Pay Off Debt, Your Options

Do you have overwhelming debt? What options are out there? What are the pro's and con's for each?

1) Bankruptcy, Chapter 7:

The pluses: Wipes out all of your debt without paying any of it! How much debt you pay off? $0 (however you would have to pay legal fees).

Minuses: It affects your credit dramatically for 3+ years, it costs more now to file, and also you may not qualify if your income is too high or have too many assets which you aren't willing to surrender.

Suggestions: Consider this is your last option. Talk to a bankruptcy lawyer to get all the details upfront. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer free consultations.

2) Debt Consolidation:

This is also known as: debt relief, debt management, and consumer credit counseling.

The pluses: Credit damage is not that bad, it saves you considerable money overall, and no calls from creditors as they get paid every month. How much debt you will pay? 100% plus 8 to 15% annual interest for 2-6 years totalling around 150%.

Minuses: You pay off all the debt plus interest, you have to close your accounts down, its a long time frame typically, and being in such a program will prevent you from qualifying from many loan programs.

Suggestions: If your credit is perfect or near perfect and is very important to you over coming few years and your interest levels on your credit cards are over 20% it would be worth considering this program.

3) Bankruptcy, Chapter 13:

Pluses: Pays off all your debts. Helps those who make too much money to qualify for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. How much debt you will pay? Depends on your income and ability to pay + lawyer fees. Minuses: the federal government takes over your finances and decides who you pay and when! Stays on your credit for 7 years from the date after you've paid everything off.

Suggestions: Speak with a bankruptcy lawyer. There are only a few circumstances in which Chapter 13 is the wisest decision. Consider other options first.

4) Do nothing and make double and triple payments:

Also known as: strategic payment plans, budgeting, snowballing, etc

Pluses: Pay off your debts much faster, no credit damage. How much debt you will pay? All your debt + fees (albeit over shorter time frame.)

Minuses: could be very expensive, especially in short term. Many people cannot afford this approach.

Suggestions: If you can afford to pay well beyond the minimum payments each month this strategy is very effective.

5) Debt Settlement:

Also known as: Debt relief, debt audit, debt negotiation, debt mediation, etc.

Pluses: pays off your debt much faster and at about half of debt amount. Has a flexible payment plan (unlike all other options). How much debt will you pay? Usually about half of your total debt.

Minuses: Credit damage is severe if your credit is presently very good. Collection call will persist.

Suggestions: If your minimum payments far exceed your ability to pay and live your life then this is a good option to consider.

6) Just don't pay them anymore:

Also known as: Not answering the phone. Pluses: you have much less bills to pay! (for now at least). How much debt you pay? $0 now but maybe a lot more later if you get sued.

Minuses: severe credit damage. Persistent credit calls. Potential for lawsuit and getting wages garnished/assets taken/liens filed very possible.

Suggestions: if you have gone through a dramatic loss in income that is temporary and your creditors won't work with you well it's better to stop paying than to become homeless to pay the debts. Do not risk this with secured debt like mortgage or car loan! Once your finances are back in track you should choose an alternative. Be sure to prioritize use of your money. You have to eat before you pay the credit cards.

Working out settlements on your own:

Also known as: Do-it-yourself. Pluses: No lawyer cost, no charges of any debt settlement company. How much debt do you pay? Depends on how successful you are (results will vary).

Minuses: Many creditors won't negotiate with individuals to consolidate debt. Working with collectors is very frustrating and time consuming. Setting up pay plans with collectors will lead to lawsuit if and when you miss a single payment.

Suggestions: best to hire a professional who will actually save you money above and beyond that which you will save yourself including their fees. Plus save a lot of your time and frustration. If you are going to try things yourself do research first.

Bottom line is that you should carefully consider all of your options before choosing any of them. Keep bankruptcy as you final 'card' to play and make sure your priorities are in line with your chosen option. You can get out of debt rapidly if you choose the right path.