Reduction
of interest rate
Creditors'
policies regarding interest reduction vary dramatically,
ranging from no change to freezing interest. With interest
rates typically at 15% to 21%, interest reduction can save
a client thousands, and for heavy debtors, tens of thousands
of dollars. Obtaining interest reduction on just one or
two accounts in itself may warrant enrollment in our program.
When
consumers only pay the minimum payment due, liquidation
could easily exceed 10 years, and in some situations, the
account may never liquidate. This is especially true when
late fees, over-limit charges and annual fees are assessed.
In reality, the actual interest paid by the typical debtor
paying minimum payments is vastly greater than the amounts
listed above. The combination of reduced interest and a
fixed monthly consolidated payment is the real power of
a debt management program. Exactly how much a program benefits
and saves a client depends entirely upon the client's mix
of creditors, debt and other circumstances.
Creditors typically initiate interest reduction after receiving
one to four consecutive payments as arranged by and paid
through our agency. The process and time frame varies with
each creditor and/or type of account. Be sure to ask the
credit counseling organization their policy on reduction
of interest rates.