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	<title>Credit Card Applications &#187; debt settlement</title>
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		<title>The Deal Behind Credit Card Debt Elimination</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2012/01/18/the-deal-behind-credit-card-debt-elimination/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2012/01/18/the-deal-behind-credit-card-debt-elimination/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:04:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kente Wallman</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[articles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business and economy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business services]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt elimination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[payment systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[references]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2012/01/18/the-deal-behind-credit-card-debt-elimination/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most common questions in the credit and debt industries is, "How can I eliminate credit card debt?" It makes sense that this question is asked over and over again seeing that America is in trillions of dollars of debt. This debt has come from banks and creditors issuing insane amounts of credit in the past few years.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most common questions in the credit and debt industries is, &#8220;How can I eliminate credit card debt?&#8221; It makes sense that this question is asked over and over again seeing that America is in trillions of dollars of debt. This debt has come from banks and creditors issuing insane amounts of credit in the past few years.</p>
<p>Consumers are running into problems when trying to eliminate their credit card obligations. These problems are originating with the banks and creditors that lent them money in the first place. The same bank or creditor that lends a consumer money knows fully well that the consumer will often not be able to make the large payments required. They also know that the debt could potentially ruin the consumer&#8217;s life. Does this top the banks and creditors from lending? Of course not.</p>
<p>Banks and creditors often scare consumers away from the decision to stop making payments on financial obligations that they cannot afford. The banks and creditors will do this through intimidation. Because most consumers do not know the laws that apply to their situation, they end up agreeing to new payment plans that can last for decades.</p>
<p>Debt consolidation firms that provide appealing plans to pay down debt often trick consumers. These plans often offer the convenience of one monthly payment instead of multiple payments, and on occasion provide lower interest rates. These new payments plans can seem appealing when a consumer comes from paying multiple creditors at ridiculously high interest rates. However, most consumers are so excited about making one payment at a lower interest rate that they do not realize that they are once again signing up for years of monthly payments.</p>
<p>Many consumers are still wondering, &#8220;How can I eliminate credit card debt?&#8221; The answer is actually less complex than most people imagine it to be. Consumers need to decide that they will not make any more payments to their creditor or bank on the ridiculous terms that banks and creditors set.</p>
<p>As a consumer, before you make any decision about your bad economic state, I would strongly recommend researching out the whole process. This applies especially to making the decision to not pay your credit card balance. Making this decision is quite serious because it is not an easy road to go down. However, making payments on your financial obligations for the rest of your life is not very easy either!</p>
<p>You may be wondering where to find additional help and advice of what to do once you decide not to continue paying your credit card debt. The answers are all found with debt elimination firms. These firms are extremely rare and can sometimes be hard to find. The nice thing about them is that they charge so much less for help eliminating your liabilities than you would be paying if you decide to continue to make payments to your bank or creditor.</p>
<p>Many consumers feel bad when even thinking about not paying their creditor or bank. I want to put your mind at ease because contrary to popular belief, your bank or creditor really isn&#8217;t as ethical or trustworthy as they appear.</p>
<p>Though it is sad that banks and creditors willingly participate in abusive and unethical behavior in regards to debtors, it also provides an opening for you to be free from your credit card balance! The only hard thing is gaining knowledge of the laws and procedures to expose these illegal and unethical practices. That is what these consultants are there to help you with. I strongly suggest taking advantage of their services.</p>
<p>I sincerely hope that you have not already been through much of the abuse that I have mentioned today. The only way to stop this abuse and free your self from credit card balance is to gain as much knowledge as possible. Continue searching for the answers to the question, &#8220;How can I eliminate credit card debt?&#8221;</p>
<p>Kente Wallman has been in the field of <a target='_blank' href="http://www.whatisdebtelimination.com/">legal debt elimination</a> for a decade and maintains a website that answers <a target='_blank' href="http://www.whatisdebtelimination.com/how-can-i-eliminate-credit-card-debt/">How Can I Eliminate Credit Card Debt?</a> where you will discover answers to questions.</p>
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		<title>Bankruptcy Options To Seriously Consider</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2011/09/26/bankruptcy-options-to-seriously-consider/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2011/09/26/bankruptcy-options-to-seriously-consider/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:07:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Adriana Noton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[interest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2011/09/26/bankruptcy-options-to-seriously-consider/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ever since the beginning of the economic instability which has spread across the globe, many families have found themselves in situations they never considered before. Some individuals have found themselves without employment for the very first time in their lives. Others are finding it hard to pay their monthly bills with the replacement job they have had to take in order to hang on to what they have. These situations tend to make filing bankruptcy seem a viable alternative to fighting monthly financial battles.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ever since the beginning of the economic instability which has spread across the globe, many families have found themselves in situations they never considered before. Some individuals have found themselves without employment for the very first time in their lives. Others are finding it hard to pay their monthly bills with the replacement job they have had to take in order to hang on to what they have. These situations tend to make filing bankruptcy seem a viable alternative to fighting monthly financial battles.</p>
<p>While it is true that some people might qualify for financial assistance under federal law, it may not be the best decision for you and your family. There are several factors which can determine what status of bankruptcy can be filed, and even those laws have changed to favor the creditors. The updated laws have been made in order to cut down on the number of filings that cause businesses to lose money.</p>
<p>One of the worst things to come out of the financial struggle is the stress it puts upon the entire household. It is not only a stressful event for the adults who have to shoulder the actual burden of the monthly bills. Children in the household are living with parents who have more stress which definitely has an effect on the children.</p>
<p>The first thing you should do is to assess the reality of your situation. Get a pencil and paper and actually document how much money is coming into the home, and how much is going out on a monthly basis. Give each bill a name, and not just listed as a utility. This will let you realistically see each and every item you are paying for on a monthly basis. You will then be able to cross out those things you are paying for each and every month. Most households are actually paying for items they do not need or could do without very easily. These include magazine subscriptions or premium movie channels on cable. Until you get your finances in order, they should be eliminated from your budget.</p>
<p>Sometimes a family can be just barely edging by on the income coming into the home. If it is at all feasible to take a part-time job on the weekend which could bring in enough to help bring the past due balances current, it could be something to think about. It does not have to be a lifetime arrangement, but if it can get you back on track it would be well worth trying.</p>
<p>Most of the time it helps to have an outsider look at a negative financial situation in order for an answer to be revealed. Someone who is trained to look for answers you would not normally think about can help put a new spin on your situation and help show you a way out without having to hire a lawyer. This individual is called a debt counselor.</p>
<p>Using a debt counselor may be one of the best financial decisions you have ever made. They can look at your finances with a fresh and unbiased eye. Once they have gone over everything they can make expert recommendations and help with the decisions you could not make on your own. You can be assured of privacy as these financial professionals only speak with you and your creditors.</p>
<p>Before you seriously consider bankruptcy, you should definitely see a professional debt counselor. These financial professionals can assist you in getting your finances put back the way they should be and help keep your credit score from being completely devastated. They will work closely with you to tailor a plan which suits your finances and get the debt collectors off of your back.</p>
<p>Breaking free from debt is not easy. This specialized debt consolidation firm offers services for <a target='_blank' href="http://www.debtcare.ca/">bankruptcy Toronto</a>, <a target='_blank' href="http://www.debtcare.ca/">debt consolidation Toronto</a> and debt settlement isuess. Get help today and enjoy the freedom of being out of debt!</p>
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		<title>Debt Settlement Good or Bad Versus Other Options.</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/11/05/debt-settlement-good-or-bad-versus-other-options/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/11/05/debt-settlement-good-or-bad-versus-other-options/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:38:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Ames</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/11/05/debt-settlement-good-or-bad-versus-other-options/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are two types of bankruptcies that most consumers file. A chapter 7 or a chapter 13.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are two types of bankruptcies that most consumers file. A chapter 7 or a chapter 13.</p>
<p>A chapter 7 is the wipe out that most people associate with filing a personal BK. The laws changed in 2005 and it is now more difficult to qualify.</p>
<p>A chapter 13 is a 3-5 year repayment plan where the courts will determine how much you can pay (based on a calculated discretionary income) YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY OFF ALL OF YOUR DEBT. Only save interest and late fees.</p>
<p>Debt Consolidation is a program where you make one monthly payment to a company and they disburse it to your creditors. They typically lower your interest rate and the program is for an average of 7 years. &#8220;&#8221; Approximately 75% of the people who enter these type of programs never complete them. The companies who set you up in these programs earn most of their fees from the CREDIT CARD COMPANIES.</p>
<p>Your third option is Debt Settlement. Most companies are charging you a total cost of over 65% with no legal fees included. Click on the link and go to FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to fully understand why they are charging outrageous fees with no legal representation. There is one program out there, which is directly with an attorney with a total cost of 55% which also includes legal fees and court appearances as required.</p>
<p>Bankruptcy obviously has the worst effect on your credit. It will appear on your credit report for 8 to 10 years. Debt Consolidation is also a black mark on your credit due to the fact you could not fulfill your original contractual agreement. With Debt Settlement your credit score will decrease significantly in the short term (As you will pay the Attorney instead of your creditors). Once your accounts are settled or eliminated your scores will increase. Restoring or cleaning your credit is fairly simple once your accounts are closed. Most companies do not offer this service with the settlement. WHY NOT ?</p>
<p>John Ames is founder and president of legally settle debt. He has an MBA in Finance and over 30 years experience in Finance, Financial Planning, Debt Settlement and Credit Repair. <a href="http://www.legallysettledebt.com">Legal Debt Settlement</A></p>
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		<title>Six Essential Facts you must Know About Debt Management Plans</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/10/24/six-essential-facts-you-must-know-about-debt-management-plans/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/10/24/six-essential-facts-you-must-know-about-debt-management-plans/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:50:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Edward William</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit Cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consolidate credit card debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card debt relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eliminate credit debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[getting out of debt]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/10/24/six-essential-facts-you-must-know-about-debt-management-plans/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The unpaid bills and badgering calls have brought you to the end of your rope and you do not know where to turn for help. You may need to take those liabilities and find a corporation which will help you put them under a debt management plan. Here is some information about the method for you to work out if this type of plan is something you need and can stick with.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The unpaid bills and hectoring calls have brought you to the end of your rope and you don&#8217;t know where to turn for help. You may wish to take those liabilities and find a company which will help you put them under a debt management plan. Here is some information about the process for you to see if this type of plan is something you need and can stick with.</p>
<p>1. Collect all your bureaucracy and bills in one place. It is important to know the big picture of what you actually owe and might consider putting into a debt management plan. It may be an uncongenial task to see the particular total but it is an essential place to begin. You cannot make a successful journey if you do not know where you are starting.</p>
<p>2. Choose a company to help understand your fiscal situation. Pick a company that has a debt management program as one of their options. Some firms can reduce your debts by 50-60%. Ask about their average reduction.</p>
<p>3. Next is the conversation. Do not be humiliated by sharing the financial situation you&#8217;ve found yourself in. You&#8217;re not the first to have gotten behind in paying debts and not the first to even be considering the drastic step of bankruptcy. This is the time to take a step towards a solution.</p>
<p>4. Follow through with the action plan to unravel your debt problems. This can suggest that you make one payment a month to the company and they negotiate with your lenders and pay them. It&#8217;d be a relief to have the situation under this sort of control. No more badgering calls or threatening letters. If you ever have extra money to pay, you&#8217;ll be out of debt even faster.</p>
<p>5. There will be a fee for the organization&#8217;s services in negotiating the reduction of your balances and a new payment schedule. The financial company knows how the medical billers and credit card corporations work. If you need legal advice, it would be best to contact an attorney.</p>
<p>6. Eventually , you&#8217;ll want to do everything possible to stay with the new plan. If you find that you have some extra money, send it in and you&#8217;ll be out of debt even quicker. The majority of the time you can clear the debt through one of these programs in merely a matter of months.</p>
<p>It is up to you to make that initial step of taking a realistic look at what you owe, choosing a provider and a program that is your kind of thing and can be customized to your present position, and then following through with one regular payment. In a few months you should be breathing simpler and enjoying your life again thanks to a debt management plan. It&#8217;s time to start and the sooner you start, the sooner you and your family will be debt-free.</p>
<p>Debt settlement is a first-rate opportunity!Before filing for bankruptcy, go to Arc Financial, we have the experience <a href="http://www.arcfinancial.net">negotiating with creditors</a> and get more information on what is a <a href="http://www.arcfinancial.net">debt settlement strategy</a> today!</p>
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		<title>Debt Solutions &#8211; Take Advantage of These Proven Solutions to Become Debt Free</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/09/03/debt-solutions-take-advantage-of-these-proven-solutions-to-become-debt-free/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/09/03/debt-solutions-take-advantage-of-these-proven-solutions-to-become-debt-free/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:31:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cindy Steele</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/09/03/debt-solutions-take-advantage-of-these-proven-solutions-to-become-debt-free/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Debt has a way of creeping up on us, sometimes unexpectedly. More people than ever are finding themselves slipping behind as the economy slows. It's easy to feel desperate and out of control. Finding a solution to overwhelming debt will help put you back in control of your life. Credit counseling, debt consolidation, and debt settlement are all good options for getting back on top of your finances. Filing bankruptcy may also be an option but should be considered as a last resort.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Debt has a way of creeping up on us, sometimes unexpectedly. More people than ever are finding themselves slipping behind as the economy slows. It&#8217;s easy to feel desperate and out of control. Finding a solution to overwhelming debt will help put you back in control of your life. Credit counseling, debt consolidation, and debt settlement are all good options for getting back on top of your finances. Filing bankruptcy may also be an option but should be considered as a last resort.</p>
<p>Bankruptcy may seem like a quick, easy solution, but the backlash will impact your life and credit for years to come. The first course action should always be debt consolidation and/or debt settlement. These solutions will help you structure your debt into a manageable one that you can pay down without the long term handicap that follows those who file bankruptcy.</p>
<p>You will receive expert financial advice and guidance from credit counseling or a debt consolidation service. They may assist you in handling multiple credit balances by approaching the credit card companies for you and making arrangements on your behalf that will make it easier for you to pay down your balances and get out of debt. There are a couple of ways these services can help you.</p>
<p>A debt consolidation company can negotiate with the credit card companies to have your interest rate lowered so that your debt will not continue to mount. They also often work as a middle man with the credit card companies for payment purposes. Instead of paying each credit card company every month, you make one payment directly to the service. They handle payment to the credit card companies.</p>
<p>Debt consolidation services are able to work much more easily with credit card companies than you could as an individual because they have developed an ongoing relationship. They have experience and know how the credit card companies work and what they are willing to do.</p>
<p>A debt settlement service is another good option to consider. They work a little differently than a debt consolidation service in that they work with the credit card companies to reduce your credit card balance. If you owe a credit card company $10,000, for example, they may be able to get it lowered to $7,000 and have the additional $3,000 forgiven.</p>
<p>The remaining $8,000 will be forgiven, or written off by the creditors. The reason a creditor will be willing to do this is because they realize that if they do not, in many cases the consumer that owes them the money may go into default or file for bankruptcy. In either case the creditor will get nothing. So basically in this scenario, getting something is better than getting nothing.</p>
<p>The two solutions outlined above are your best options for handling your debt load when it has become unmanageable. When you seek out a business that specializes in debt settlement or debt counseling, make sure you choose a company with a solid reputation. This can be done on your own, but you often have much better success when working with an experience professional.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s also a good idea to check out any debt solutions company with the Better Business Bureau or another organization in your community that can provide background information and reviews of a business. When you are working with a debt counseling service, do not hesitate to ask questions. Make sure you understand what is being done for you and what your obligations will be.</p>
<p>If your debt is quickly becoming unaffordable then take back control with these <a href="http://www.debtconsolidationhelpquote.com/">debt solutions</a> that have brought debt relief to millions when you visit <a href="http://www.debtconsolidationhelpquote.com/">www.debtconsolidationhelpquote.com</a>.</p>
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		<title>Credit Relief &#8211; Discover How to Become Debt Free</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/08/26/credit-relief-discover-how-to-become-debt-free/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/08/26/credit-relief-discover-how-to-become-debt-free/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:03:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Morgan Hamilton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/08/26/credit-relief-discover-how-to-become-debt-free/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Credit relief organizations have begun to spring up all over the country as financial difficulties affect more and more Americans. There are now more than 1,000 such companies that specialize in debt management and as many as 500,000 people who are seeking their advice and assistance in managing their personal debt.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic' class='byline'>by Morgan Hamilton</div>
<p>Credit relief organizations have begun to spring up all over the country as financial difficulties affect more and more Americans. There are now more than 1,000 such companies that specialize in debt management and as many as 500,000 people who are seeking their advice and assistance in managing their personal debt.</p>
<p>In many cases people really don&#8217;t know what their options are. When we talk about seeking credit relief we can basically break it down into the most popular forms which are credit counseling and debt consolidation (the two terms have basically become synonymous) and debt settlement. Let us take a closer look at these two forms of credit relief down further as we explain how they work.</p>
<p>With credit counseling and debt consolidation the person in debt works with a company that negotiates with their creditors on their behalf in order to get their interest rates lowered, thereby making the payments more affordable. The consumer makes a single monthly payment to the debt consolidation company who then distributes payments to each of the creditors according to the amount agreed upon.</p>
<p>This option will usually take 4 to 5 years to completely pay off the debt depending on how much the individual can afford to pay each month. There may be some negative marks on the credit history of the consumer but they will be erased in short time. The credit reporting agencies see that the individual is working with the creditors that they owe in a responsible manner and therefore do not levy any serious negative marks on their credit history.</p>
<p>Debt settlement however, works in a completely different manner. With debt settlement the borrower agrees to pay a percentage of the total amount that is owed to the lender and the remainder of the amount is forgiven. So for instance, if you owe $30,000 to a creditor that you can no longer afford to repay it is possible to negotiate that amount down to $20,000.</p>
<p>The reason that a lender or creditor would accept debt settlement as a debt solution is because they realize in many cases that getting something is better than getting nothing. Oftentimes finding effective debt solutions will keep an individual from filing for bankruptcy or defaulting on the money that they owe. Debt settlement will however negatively impact your credit rating and will remain as a negative mark on your credit history for many years to come.</p>
<p>In either case when seeking debt solutions be sure that you thoroughly check into the companies that you are considering doing business with. You can begin your search on the Internet and contact the companies that you feel may be a good fit for your financial situation. Write down any questions you may have in advance so that you will not forget to ask them. If you feel that your questions are not being answered fully or that the company is not completely forthcoming then eliminate that company from consideration.</p>
<p>You will then want to inquire with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other consumer protection organizations to make sure that the company has no outstanding complaints against it and that it is indeed a reputable organization. Credit relief is within your reach so by all means become proactive and seek out the best solutions available to you to help you become debt free.</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>Explore your options for <a href="http://www.debtconsolidationhelpquote.com/">credit relief</a> through debt consolidation and debt settlement. Find out the choices you have to help you become debt free when you visit <a href="http://www.debtconsolidationhelpquote.com/">www.debtconsolidationhelpquote.com</a>.</div>
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		<title>Understanding Debt Settlement Information</title>
		<link>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/08/22/understanding-debt-settlement-information/</link>
		<comments>http://www.easy-application-credit-cards.com/2009/08/22/understanding-debt-settlement-information/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:41:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris Blanchet</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt consolidation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt credit management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt settlement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finances management]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[When folks are heavily indebted to credit card companies and find they are unable to repay their entire debt, they will often seek debt settlement information as this not only provides an alternative to bankruptcy but can provide debt relief.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style='font-style:italic' class='byline'>by Chris Blanchet</div>
<p>When folks are heavily indebted to credit card companies and find they are unable to repay their entire debt, they will often seek debt settlement information as this not only provides an alternative to bankruptcy but can provide debt relief.</p>
<p><b>Debt Settlement Explained</b></p>
<p>Typically in debt settlement, the credit card company or collection agency will reduce the balance owing and the borrower will repay this amount (usually 35-50% of the original amount) instead of the original balance. Upon acceptance of the settlement, the borrowers will either have to provide a full payment up-front or will need to make regular monthly payments, much like a debt management system, to the creditor.</p>
<p><b>Debt Settlement Costs</b></p>
<p>Some companies who will negotiate on the part of the borrower will often charge a fee for their service. Some will charge up-front, some will include their fee in the monthly payment schedule, and others will take a lump sum only once the settlement has been approved by the creditor. Ideally, borrowers should look at companies who charge only a percent (20% is viewed as acceptable) of the reduced amount. So, if an individual has debt of $50,000 and the debt settlement company agrees to reduce the debt by $25,000, the borrower should pay $5,000.</p>
<p><b>Debt Management</b></p>
<p>Insofar as debt management is concerned, debt settlement is not a recommended debt management tactic. The reasons are abundant, namely that borrowers will suffer from reduced credit scores and settlement will only address credit card balances, not student loans, car loans or mortgages. With only credit cards eligible, borrowers are usually only addressing part of their debt problems, not the whole picture.</p>
<p><b>Tax Implications</b></p>
<p>When digging through debt settlement information, borrowers who decide to take this avenue should understand that there are tax implications to debt settlement. The bottom line here is that creditors will issue a 1099-C that the borrower will include when they file their taxes. The amount included as taxable income is the amount that the creditor agreed to reduce. As such, debt settlement may not be as attractive as bankruptcy options.</p>
<p>It should come as no surprise that there is an abundance of debt settlement information out there, especially now with the economic situation being what it is. In a few instances where credit card debt is the only (or almost only) type of debt, debt settlement makes sense. But as a debt management strategy, settlement is not all that great.</p>
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<div style='font-style:italic' class='about'>About the Author:</div>
<div class='links'>With more than 16 years of financial services experience, Chris has provided thousands of people with <a href="http://www.howtorepaydebt.com">debt settlement information</a>. His blog about <a href="http://www.howtorepaydebt.com">debt management</a> can be found at HowToRepayDebt(dot)com.</div>
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