Debt Settlement Pros And Cons-A Critical Step Before Selecting A Program

Mar 30
11:47

2011

Joe Hernandez

Joe Hernandez

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

Can you really settle your debts for pennies on the dollar legally? Learn the truth about debt settlement pros and cons.

mediaimage
If you want to know whether debt settlement is a good option for you or not,Debt Settlement Pros And Cons-A Critical Step Before Selecting A Program Articles you must make your decision mostly based on the debt settlement pros and cons. This article will help you to t identify the right option. Most important, you need to know that debt negotiation is a financial decision now which will impact your future well being. 

Here is a closer look at this option and some helpful information that will help you decide if this is the right option for your financial needs.

PROS• It is the fastest way to pay off debt. It typically takes 2-3 years or faster depending on your ability to raise a lump sum. Other programs take about 5-10 years.
• You only pay a portion of your total debt, unlike consumer credit counseling (which only lowers the interest rate) or consolidation..
• If you compare it with other methods of debt reduction you may save tens of thousands,  
• Unlike bankruptcy, your record is not made public.
• Unlike bankruptcy, there is no court involvement.
• Your credit will improve since you are eliminating “bad debt”. You can start re-building your credit much sooner.
• You have control: You can either accept or decline each settlement offer.
• Your monthly payment will be flexible. You pay what you can afford.
• The creditor harassment should stop, or decrease, depending on the skills of the negotiation company.
CONS
• Collection phone calls from your creditors are an unavoidable part of the process and you may receive them.
• As with other debt reduction methods, your credit will be negatively affected.
• It is possible to get sued, but the likely hood is very low since lawsuits can be very expensive and creditors use a threat of a lawsuit as a last resort. In the unlikely case that you get sued, you can stop the suit by making suitable arrangements with your creditors.
• Only credit card, medical bills and other unsecured debt qualify for debt settlement.

In conclusion, if you can temporarily deal with imperfect credit and other inconveniences in exchange for paying off your debts faster, you may greatly benefit by following this program. Although debt negotiation is not for everyone, hopefully these debt settlement pros and cons will help you decide whether debt settlement is for you. Look carefully and decide whether the pros outweigh the cons.