Bankruptcy
Are you aware that over 1 million US citizens file bankruptcy every year? Enormous individual
debt and pressure from the collection agencies to collect this debt forces more and more
people to file bankruptcy. If one caves into this pressure and files bankruptcy, nobody wins.
The bill collectors receive no money and one’s credit is scarred for 10 years. The bankruptcy
discharge can also appear in public court records for up to 20 years. In addition,
bankruptcy can affect somebody when he/she tries to purchase a home or vehicle, finding
employment, obtaining insurance or getting security clearance. Moreover, depending on the
type of bankruptcy one files, the courts may force him/her to pay the creditors anyway. One
should only consider bankruptcy as a last option.
Debt Consolidation Loans
Debt consolidation loans do not reduce the amount one owes; it simply combines all of one’s
debt and attaches a lower interest rate. All one is doing is exchanging one debt for another
at a lower interest rate. When applying for a debt consolidation loan, the person will typically
be asked to secure the loan against some form of asset (collateral); usually a house or a
vehicle. This transfers one’s unsecured debt to a secured loan, which puts him/her personal
possessions at risk if payments are not made. These loans also extend the period of time
it will take to get out of debt. For instance, a home equity loan can be spread out over 30
years. Statistics show that 80 percent of people who apply for a debt consolidation loan find
themselves digging into deeper debt. The majority of people who enter a debt consolidation
loan program neglect to cancel their credit cards after they have been paid off, so they tend
to use them again and get right back into debt problems. 65 percent of people who use debt
consolidation loans will go over their credit card limits again, which means that not only do
they have to pay back the consolidation loan, they have new credit card debts to worry
about! Unfortunately, these people have just doubled their bets.
Credit Counseling
Although many may claim non-profit status, credit counseling programs similarly work like a
collection agency. Credit counselors work on behalf of the creditors who pay them 12-15
percent of the amount they collect for the creditors. They can also charge a monthly fee
between: $15-$40. Credit counselors work with prearranged figures with creditors to reduce
your interest rate and minimum payments. The average minimum reduction is 8 percent.
Some creditors, however, will not go below a 20 percent interest rate and other creditors
refuse to participate in these programs. All of one’s credit cards will be canceled and he/she
will need to pay 100 percent of the full debt amount, including interest. These programs are
typically time consuming (4-7 years to payoff creditors) and statistics show that 79 out of
100 people that enroll in these programs drop out. Finally, and most importantly, credit
counseling has a negative effect on credit scores. Creditors have a legal right to post
a statement to consumer credit reports that says “Managed by Credit Counseling” or
something similar. This statement may have a negative effect on the credit score and
may prevent the consumer from obtaining home mortgages at a decent rate.
Do Nothing
This is the most common choice for many consumers, but the least effective choice. Unfortunately,
most consumers who choose this option are just avoiding the inevitable:The debts eventually have to be taken care of! Choosing to do nothing does not solve one’s
debt problems. If one chooses this, harassing phone calls and letters from creditors and
collection agencies, as well as late and over limit fees will overwhelm the debtor. This can
eventually lead to lawsuits, liens, judgments, and garnished wages. This option is not a
reasonable choice. However, if you are ready to regain control of your financial destiny and make your life less
stressful, then it's time to talk with one of Fidelity Reserves' debt specialists.
Debt Settlement
Finally, there is a sensible choice for consumers that can affordably, safely and quickly
eliminate their debt. It is called Debt Settlement/Negotiation. In today’s economy, consumers
are demanding the most effective means to resolving outstanding debt. Debt settlement
offers consumers an intelligent solution to becoming debt free within a realistic time frame.
By reducing one’s total outstanding credit balances by up to 40-75 percent, people realize
that the best option to regaining control of their debt is by negotiating the total balances
rather than just reducing interest. This option is a win-win situation whereby the creditors
get paid a portion of what is owed, while the debtor is able to recover from the effects of
excessive debt and get back on their feet again. This is clearly the most logical choice.