Since the best way to get rid of debts is to settle it with the creditor, more and more debtors approach debt settlement agencies to help resolve financial problems. However, seeking the help of these companies can be as costly as acquiring a few more debts.
Although there are other options like hiring a lawyer, doing so can be just as costly as entering into an agreement with settlement companies. The most inexpensive way to solve the problem is for debtors to create their own debt settlement programs.
There are a few easy steps to create an effective program that can help settle debts faster and more efficiently. First, you should get a copy of the credit report. It is important to read it carefully and note all claims and unpaid debts indicated. Make sure that all data in the report are accurate. This is important to ensure that all expenditures including redeemable benefits are accounted for. It is also important to lay down specific plans like the minimum and maximum amount that the debtor can pay and the amount left that should be paid.
When negotiating debt settlement, you should start at a reasonable offer to ensure a more favorable response from the creditor. It is best to know the profile of the company and determine the best approach that should be done. This enables the debtor to get the cheapest and most convenient arrangement. However, not all creditors are flexible. Some would give minimal decrease while others give almost none.
You can also request for debt validation. This enables the debtor to prevent the creditor from collecting excessive interest and asking payment for bills that were already paid. Note all the legal rights of both the debtor and the creditor to prevent any further conflicts. Negotiating debt settlement should be a channel for the debtor to clear out any misunderstanding created by the unpaid debt and to improve all the records of acquired debts.
In so many cases, debt collectors are more aggressive than the company collectors. Do not be readily intimidated. Be prepared with all necessary papers including important documents and receipts. Also, once you and the creditor are done negotiating debt settlement, you should keep all the relevant papers and receipts as proof of a successful negotiation.