What
is debt management?
Most
debt management programs are primarily designed for individuals
who have accumulated a fair amount of unsecured debt and are now
unable to make the required monthly payments. What typically happens
to these individuals is that they fall behind on some of their
payments, which doubles or triples their minimum payment. Interest
charges then accumulate. After falling behind, late charges are
added on monthly, thus ever increasing their debt. Due to inadequate
funds it becomes impossible to catch up. Despair sets in. This
is where debt management and the use of credit counselors can
help.
Debt
management companies and credit counselors can help individuals
by contacting all of their unsecured creditors and notifying them
that the client has enrolled into a debt management program. Creditors
must accept that the client has enrolled in our program, but need
not grant any leniency in the repayment of the debt. Realizing,
however, that the individual is financially over-extended and
is seeking professional help, most creditors will work with a
debt management company and offer some form of relief. They realize
that if they don't help you out a little, you may file bankruptcy
and they will likely collect nothing. Through debt consolidation
services creditors can at least recover the principal on your
debt. In addition, you will notice that most debt consolidation
companies are organized as "non-profit" companies. This allows
the credit companies to recoup a significant portion of the "lost
interest charges" through tax write-offs.
Find
a Credit Counselor Now
Is
this a loan?
Bankruptcy vs. debt consolidation
Can I keep my credit cards?
What if I'm not currently
past due?