If you are unable to pay your debts, it’s always advisable to seek professional assistance as soon as possible. Taking prompt actions against such cases helps remedy your financial situation. Unfortunately, finding solutions to one’s debts is not as easy as it sounds. If you find yourself hitting the financial bottom as a result of your debts, here are a few strategies to consider.
Debt Management Plans
These kinds of plans make it possible for you to settle your unsecured debts in full, but often with fees waived or with reduced rates of interest. A debt management plan allows you to make a single payment to the credit counseling agency every month. The payment made is then distributed among your creditors. With this approach, however, you will have to live without your credit cards because they will be closed until the plan is completed. Although the debt management plans cannot affect your credit scores, closing the accounts will most definitely do. Therefore, make sure you apply for credit cards again once you have completed the plan.
Bankruptcy
There is little or no point of entering a debt management plan if you cannot pay as agreed. You can always talk to a bankruptcy attorney before you can decide to pursue any relief plan. Most attorneys will not charge for the initial consultation, so do not fear approaching one.
The most common type of bankruptcy is Chapter 7 liquidation and this can be used to erase the unsecured personal loans, credit card debts, or even medical debts. If you qualify for this process, debt relief can be done in a period of 3 to 4 months.
You should note that not every individual with an overwhelming amount of debt qualifies for debt relief through bankruptcy. For your family size and state, if your income surpasses the median, you may be required to file Chapter 13.
There are numerous law firms that can offer the professional help you need. Make sure you search around to ensure you are working with the best bankruptcy attorney in your area. You may also consider visiting www.steinbergerlaw.com/ to learn more about Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Debt Settlement
This approach should always be the last resort when it comes to seeking debt relief. Debt settlement organizations often ask debtors to stop paying their debt and place their money in their controlled accounts instead. As the money accumulates, the company approaches every creditor, and you as the debtor continue to fall further behind payments. This approach may work since the fear of not getting anything may prompt the creditors to accept any form of settle even when it means getting a smaller lump-sum, as long as they agree not to pursue the debt any longer.
However, with this approach, you subject yourself to collection calls, potential legal action, or even penalty fees. Debt settlement cannot stop any of these from happening while the negotiations are still ongoing.
Last Words
When you are about to hit the financial bottom, make sure you consider the three options above. Best of all, make some time to talk to a bankruptcy attorney to get all the help you need when seeking debt relief.
