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

More Resources

Unable to open RSS Feed $XMLfilename with error HTTP ERROR: 404, exiting

More Debt Relief Information:

Related Articles


The Debt Free Lifestyle
Many people have been taught that you cannot get ahead without debt. We are also inundated with advertising telling us we can have anything we want.
How To Get Out Of Debt
If you have found yourself in a position where you are in serious debt and cannot think of a way out of the situation, then take a few minutes to read these few tips. Some may seem obvious but do put them into practise as they will help.
New Bankruptcy Law - Targeting the Wrong People?
Last April, President Bush enthusiastically signed into law the oddly-named Bankruptcy Abuse and Consumer Protection Act. This bill, representing the biggest overhaul of bankruptcy law in twenty-five years, was written in order to discourage "bankruptcy of convenience.
Debt Free and Carefree
Are you still clearing a mountain of debt amassed last Christmas or even during last year's summer holiday?For those of you who make financial plans, who budget and save, you can skip this article. For those who get a little carried away, who regularly spend more than they can afford, this article is for you.
Christian Debt Consolidation - Feel Comfortable About Managing Your Debt
Many Christians feel uncomfortable with the notion of being in debt, and even more so when the debt has gotten out of control. Some say that it is not acceptable for Christians to owe any money, even for such necessities as a home.
Top Ten Reasons People File for Bankruptcy
1. Eliminate the legal obligation to pay many of your debts.
Bankruptcy 101
Bankruptcy still remains a mystery in the eyes of many consumers. This article will review the facts of bankruptcy as per written law.
Creating A Realistic Budget
Budgeting -- ooh, what a scary word! If you want to frighten someone whose finances are out of control, suggest that they tally up their expenses on a piece of paper. We all understand the value of such an exercise, but when it comes to the practicality of putting a budget together, we get cold feet.
Bankruptcy As An Option
If your financial worries are preventing you from sleeping at night, then you may have considered bankruptcy in hope of a little relief. Usually, consumers only turn to bankruptcy if there is no other hope for them to get out of debt.
What Is A Chapter 13 Bankruptcy?
Many consumers that are bogged down in debt frequently turn to bankruptcy as a form of restoring their financial status back to a zero balance. Unfortunately many of these same consumers are confused when it comes to the difference between a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Dont Let The Good Times Bury You
It is vital to get rid of debt while things aregoing well. Yet the opposite is usually thecase.
Repair Bad Credit Yourself
In March 2005, the U.S.
The Road to Debt Relief
Living with debt is not something someone hopes for, but it happens and it usually becomes far more severe than it should before something is done to eliminate it. Once many individuals realize they have a problem with debt, they are too embarrassed to ask for help so they let themselves dive further into debt.
The 5 Secrets to Getting Out of Debt Fast
As they stare down at a teetering pile of bills, so many consumers wonder how they racked up such a large debt. The answer boils down to simple mathematics.
Solutions to Single Mothers in Debt
As a single mother, lets admit it, times get tough. You are fortunate enough to have your children that mean the world to you, but it doesn't come cheap.
Bankruptcy: What the New Law Means to You
On April 20 of this year, President Bush signed a bankruptcy reform law. When this law goes into effect in October of this year, it will be much more difficult for Americans to use Chapter 7 bankruptcy to get a fresh start on their financial lives.
How to Avoid Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal way to offer folks with high interest debt a fresh financial start in life. In case you are considering personal bankruptcy as an answer to your debt problems, you are not alone.
Bank Like a Banker
The business of banking has changed dramatically over the last decade. Because the cost of doing business the old-fashioned way is no longer effective, banks are interested in changing their customers' behavior by encouraging electronic banking alternatives whenever possible.
How to Get Money When You Are Broke
(Money You Don't Have to Pay Back) 1. One way to get money is to have a yard sale and sell itemsthat you are getting ready to toss away because you don't wantthem any longer.
Life After Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy and Credit - What Happens After Your Debts Are Discharged?Bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for ten years. But you may be able to get credit fairly quickly - almost immediately after a bankruptcy - although you will pay dearly for it.