5 Options Toward Debt Relief

If you are in debt, well over your head in debt that is, there are options to help you overcome this situation. Let's examine five possible responses and uncover which ones lead to true debt relief.

1. Declare bankruptcy. Not as easy as it used to be especially since Congress passed and the president signed into law legislation to toughen personal bankruptcy laws earlier this year. Still, it is an option for some. Just remember: depending on which course of action you take, Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, it can have a long term impact on your credit standing.

2. Consolidate your debt through a consumer credit counseling service. Be careful as often all these companies do is get your interest rates reduced for a period of time, earn money off of your payments, and sink your credit rating! You can probably negotiate directly with your creditors for relief and save yourself money as well as your good name.

3. Get a consolidation loan. Watch out as this means borrowing from the equity you have in your house [secured credit] to pay off debt that is unsecured. Do you really want to expose your most valuable asset in that way?

4. Debt settlement. Just because you owe $50,000 to creditors does not mean you absolutely must pay it all back. With the services of a company who would arbitrate on your behalf, you can get real debt relief without the stigma of bankruptcy. Yes, your credit would take a bit of a hit but it it isn't the same as bankruptcy. You could then get out from under the remaining debt over a period of time.

5. Sit on it. In other words: do not do a thing. Sure, it is an appealing option for some but you cannot run and you cannot hide. Better to choose one of the first four options than this one!

Debt relief is possible, but it requires determination and research on your part. If you are using the services of another company to help you gain debt relief, make sure you read the small print and check out their references. Ultimately, your credit standing is in your hands. Do not trust it to those who are not actively working on your behalf.

Matt Keegan is The Article Writer who writes about topics from Aviation to Zoos. For samples of some of his work, please visit http://www.thearticlewriter.com

In The News:


Gulf Times

Ivory Coast could get debt relief mid-2009 - World Bank
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 22 hours ago
This is Ivory Coast's third attempt at HIPC debt relief. According to Economy and Finance Minister Charles Diby Koffi, external debt repayments amount to ...
W. Bank says Ivorian aid tied to cleaning up cocoa Reuters South Africa
all 11 news articles

BBC News

Progress seen in debt relief for poor countries
Pakistan Dawn, Pakistan - Sep 4, 2008
By Masood Haider UNITED NATIONS, Sept 4: A new UN report finds significant progress in providing debt relief to the world’s poorest countries. ...
Poverty-reduction aid lags, study finds Los Angeles Times
DEVELOPMENT: UN Warns of Faltering Goals on Aid, Trade IPS
Donors’ Aid to Poor Nations Declines, UN Reports New York Times
UN News Centre - Reuters South Africaall 184 news articles

Hurricane Relief Efforts Create Red Cross Debt, Nonprofit Says
Washington Post, United States - Sep 5, 2008
By Philip Rucker The American Red Cross said this morning it is going deep into debt to fund a $70 million Hurricane Gustav relief effort, ...

Handloom weavers may get debt relief
Business Standard, India - Sep 2, 2008
After the debt waiver scheme for farmers, the Union government is hoping to extend a similar scheme for handloom weavers. The Union textiles ministry, ...

Bankruptcy lawyers can advise clients on debt-court
Reuters - Sep 5, 2008
The amendment in dispute prohibits debt-relief agencies from giving clients advice about taking on more debt before filing for creditor protection. ...
8th Circuit: Bankruptcy Provision Violates Lawyer Free Speech Rights ABA Journal
all 5 news articles

Gene F. Turnwald: Debt relief might be less than it promises
Lansing State Journal, MI - Sep 2, 2008
I ask you to please keep that in mind when dealing with debt relief companies that guarantee to lower your credit card or loan payments and interest rates. ...

Justices fault part of 2005 debt law
Arkansas Democrat Gazette, AR - 23 hours ago
“The threat of being labeled as a debt-relief agency has curbed or chilled big firms from doing pro bono work for people” who need bankruptcy, Henry Kaim, ...

Group advocates tax increases and non-user fees for sewer debt relief
The Birmingham News - al.com, AL - Aug 29, 2008
At a morning press conference, the group put forward "the people's plan," an 11-point proposal for dealing with the debt. The activists, including a ...

Staying On Track with Your Debt Relief Plan
3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - Aug 29, 2008
All these things, however, pale in comparison with the importance of sticking to and staying focused on your debt relief plan. Sticking with a debt relief ...
4 Simple Steps To Getting Rid Of Credit Card Debt 3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine
Settling Credit Card Debt: Choosing the Right Words 3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine
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Canada Bonds Gain as Economic Slowdown Drives Investors to Debt
Bloomberg - 18 hours ago
``Technically no recession, but no relief from fairly sluggish growth either,'' said Craig Wright, chief economist at Royal Bank of Canada in Toronto, ...
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