If your household is among the 38 million nationally struggling to make only minimum monthly payments to the credit card companies, you have five options available:

• Continue Making Minimum Payments
• Debt Settlement
• Consumer Credit Counseling
• Debt Consolidation
• Bankruptcy

Debt Settlement

Debt Settlement is the fastest, least costly option for eliminating debt. The table below compares the time and cost required to pay off $20,000 in credit card debt using each of the first three options.

Debt Settlement may be the best option for you depending upon your circumstances and objectives. Before making a choice you should compare Debt Settlement to each of the other four options. For a more detailed comparison of each option click on the links below.

Make Minimum Payments
Credit Counseling
Debt Consolidation
Bankruptcy

• We assess your circumstances and propose how to proceed to get you the debt relief you deserve.
• You enroll in Provanta Debt Settlement.
• You make monthly deposits to accumulate funds in your Settlement Savings Account.
• We intervene with your creditors, handle their calls and negotiate your settlements.
• You complete your Debt Settlement Program and live debt free.

A separate negotiation is required for each of your creditors. The amount repaid and the time required to complete a debt settlement program depends upon many factors such as what you owe to whom, the amount of your payment delinquencies, your financial circumstances, the amount you can set aside monthly to fund negotiated settlements, your financial hardship, etc.

For more information on the FDCPA and other money matters visit www.ftc.gov/moneymatters.

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Many private bank-based student loans carry unfavorable terms and rates whereas government backed student loans typically have low rates and flexible repayment options.

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FDIC insured banks charged off $48.9 billion in the second quarter of 2009 as compared to $26.4 billion a year earlier.  The annualized net charge-off rate was 2.55% as compared to 1.95% in Q4 of 2008. 

A $22.5 billion year-over-year increase in charge-offs were from commercial and industrial loans, while credit card loans represented a $4.6 billion increase.  The annualized net charge-off rate on credit card loans reached a record 9.95% in Q209.

Also of note is the fact that the noncurrent (90 days or more past due or in a nonaccrual status) loan rate has risen to a record level (increased by $41.4 billion in Q209).  It’s no surprise that residential mortgages led the charge followed by real estate construction and development loans.  This is the 13th consecutive quarter where the noncurrent loan rate has increased.

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With the credit card reform act going into full effect by February of 2010 many credit card issuers are trying to extract as much money as they can from their credit card holders.  The new act will provide greater consumer protection against increases in rates and other payment provisions.  However, many believe that the new act is too little too late.

For more information visit CNNMoney.com or click to read “Credit card rates rise in 1st half of ‘09: Group says bank profit from credit card debt rose as their costs to borrow money declined“.

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If you are curious about how long it will take you to pay off your unsecured debt (credit cards, personal loans, lines of credit etc.) use an online calculator like the one found at www.bankrate.com.  There are several calculators on the website but I would recommend using “What Will It Take To Pay Off My Credit Card“.  Play around with different figures but you should get a sense for how long it will take you to pay off your different accounts.

Two important considerations are the interest rate charged and the monthly amount you are required to pay by the creditor.  Keep in mind that the creditor can typically change these amounts any time they wish.  If your interest rate is 10% now it may not be that way for the entire time you are paying off the debt.  Interest rates have been increasing for many consumers as creditors have lowered limits and increased monthly payment requirements.

Staying current with your monthly payments to your creditors does not guarantee that you will have a good credit score.  Consider all of your options carefully but in the end I would recommend choosing the option that will result in you getting out debt sooner rather than later.

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I previously wrote about the Ten Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Debt Settlement Company.  Now, more than ever, it is critical that YOU ask these questions when seeking help from a qualified debt settlement company.  Do not take the word of the sales rep/debt consultant when calling a debt settlement company.  It will only take you a few minutes to do some research online to find out how long a company has been in business and what their Better Business Bureau rating is.

Remember that committing to a debt settlement program is a long-term relationship.  Avoid high pressure sales tactics and take your time in making a decision.

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The Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) was created to help protect you, the debtor, against the unlawful and abusive tactics that these collection agencies practice everyday. Just knowing the restrictions that are placed on these collection agencies will prepare you when it comes to dealing with them directly. For more information on what a creditor can and can’t do, please visit:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre18.shtm

Just remember, creditors are use to dealing with debtors who know nothing about their rights and therefore bully consumers into providing what they want. It is important that you stay strong and do not give into the creditors scare tactics. Do not be afraid to stand your ground and let creditors know that you are aware of your rights and ability to file official complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The creditors are simply pushing you as far as they can, so do not be afraid to stand up for yourself.

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