dealing With Debt Colectors

By Adrian Fletcher

Having a large debt problem can be stressful. The stress of meeting minimum repayments can have adverse affects on both your business and private life. Indeed, financial problems of often a primary cause of relationship breakdowns and poor performance at work. Divorce, separation or a sacking from work can only exacerbate the problems. Then there is the phone calls from debt collection agencies or creditors that can add to the stress. So what can you do to avoid getting into a situation like this ? There are a few options open to you when you have debt problems.

Bankruptcy is often seen as an effective way to deal with large debt that has got out of control. However, it should really be seen as a last resort in a process that should start with talking with your creditors. Bankruptcy laws have changed making it harder to be eligible for a chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy that clears debts. So bankruptcy may not be the solution to your problems. This article will deal with debt negotiation principles when it comes to talking to your creditors.

Many people would be extremely nervous about approaching a creditor or debt collection service about outstanding debts that you have with them. The best way to get over this nervousness is to get informed about the debt collection process. In particular, your rights when it comes to debt collection services contacting you. There are strict laws that dictate how collection agencies can treat people they are contacting about debt. Any kind of harassment, such a verbal abuse, is against the law. They can't contact you at unsociable hours such as early morning or late at night. A place to start this research is the Federal Trade Commission. They have a website that gives details of the laws that govern debt collection practices. If you think a debt collector has violated these rules then you can contact the commission.

Debt collection services will have no qualms about making sure you know about the outstanding debt. They may even break some of the laws that govern the debt collection process because they usually only get paid per successful resolution of the debt. By knowing the laws and how you stand in regards to debt collectors, you can prevent any like this occurring to you.

Once you have some information about debt collection, start to consider your financial situation. Always ensure you have money for the necessities, like foods and utility bills, mortgage or rent and fuel to keep your car running. Once you have accounted for these expenses each month then work out how much money you have to tackle any debt problems. This will give you an upper limit that will help when you negotiate a payment plan or even a settlement of debts.

Start off the negotiation by offering to pay less than the amount that you can afford to pay. This will give you some negotiating room during the meeting.

Record all dealings that you have with debt collectors or creditors. This may be recording telephone conversations or any meetings. If you reach any agreement, ensure that the details are committed to writing and that you have a copy.

Don't be forced into a solution that you don't think is fair or that you can't handle financially. If this happens, you will not have solved the problem and the creditor will be reticent to negotiate with you again. If you come to some agreement, ask the creditor to remove any information that they have added to your credit report so that your credit score is not adversely affected.

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