Borrowing money to make critical purchases might help you realise your aspirations, but if debt payments become too much for you to handle, the scenario can quickly turn into a nightmare.
A debt management plan established and implemented with the assistance of a consumer credit counselor is one way out of this difficult situation.
A debt management plan allows you to make one monthly payment that covers all of your unsecured bills. A debt repayment plan isn’t a loan, and it won’t let you pay less than you owe, but it can make the repayment process easier and help you get out of debt faster.
A consumer credit counselling service is an important part of a debt management strategy. Many of these are charitable organisations, and the greatest of them provide financial education and counselling from professional and qualified personal finance counsellors. However, just because an organisation claims to be non-profit does not guarantee it is good for you.
Fees are charged by consumer counselling organisations.
These charges are usually low and should be specified in writing.
Any oral commitments made by a counsellor or other representative should be written down in any agreement with a credit counselling business.
There should be no pressure put on a prospective client to sign a contract right away or without giving them enough time to read and examine it, that is why it is advisable to go for a professional Debt Management Company.
First and foremost, the consumer counselling agency’s responsibility is to comprehend the client’s unique scenario.
The counsellor will assist the client in putting together a budget.
A strategy to repay the client’s unsecured obligations.
Creditors frequently agree to waive late fees and cut interest rates on outstanding bills as part of a debt management plan.
An interest rate reduction from 20% or more to less than 15% is a typical effect, depends from region to region.
The main goal of a debt management plan is to pay off all unsecured debts in bare minimum time.
Only unsecured debts qualify for debt management strategies. Mortgages, auto loans, and other collateralized debts are not included. They aren’t suitable for student loans, either.
The customer will be prohibited from applying for any new credit cards or loans while the debt management plan is in effect. All monthly payments to the agency must be made in whole and on time in order for the creditors to be paid on time. Otherwise, late fines and higher interest rates may be reinstated by creditors.
A borrower should assess his or her condition before enrolling in a debt management plan, including summing up sources of income and establishing a list of bills outstanding. This will help you better understand your alternatives, and it will also prepare you for when the credit counsellor asks for the same information.
The next step is to choose a qualified debt management company. To identify qualified candidates, contact one of the national non-profit credit counselling organisations, such as the National Foundation for Credit Counselling (NFCC) or the Financial Counselling Association of America (FCAA). You can also verify with the attorney general of your state or the Better Business Bureau.
Typically, an agency will begin with an introductory counselling session during which you will discuss your financial status and the debt collection advisor will assist you in creating a personal debt payback plan. You may be scheduled for follow-up sessions as well. A proper way out and process are likely to be offered by the agency.
The counsellor will call the creditors you intend to pay and try to work out fee waivers and reduced interest rates with them. You’ll agree to pay the agency a set monthly fee, which will be divided among your creditors.
A certain success fess or percentage is charged by a Debt Management Company, such as MNS Credit Management Group who works on contingency fee only. That is, they are liable to charge their fees only if recovery is made. If you are in financial distress, you may be able to negotiate a lower charge or a waiver.
You’ll be asked to sign a contract that details how much you’ll pay and how the invoice /fee will be charged spent by the agency. You must also promise not to open any new credit cards for the duration of the debt management plan. When the last payment is made, you’ll have paid off all of the unsecured creditors covered by the plan in given time period.
Most crucial, when determining which debt management plan is the most effective, learn about the company’s services and expenses. Never put your faith in verbal assurances. Everything should be in writing, and contracts should be carefully examined.
