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Bad credit is a term used to describe a poor credit rating.Common practices that can damage a credit rating include making late payments, skipping payments, exceeding card limits ordeclaring bankruptcy. Bad Credit can result in being denied credit.
Bad credit can result in a negative rating from the credit reporting agencies. Many factors can contribute to someone getting a "bad credit" rating, among these are non-payment of an
account or late payments over an extended length of time.Whether non-payment of an account is willful or due to financial hardship, the result can be the same, a negative rating which
will result in a low credit score. However, lenders are more willing to work with individuals if the person contacts the lender to let them know they are having problems meeting their
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A credit score is defined as a statistical method of assessing an applicant's credit worthiness. An applicant's credit card history; amount of outstanding debt; the type of credit used;negative information such as bankruptcies or late payments;collection accounts and judgments; too little credit history,and too many credit lines with the maximum amount borrowed are all included in credit-scoring models to determine the credit score.
Raising your credit score is possible. It's a well known fact that lenders will give people with higher credit scores lower interest rates on mortgages, car loans and credit cards. If your
credit score falls under 620 just getting loans and credit cards
with reasonable terms is difficult.
Here are five things that you can use to raise credit score.
1. Correct obvious mistakes.
Your credit score is what shows up in your credit report. Review your reports from all three credit bureaus for accuracy once a year as well as several months before applying for a loan.
Changing a mistake on your report can take 30 days to three months, or more. Get Your credit report from the three major bureaus: Experian, Trans Union and Equifax.
2. Pay Your Bills On Time
Your payment history makes up 35% of your total credit score.Your recent payment history will carry much more weight than what happened five years ago.
Missing just one payment on anything can knock 50 to 100 points off of your credit score.
Paying your bills on time is the best way to get started rebuilding your credit rating and raising your credit score.
3. Reduce your credit card balances.
A heavily weighted factor in your FICO score is how much money you owe on your credit cards relative to your total credit limit. Generally, it's good to keep your balances at or below 25
percent of your credit card limit, said Jeanne Kelly, founder of The Kelly Group in Brookfield, Conn., which helps clients improve their credit scores.
4. Don’t Close Old Accounts
In the past people were told to close old accounts they weren’t using. But with today's current scoring methods that could actually hurt your credit score.
Closing old or paid off credit accounts lowers the total credit available to you and makes any balances you have appear larger in credit score calculations. Closing your oldest accounts can
actually shorten the length of your credit history and to a lender it makes you less credit worthy.
If you are trying to minimize identity theft and it's worth the peace of mind for you to close your old or paid off accounts,the good news is it will only lower you score a minimal amount.But just by keeping those old accounts open you can raise credit score for you.
5. Avoid Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is the single worst thing you can do to your credit score. Bankruptcy will lower your credit score by 200 points or more and is very difficult to come back from.
Once your credit score falls below 620, any loan you get will be far more expensive. A bankruptcy on your credit record is reported for up to 10 years.
The reality of a bankruptcy is it will limit you to high-interest lenders that will squeeze out high interest rate payments from you for years.
It is better to get credit counseling to help you with your bills and avoid bankruptcy at all costs. By getting credit counseling instead of declaring bankruptcy you can raise credit
score over a much shorter period of time.
http://bk.shamrockbusiness.com/do-you-need-bad-credit-help.html
Thursday, October 25, 2007
How Bankruptcy Works
Bankruptcy… a frightening word with serious connotations. In recent years governments have been cracking down, making penalties for bankruptcy more severe in an attempt to make them more difficult to attain so that only those in serious need can apply for them.
Despite the negative image that is associated with bankruptcy and the various problems that come along with declaring a bankruptcy, it doesn't have to be frightening; after all, bankruptcy was designed as a way for those individuals and businesses who find that their finances are out of control to get the help that they need to organize their finances and pay off their debts.
Once you take the time to understand what bankruptcy is and how it works, you won't find it as scary as you did at first.
Defining Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal term, meaning that an individual cannot within reason pay off their various debts and have allowed the court system to take over their finances for this purpose.
When filing for bankruptcy, the court will appoint someone to work out the payments to your creditors and to determine how much of your income must go to repay these debts. The court will either allow you to make payments, or more likely will deduct a portion of your paycheck toward this goal.
During this time, your credit will be limited… both by legal action and by the reluctance of creditors to issue credit lines to individuals who have declared bankruptcy.
Once the total amount set by the court has been repaid, the bankruptcy will be discharged and you will be able to start rebuilding your credit from the ground up.
Different Types of Bankruptcy
Several different types of bankruptcy exist, defined by legal codes for certain purposes. The exact types of bankruptcy available differ from one country to the next… in the United Kingdom bankruptcy can only legally be applied to individuals and partnerships, whereas in other countries such as the United States or Canada they can be applied to businesses as well.
Regardless of the limitations or allowances set by the government on who is allowed to declare bankruptcy, the general purpose of bankruptcy remains the same.
Lasting Effects of Bankruptcy
While you are working towards discharging a bankruptcy, your options for credit will be exceedingly limited. Even after you've had your bankruptcy filing discharged, though, you'll still find that you won't have many options for a while… many creditors will still be hesitant to work with you from between six months to two years depending upon the creditor and the service that you're applying for.
You should also take care with any offers that you do receive, because they will likely come with high interest rates and additional fees attached.
Life After Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy isn't the end of the world… it's actually a chance for a new beginning. As time goes by, the bankruptcy on your credit report will begin to matter less and less as you eventually start to establish new positive credit lines and build up your credit again.
Just like negative reports, your bankruptcy will eventually expire from your credit history; the process may take up to seven years, and until it expires there will still be those who are hesitant to deal with you.
Once it expires, however, the negative reports that preceded it will also be long gone… and you'll find that your newer reports are all that remain.
http://bk.shamrockbusiness.com/
Despite the negative image that is associated with bankruptcy and the various problems that come along with declaring a bankruptcy, it doesn't have to be frightening; after all, bankruptcy was designed as a way for those individuals and businesses who find that their finances are out of control to get the help that they need to organize their finances and pay off their debts.
Once you take the time to understand what bankruptcy is and how it works, you won't find it as scary as you did at first.
Defining Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal term, meaning that an individual cannot within reason pay off their various debts and have allowed the court system to take over their finances for this purpose.
When filing for bankruptcy, the court will appoint someone to work out the payments to your creditors and to determine how much of your income must go to repay these debts. The court will either allow you to make payments, or more likely will deduct a portion of your paycheck toward this goal.
During this time, your credit will be limited… both by legal action and by the reluctance of creditors to issue credit lines to individuals who have declared bankruptcy.
Once the total amount set by the court has been repaid, the bankruptcy will be discharged and you will be able to start rebuilding your credit from the ground up.
Different Types of Bankruptcy
Several different types of bankruptcy exist, defined by legal codes for certain purposes. The exact types of bankruptcy available differ from one country to the next… in the United Kingdom bankruptcy can only legally be applied to individuals and partnerships, whereas in other countries such as the United States or Canada they can be applied to businesses as well.
Regardless of the limitations or allowances set by the government on who is allowed to declare bankruptcy, the general purpose of bankruptcy remains the same.
Lasting Effects of Bankruptcy
While you are working towards discharging a bankruptcy, your options for credit will be exceedingly limited. Even after you've had your bankruptcy filing discharged, though, you'll still find that you won't have many options for a while… many creditors will still be hesitant to work with you from between six months to two years depending upon the creditor and the service that you're applying for.
You should also take care with any offers that you do receive, because they will likely come with high interest rates and additional fees attached.
Life After Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy isn't the end of the world… it's actually a chance for a new beginning. As time goes by, the bankruptcy on your credit report will begin to matter less and less as you eventually start to establish new positive credit lines and build up your credit again.
Just like negative reports, your bankruptcy will eventually expire from your credit history; the process may take up to seven years, and until it expires there will still be those who are hesitant to deal with you.
Once it expires, however, the negative reports that preceded it will also be long gone… and you'll find that your newer reports are all that remain.
http://bk.shamrockbusiness.com/
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Fair Debt Collection
If you use credit cards, owe money on a personal loan, or are paying on a home mortgage, you are a "debtor." If you fall behind in repaying your creditors, or an error is made on your accounts, you may be contacted by a "debt collector."
You should know that in either situation, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires that debt collectors treat you fairly and prohibits certain methods of debt collection. Of course, the law does not erase any legitimate debt you owe.
This brochure answers commonly asked questions about your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
What debts are covered?
Personal, family, and household debts are covered under the Act. This includes money owed for the purchase of an automobile, for medical care, or for charge accounts.
Who is a debt collector?
A debt collector is any person who regularly collects debts owed to others. This includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis.
How may a debt collector contact you?
A collector may contact you in person, by mail, telephone, telegram, or fax. However, a debt collector may not contact you at inconvenient times or places, such as before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., unless you agree. A debt collector also may not contact you at work if the collector knows that your employer disapproves of such contacts.
Can you stop a debt collector from contacting you?
You can stop a debt collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collector telling them to stop. Once the collector receives your letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact or to notify you that the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action. Please note, however, that sending such a letter to a collector does not make the debt go away if you actually owe it. You could still be sued by the debt collector or your original creditor.
May a debt collector contact anyone else about your debt?
If you have an attorney, the debt collector must contact the attorney, rather than you. If you do not have an attorney, a collector may contact other people, but only to find out where you live, what your phone number is, and where you work. Collectors usually are prohibited from contacting such third parties more than once. In most cases, the collector may not tell anyone other than you and your attorney that you owe money.
What must the debt collector tell you about the debt?
Within five days after you are first contacted, the collector must send you a written notice telling you the amount of money you owe; the name of the creditor to whom you owe the money; and what action to take if you believe you do not owe the money.
May a debt collector continue to contact you if you believe you do not owe money?
A collector may not contact you if, within 30 days after you receive the written notice, you send the collection agency a letter stating you do not owe money. However, a collector can renew collection activities if you are sent proof of the debt, such as a copy of a bill for the amount owed.
What types of debt collection practices are prohibited?
Harassment. Debt collectors may not harass, oppress, or abuse you or any third parties they contact.
For example, debt collectors may not:
- use threats of violence or harm;
- publish a list of consumers who refuse to pay their debts (except to a credit bureau);
- use obscene or profane language; or repeatedly use the telephone to annoy someone.
False statements. Debt collectors may not use any false or misleading statements when collecting a debt. For example, debt collectors may not:
- falsely imply that they are attorneys or government representatives;
- falsely imply that you have committed a crime;
- falsely represent that they operate or work for a credit bureau;
- misrepresent the amount of your debt;
- indicate that papers being sent to you are legal forms when they are not; or
- indicate that papers being sent to you are not legal forms when they are.
Debt collectors also may not state that:
- you will be arrested if you do not pay your debt;
- they will seize, garnish, attach, or sell your property or wages, unless the collection agency or creditor intends to do so, and it is legal to do so; or
- actions, such as a lawsuit, will be taken against you, when such action legally may not be taken, or when they do not intend to take such action.
Debt collectors may not:
- give false credit information about you to anyone, including a credit bureau;
- send you anything that looks like an official document from a court or government agency when it is not; or
- use a false name.
Unfair practices. Debt collectors may not engage in unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. For example, collectors may not:
- collect any amount greater than your debt, unless your state law permits such a charge;
- deposit a post-dated check prematurely;
- use deception to make you accept collect calls or pay for telegrams;
- take or threaten to take your property unless this can be done legally; or
- contact you by postcard.
What control do you have over payment of debts?
If you owe more than one debt, any payment you make must be applied to the debt you indicate. A debt collector may not apply a payment to any debt you believe you do not owe.
What can you do if you believe a debt collector violated the law?
You have the right to sue a collector in a state or federal court within one year from the date the law was violated. If you win, you may recover money for the damages you suffered plus an additional amount up to $1,000. Court costs and attorney' s fees also can be recovered. A group of people also may sue a debt collector and recover money for damages up to $500,000, or one percent of the collector' s net worth, whichever is less.
Where can you report a debt collector for an alleged violation?
Report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state Attorney General' s office and the Federal Trade Commission. Many states have their own debt collection laws, and your Attorney General' s office can help you determine your rights.
http://www.justia.com/bankruptcy/docs/fair-debt-collection.html
For People on Debt Management Plans: A Must-Do List
Reputable credit counseling organizations employ counselors who are certified and trained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Those organizations that are nonprofit have a legal obligation to provide education and counseling.
But not all credit counseling organizations provide these services. Some charge high fees, not all of which are disclosed, or urge you to make "voluntary" contributions that can cause you to fall deeper into debt. Many claim that a debt management plan is your only option before they spend time reviewing your financial situation, and offer little or no consumer education and counseling. Others misrepresent their nonprofit status or fraudulently obtained nonprofit status by misrepresenting their business practices to regulators.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, and some state Attorneys General have sued several companies that called themselves credit counseling organizations. The FTC and the states said these companies deceived consumers about the cost, nature, and benefits of the services they offered; some companies even lied about their nonprofit status. Several of these companies are now going out of business. Similar companies also may be shutting their doors, even though they haven't been sued by the FTC or the states. That could be of special concern if you have a debt management plan with one of these companies.
Must-Dos for Anyone With A DMP
Organizations that advertise credit counseling often arrange for consumers to pay debts through a debt management plan (DMP). In a DMP, you deposit money each month with a credit counseling organization. The organization uses these deposits to pay your credit card bills, student loans, medical bills, or other unsecured debts according to a payment schedule they've worked out with you and your creditors. Creditors may agree to lower interest rates or waive certain fees if you are repaying through a DMP.
The FTC has found that some organizations that offer DMPs have deceived and defrauded consumers, and recommends that consumers check their bills to make sure that the organization fulfills its promises. If you are paying through a DMP, contact your creditors and confirm that they have accepted the proposed plan before you send any payments to the organization handling your DMP. Once the creditors have accepted the DMP, it is important to:
* make regular, timely payments.
* always read your monthly statements promptly to make sure your creditors are getting paid according to your plan.
* contact the organization responsible for your DMP if you will be unable to make a scheduled payment, or if you discover that creditors are not being paid.
You need to be aware that if payments to your DMP and creditors are not made on time, you could lose the progress you've made on paying down your debt, or the benefits of being in a DMP, including lower interest rates and fee waivers. Although creditors may have forgiven late payments that you made before you began the DMP, the creditors may be unwilling or unable to do so if payments are late after you have enrolled in a DMP. If you fall behind on your payments, you may not be able to have your accounts "re-aged" again (reported as current), even if you start a new DMP with a new counselor. That means your credit report will have "late" marks and you will rack up late fees, which, in turn, will lead to more debt that could take longer to pay off.
If Your Credit Counselor Has Gone Out of Business
What happens to your DMP if the credit counseling company that managed your debts shuts down? A counseling agency that is going out of business may send you a notice telling you that your DMP is being transferred to another company. Or it may tell you that you need to take some action to keep your financial recovery on track. If a government agency has filed an action against your credit counseling company, you may get a notice from a third party. If you discover that the organization handling your DMP is going out of business you need to:
* contact your bank to stop payment if you are making your DMP payments through automatic withdrawal.
* start paying your bills directly to your creditors.
* notify your creditors that the organization handling your DMP is going out of business. Consider working out a payment plan with your creditors yourself. Ask if they will give you a reduction on your interest rate without a DMP.
* order a copy of your credit report. Check for late payments — or missed DMP payments — that may result from the company going out of business. If you see "late" notations you don't expect, call the creditor immediately and ask that the notation be removed. Understand that they have no obligation to do it.
If payments are late because the organization handling your DMP has failed to make scheduled payments, the consequences can be just as devastating as if you failed to make payments to the DMP. If you do not act quickly to make arrangements with your creditors, you could incur late charges that increase your debt, lose the lower interest rates associated with the DMP, and have "late" marks on your credit report.
Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counselor
If the organization you were working with shuts down, you may be able to work a payment plan on your own directly with your creditors. But if you decide that you need additional credit advice and assistance, or if you are considering working with a credit counselor for the first time, asking questions like these can help you find the best counselor for you.
1. What services do you offer? Look for an organization that offers a range of services, including budget counseling, savings and debt management classes, and counselors who are trained and certified in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors should discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems now and avoid others in the future. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions. Avoid organizations that push a debt management plan as your only option before they spend a significant amount of time analyzing your financial situation. DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for a DMP only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money.
If you were on a DMP with an organization that closed down, ask any credit counselor that you are considering what they can do to help you retain the benefits of your DMP.
2. Are you licensed to offer your services in my state? Many states require that an organization register or obtain a license before offering credit counseling, debt management plans, and similar services. Do not hire an organization that has not fulfilled the requirements for your state.
3. Do you offer free information? Avoid organizations that charge for information about the nature of their services.
4. Will I have a formal written agreement or contract with you? Don't commit to participate in a DMP over the telephone. Get all verbal promises in writing. Read all documents carefully before you sign them. If you are told you need to act immediately, consider finding another organization.
5. What are the qualifications of your counselors? Are they accredited or certified by an outside organization? If so, which one? If not, how are they trained? Try to use an organization whose counselors are trained by an outside organization that is not affiliated with creditors.
6. Have other consumers been satisfied with the service that they received? Once you've identified credit counseling organizations that suit your needs, check them out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and Better Business Bureau. These organizations can tell you if consumers have filed complaints about them. The absence of complaints doesn't guarantee legitimacy, but complaints from other consumers may alert you to problems.
7. What are your fees? Are there set-up and/or monthly fees? Get a detailed price quote in writing, and specifically ask whether all the fees are covered in the quote. If you're concerned that you cannot afford to pay your fees, ask if the organization waives or reduces fees when providing counseling to consumers in your circumstances. If an organization won't help you because you can't afford to pay, look elsewhere for help.
8. How are your employees paid? Are the employees or the organization paid more if I sign up for certain services, pay a fee, or make a contribution to your organization? Employees who are counseling you to purchase certain services may receive a commission if you choose to sign up for those services. Many credit counseling organizations receive additional compensation from creditors if you enroll in a DMP. If the organization will not disclose what compensation it receives from creditors, or how employees are compensated, go elsewhere for help.
9. What do you do to keep personal information about your clients (for example, name, address, phone number, and financial information) confidential and secure? Credit counseling organizations handle your most sensitive financial information. The organization should have safeguards in place to protect the privacy of this information and prevent misuse.
http://www.justia.com/bankruptcy/docs/debt-management-plan-must-do-list.html
But not all credit counseling organizations provide these services. Some charge high fees, not all of which are disclosed, or urge you to make "voluntary" contributions that can cause you to fall deeper into debt. Many claim that a debt management plan is your only option before they spend time reviewing your financial situation, and offer little or no consumer education and counseling. Others misrepresent their nonprofit status or fraudulently obtained nonprofit status by misrepresenting their business practices to regulators.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, and some state Attorneys General have sued several companies that called themselves credit counseling organizations. The FTC and the states said these companies deceived consumers about the cost, nature, and benefits of the services they offered; some companies even lied about their nonprofit status. Several of these companies are now going out of business. Similar companies also may be shutting their doors, even though they haven't been sued by the FTC or the states. That could be of special concern if you have a debt management plan with one of these companies.
Must-Dos for Anyone With A DMP
Organizations that advertise credit counseling often arrange for consumers to pay debts through a debt management plan (DMP). In a DMP, you deposit money each month with a credit counseling organization. The organization uses these deposits to pay your credit card bills, student loans, medical bills, or other unsecured debts according to a payment schedule they've worked out with you and your creditors. Creditors may agree to lower interest rates or waive certain fees if you are repaying through a DMP.
The FTC has found that some organizations that offer DMPs have deceived and defrauded consumers, and recommends that consumers check their bills to make sure that the organization fulfills its promises. If you are paying through a DMP, contact your creditors and confirm that they have accepted the proposed plan before you send any payments to the organization handling your DMP. Once the creditors have accepted the DMP, it is important to:
* make regular, timely payments.
* always read your monthly statements promptly to make sure your creditors are getting paid according to your plan.
* contact the organization responsible for your DMP if you will be unable to make a scheduled payment, or if you discover that creditors are not being paid.
You need to be aware that if payments to your DMP and creditors are not made on time, you could lose the progress you've made on paying down your debt, or the benefits of being in a DMP, including lower interest rates and fee waivers. Although creditors may have forgiven late payments that you made before you began the DMP, the creditors may be unwilling or unable to do so if payments are late after you have enrolled in a DMP. If you fall behind on your payments, you may not be able to have your accounts "re-aged" again (reported as current), even if you start a new DMP with a new counselor. That means your credit report will have "late" marks and you will rack up late fees, which, in turn, will lead to more debt that could take longer to pay off.
If Your Credit Counselor Has Gone Out of Business
What happens to your DMP if the credit counseling company that managed your debts shuts down? A counseling agency that is going out of business may send you a notice telling you that your DMP is being transferred to another company. Or it may tell you that you need to take some action to keep your financial recovery on track. If a government agency has filed an action against your credit counseling company, you may get a notice from a third party. If you discover that the organization handling your DMP is going out of business you need to:
* contact your bank to stop payment if you are making your DMP payments through automatic withdrawal.
* start paying your bills directly to your creditors.
* notify your creditors that the organization handling your DMP is going out of business. Consider working out a payment plan with your creditors yourself. Ask if they will give you a reduction on your interest rate without a DMP.
* order a copy of your credit report. Check for late payments — or missed DMP payments — that may result from the company going out of business. If you see "late" notations you don't expect, call the creditor immediately and ask that the notation be removed. Understand that they have no obligation to do it.
If payments are late because the organization handling your DMP has failed to make scheduled payments, the consequences can be just as devastating as if you failed to make payments to the DMP. If you do not act quickly to make arrangements with your creditors, you could incur late charges that increase your debt, lose the lower interest rates associated with the DMP, and have "late" marks on your credit report.
Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Credit Counselor
If the organization you were working with shuts down, you may be able to work a payment plan on your own directly with your creditors. But if you decide that you need additional credit advice and assistance, or if you are considering working with a credit counselor for the first time, asking questions like these can help you find the best counselor for you.
1. What services do you offer? Look for an organization that offers a range of services, including budget counseling, savings and debt management classes, and counselors who are trained and certified in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors should discuss your entire financial situation with you, and help you develop a personalized plan to solve your money problems now and avoid others in the future. An initial counseling session typically lasts an hour, with an offer of follow-up sessions. Avoid organizations that push a debt management plan as your only option before they spend a significant amount of time analyzing your financial situation. DMPs are not for everyone. You should sign up for a DMP only after a certified credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing your financial situation, and has offered you customized advice on managing your money.
If you were on a DMP with an organization that closed down, ask any credit counselor that you are considering what they can do to help you retain the benefits of your DMP.
2. Are you licensed to offer your services in my state? Many states require that an organization register or obtain a license before offering credit counseling, debt management plans, and similar services. Do not hire an organization that has not fulfilled the requirements for your state.
3. Do you offer free information? Avoid organizations that charge for information about the nature of their services.
4. Will I have a formal written agreement or contract with you? Don't commit to participate in a DMP over the telephone. Get all verbal promises in writing. Read all documents carefully before you sign them. If you are told you need to act immediately, consider finding another organization.
5. What are the qualifications of your counselors? Are they accredited or certified by an outside organization? If so, which one? If not, how are they trained? Try to use an organization whose counselors are trained by an outside organization that is not affiliated with creditors.
6. Have other consumers been satisfied with the service that they received? Once you've identified credit counseling organizations that suit your needs, check them out with your state Attorney General, local consumer protection agency, and Better Business Bureau. These organizations can tell you if consumers have filed complaints about them. The absence of complaints doesn't guarantee legitimacy, but complaints from other consumers may alert you to problems.
7. What are your fees? Are there set-up and/or monthly fees? Get a detailed price quote in writing, and specifically ask whether all the fees are covered in the quote. If you're concerned that you cannot afford to pay your fees, ask if the organization waives or reduces fees when providing counseling to consumers in your circumstances. If an organization won't help you because you can't afford to pay, look elsewhere for help.
8. How are your employees paid? Are the employees or the organization paid more if I sign up for certain services, pay a fee, or make a contribution to your organization? Employees who are counseling you to purchase certain services may receive a commission if you choose to sign up for those services. Many credit counseling organizations receive additional compensation from creditors if you enroll in a DMP. If the organization will not disclose what compensation it receives from creditors, or how employees are compensated, go elsewhere for help.
9. What do you do to keep personal information about your clients (for example, name, address, phone number, and financial information) confidential and secure? Credit counseling organizations handle your most sensitive financial information. The organization should have safeguards in place to protect the privacy of this information and prevent misuse.
http://www.justia.com/bankruptcy/docs/debt-management-plan-must-do-list.html
Friday, October 19, 2007
Make bankruptcy your last option by learning all you can about how to keep creditors off your back and eliminate your debt in the shortest amount of t
Are you currently experiencing severe financial difficulties and/or considering bankruptcy? Maybe you have arrived at this site because you realize that high credit card interest charges are only driving you further into debt, or you are looking for information about how to stop persistent creditors and debt collectors from calling you at all hours of the day and evening, or youare simply searching for credit counseling information that will help you create a debt rudction plan and start getting out of nightmarish and overwhelming debt.
If you're struggling with debt, you're not alone. Millions of people live under the daily stress and pressures of being in debt. Recent research on the personal debt situation in America reveals that over half of all Americans use credit cards as a short term loan, and have at least one credit card that they do not pay off in full each month. This research also reveals that the average debt as a percentage of household income is around 8.0%, although for people earning less than $40,000 a year, this percentage is in the double digits. Other facts worth noting, are that the average interest rate charged by credit cards is 14.71% and the average household has more than $8,000 in credit card debt. An $8,000 debt at a rate of 18% interest will take more than 25 years to repay and cost more than $24,000 to service. The most recent Federal Reserve study showed that 43% of U.S. families spent more than they earned and that on average, Americans spend $1.22 for each dollar they earn. This leads over 1.5 million people to seek credit counseling or guidance for their financial situation each year.
Here you will find articles, tips and information about dealing with bankruptcy, credit counseling, debt consolidation loans, the consequences of filing for bankruptcy, ways to start taking back control of your financial situation, how to eliminate debt without going bankrupt, steps you can take to keep creditors and bill collectors off your back, what to say when you contact creditors, how to negotiate with creditors, how to avoid costly mistakes when using credit counseling services, bankruptcy law, your rights as an individual, and so much more.
If you can't find the information you are looking for here, please bookmark this site and visit us again soon, as we plan to keep adding new content on a regular basis.
http://www.credit-wz.com/bankruptcy/more-bankruptcy-articles.html
If you're struggling with debt, you're not alone. Millions of people live under the daily stress and pressures of being in debt. Recent research on the personal debt situation in America reveals that over half of all Americans use credit cards as a short term loan, and have at least one credit card that they do not pay off in full each month. This research also reveals that the average debt as a percentage of household income is around 8.0%, although for people earning less than $40,000 a year, this percentage is in the double digits. Other facts worth noting, are that the average interest rate charged by credit cards is 14.71% and the average household has more than $8,000 in credit card debt. An $8,000 debt at a rate of 18% interest will take more than 25 years to repay and cost more than $24,000 to service. The most recent Federal Reserve study showed that 43% of U.S. families spent more than they earned and that on average, Americans spend $1.22 for each dollar they earn. This leads over 1.5 million people to seek credit counseling or guidance for their financial situation each year.
Here you will find articles, tips and information about dealing with bankruptcy, credit counseling, debt consolidation loans, the consequences of filing for bankruptcy, ways to start taking back control of your financial situation, how to eliminate debt without going bankrupt, steps you can take to keep creditors and bill collectors off your back, what to say when you contact creditors, how to negotiate with creditors, how to avoid costly mistakes when using credit counseling services, bankruptcy law, your rights as an individual, and so much more.
If you can't find the information you are looking for here, please bookmark this site and visit us again soon, as we plan to keep adding new content on a regular basis.
http://www.credit-wz.com/bankruptcy/more-bankruptcy-articles.html
Thursday, October 18, 2007
How to Start a Business Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
In that your company is filing for bankruptcy protection make sure to answer all the questions as though you are the company, not yourself. Make notes if you have any questions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make certain that you have the proper authority to file bankruptcy for your company and to sign the necessary documentation. We will need a copy of the corporate resolution, or partnership agreement granting that authority.
Please follow the directions below. The General Review of Financial Status form helps us guide you through the complex documents which must be completed before a bankruptcy can be filed. All information is provided so that we can better assist you. Please note that this firm does not represent you until you have actually paid a retainer fee and signed a retainer agreement. So do not give out our name to your creditors until you have made the necessary arrangements with our office. If you have an emergency please call our office to discuss special arrangements. PLEASE NOTE: If you have any problems with any of the links please call our office.
In a very few cases bankruptcy is not the best option at the time. We will help you determine what other options might be available. But, in the great majority of cases, bankruptcy is the only option left. It is our job to help you throughout the entire process and to make sure you understand your rights and the complex legal issues involved with bankruptcy. Please review some comments that our clients have shared with us about our services.
You will be expected to pay one-half of your retainer at the time of this initial 2-hour meeting. Once you have paid a portion of the retainer you may refer all creditors and collection companies to our office.
http://www.dianedrain.com/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyQuestionnaires/BKQuestionnaireCo.htm
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make certain that you have the proper authority to file bankruptcy for your company and to sign the necessary documentation. We will need a copy of the corporate resolution, or partnership agreement granting that authority.
Please follow the directions below. The General Review of Financial Status form helps us guide you through the complex documents which must be completed before a bankruptcy can be filed. All information is provided so that we can better assist you. Please note that this firm does not represent you until you have actually paid a retainer fee and signed a retainer agreement. So do not give out our name to your creditors until you have made the necessary arrangements with our office. If you have an emergency please call our office to discuss special arrangements. PLEASE NOTE: If you have any problems with any of the links please call our office.
In a very few cases bankruptcy is not the best option at the time. We will help you determine what other options might be available. But, in the great majority of cases, bankruptcy is the only option left. It is our job to help you throughout the entire process and to make sure you understand your rights and the complex legal issues involved with bankruptcy. Please review some comments that our clients have shared with us about our services.
You will be expected to pay one-half of your retainer at the time of this initial 2-hour meeting. Once you have paid a portion of the retainer you may refer all creditors and collection companies to our office.
http://www.dianedrain.com/Bankruptcy/BankruptcyQuestionnaires/BKQuestionnaireCo.htm
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Get Personal Loan, Home Loan, Car Loan after Bankruptcy at Low Rate of Interest!
Apart from what it was that you had in mind about the hot potato which is home loan refinance in the past, this feature you are about to read is certain to astound you. 30-year fixed loan payments came to a 30-year low point last June when they plummeted below 5 %. It`s understandable why many property owners had excited notions as they rushed out to refinancing online their recent loans, hoping to put a little more money in their wallets. Although interest rates have since risen again, hovering around 6.25 %, they`re still improved from five years ago when rates were more than 7 percent.
Many professionals concur that interest rate decrease is the primary motive for most equity refinance decisions. Even little variations in interest rates can warrant a significant difference. Expecting a 2 or 3 % drop before remortgage is an old rule of thumb that no longer applies but these days a one-quarter up to 3/4 % rate decrease deserves consideration on condition that a proprietor intends to live in the house long enough to recover the costs.
Nevertheless, second mortgage may not be a wise route for each homeowner. Apart from lower interest, an important point ought to be the price of refinancing, including closing expenses, the mortgage amount, in addition to the duration of the mortgage. For example, a person that is a decade into their 30-year home loan might not desire to mortgages refinance for a new 30-year mortgage, leaving them forty years to pay their mortgage.
What if your credit is worse than when you first bought the home? In case you have made delayed payments for your loan, credit cards, or car loans from the time you purchased your house, your credit status has possibly dropped and you may not qualify for the lowest interest. refinancing in that case might in fact raise your payments and/or interest rather than lower them.
Conversely, there are people that choose to refinance home in order to get money from the closing in order to pay larger interest rate credit cards or other debts (at 6 % vs. 17 percent), or those who want to convert their mortgages from 30-year fixed terms to fifteen year terms in order to develop ownership quickly and slash their interest bill. In addition, proprietors who have private mortgage coverage (PMI) because they made an initial payment of below 20 % might refinancing home loan in order to rid themselves of mortgage coverage if they have built up equity on their houses. In any of these cases, mortgage refinance makes sense.
mortgage financing your property can benefit in the event that you find yourself excessively far in debt and you want a way out. refinancing home can give you the cash you need in order to minimize these debts as well as provide you with the opportunity to pay them. This also improves your credit score since once you refunding, you`re left with a solitary monthly installment that you could easily manage. Just ensure you aren`t charged any hidden charges when you`re changing the loan.
For relevant details, simply proceed to...
1. Lowest Home Loan Refinance`s informative summary
2. VA Home Loan Refinance Program overall briefing
3. Compare Rate Home Loan Refinance: Home Loan Refinance Compare`s complete summary
4. Basic Home Loan Refinance Time facts
Do you feel your chances of getting approved for a loan after filing bankruptcy is bleak. Wait for a while, bankruptcy loan can help you even after filing for bankruptcy, getting approved for funds after a bankruptcy is not that daunting as you think.
RE-establishing your credits is quite important. You can avail of personal loan, home loan, car loan after bankruptcy at low rate of interest and simultaneously work towards replenishing your credit scores. Provided, you make some good down payments on your bankruptcy loan you don’t get low interest rate, as a home loan after bankruptcy lender will foresee risk in lending loans to a bankrupt. A good size down payment will give him an assurance that his loan payments will be made on time.
Get Personal Loan, Home Loan, Car Loan after Bankruptcy at low interest rate!
Save some extra cash for a Down Payment:
Save money for a down payment. Your down payments ease down the risk and reduce the total amount financed. If a bankruptcy loan is rated high, a down payment will affect the monthly payments and get you better loan deal.
Personal loan, car loan or home loan after six months:
After six months of bankruptcy discharge, as it is unwise to apply for a loan immediately after discharge. Wait for some period of time and then, apply for a loan after bankruptcy. When possible, hold off on financing home. Give a break of six months. During this time, apply for a secured credit card and make timely payment. This will improve your credit score, and qualify you for better rates. Tough competition among uk lending companies in the market compels these lenders to offer special home loan, personal loan and car loan packages for those who have been through bankruptcy. As far as you have been discharged of your debts, you can go right ahead and submit that personal loan application.
Fix your credit problems:
If you’re having difficulties finding a co-borrower, and are still hunting for lower interest rate, fix your credit scores. Apply, for a new line of credit which would range from secured credit card, store card and others, make your repayments on time and keep very little or no balances on your account, so this way you would have unknowingly worked on repairing your credit scores as well.
Follow the above tips, then, there’s no stopping you from availing Personal loan, Home loan, Car loan after bankruptcy. Go get it! Reach out to online professionals who can help you with your credit repair and simultaneously fund your needs.
Kirthy Shetty expert author: Free advice on filing bankruptcy Filing Personal Bankruptcy
Filing Personal Bankruptcy
While reading the composition which concludes here about the subject of home loan refinance you saw for a fact how very simple plus uncomplicated it really can be.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirthy_S
Many professionals concur that interest rate decrease is the primary motive for most equity refinance decisions. Even little variations in interest rates can warrant a significant difference. Expecting a 2 or 3 % drop before remortgage is an old rule of thumb that no longer applies but these days a one-quarter up to 3/4 % rate decrease deserves consideration on condition that a proprietor intends to live in the house long enough to recover the costs.
Nevertheless, second mortgage may not be a wise route for each homeowner. Apart from lower interest, an important point ought to be the price of refinancing, including closing expenses, the mortgage amount, in addition to the duration of the mortgage. For example, a person that is a decade into their 30-year home loan might not desire to mortgages refinance for a new 30-year mortgage, leaving them forty years to pay their mortgage.
What if your credit is worse than when you first bought the home? In case you have made delayed payments for your loan, credit cards, or car loans from the time you purchased your house, your credit status has possibly dropped and you may not qualify for the lowest interest. refinancing in that case might in fact raise your payments and/or interest rather than lower them.
Conversely, there are people that choose to refinance home in order to get money from the closing in order to pay larger interest rate credit cards or other debts (at 6 % vs. 17 percent), or those who want to convert their mortgages from 30-year fixed terms to fifteen year terms in order to develop ownership quickly and slash their interest bill. In addition, proprietors who have private mortgage coverage (PMI) because they made an initial payment of below 20 % might refinancing home loan in order to rid themselves of mortgage coverage if they have built up equity on their houses. In any of these cases, mortgage refinance makes sense.
mortgage financing your property can benefit in the event that you find yourself excessively far in debt and you want a way out. refinancing home can give you the cash you need in order to minimize these debts as well as provide you with the opportunity to pay them. This also improves your credit score since once you refunding, you`re left with a solitary monthly installment that you could easily manage. Just ensure you aren`t charged any hidden charges when you`re changing the loan.
For relevant details, simply proceed to...
1. Lowest Home Loan Refinance`s informative summary
2. VA Home Loan Refinance Program overall briefing
3. Compare Rate Home Loan Refinance: Home Loan Refinance Compare`s complete summary
4. Basic Home Loan Refinance Time facts
Do you feel your chances of getting approved for a loan after filing bankruptcy is bleak. Wait for a while, bankruptcy loan can help you even after filing for bankruptcy, getting approved for funds after a bankruptcy is not that daunting as you think.
RE-establishing your credits is quite important. You can avail of personal loan, home loan, car loan after bankruptcy at low rate of interest and simultaneously work towards replenishing your credit scores. Provided, you make some good down payments on your bankruptcy loan you don’t get low interest rate, as a home loan after bankruptcy lender will foresee risk in lending loans to a bankrupt. A good size down payment will give him an assurance that his loan payments will be made on time.
Get Personal Loan, Home Loan, Car Loan after Bankruptcy at low interest rate!
Save some extra cash for a Down Payment:
Save money for a down payment. Your down payments ease down the risk and reduce the total amount financed. If a bankruptcy loan is rated high, a down payment will affect the monthly payments and get you better loan deal.
Personal loan, car loan or home loan after six months:
After six months of bankruptcy discharge, as it is unwise to apply for a loan immediately after discharge. Wait for some period of time and then, apply for a loan after bankruptcy. When possible, hold off on financing home. Give a break of six months. During this time, apply for a secured credit card and make timely payment. This will improve your credit score, and qualify you for better rates. Tough competition among uk lending companies in the market compels these lenders to offer special home loan, personal loan and car loan packages for those who have been through bankruptcy. As far as you have been discharged of your debts, you can go right ahead and submit that personal loan application.
Fix your credit problems:
If you’re having difficulties finding a co-borrower, and are still hunting for lower interest rate, fix your credit scores. Apply, for a new line of credit which would range from secured credit card, store card and others, make your repayments on time and keep very little or no balances on your account, so this way you would have unknowingly worked on repairing your credit scores as well.
Follow the above tips, then, there’s no stopping you from availing Personal loan, Home loan, Car loan after bankruptcy. Go get it! Reach out to online professionals who can help you with your credit repair and simultaneously fund your needs.
Kirthy Shetty expert author: Free advice on filing bankruptcy Filing Personal Bankruptcy
Filing Personal Bankruptcy
While reading the composition which concludes here about the subject of home loan refinance you saw for a fact how very simple plus uncomplicated it really can be.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kirthy_S
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