creditcardstv asked:

A credit counselor discusses what debt settlement is and how it can help or hurt you.

Jean

danmmorton asked:

www.debtreliefdr.com Is it possible to settle credit card debt yourself, without using a credit counselor or a debt consolidation company? Absolutely positively it is!

Kole

eHow asked:

Ways to consolidate credit card debt include using balance transfers and contacting a credit union or bank for loans. Condense credit card debt, but read any disclosures regarding balance transfers, with advice from acertified public accountant and credit counselor in this free video on debt management. Expert: Jerrie Guthrey Bio: Jerrie Guthrey has been a certified public accountant and credit counselor since 1992. Filmmaker: Jack Guthrey

Bradley

Laurence H. Michelson asked:




If you have looked for information about credit report repair or debt relief, you have probably heard that credit card debt has a negative effect on your credit score. Just about everyone that has problems with their credit has been advised to pay down credit cards and cut them up. That is not bad advice; however, usually with that recommendation, it is also advised to close the paid off accounts. That may actually be a bad idea.

Closing accounts can have a negative effect on your credit score. If you are thinking about closing accounts that deal with paid off debt, it will be to your benefit to contact a credit counselor. An educated, experienced counselor can take a look at your particular situation and help you to make favorable decisions.

What is considered in calculating a credit score?

There are five main categories that are generally calculated into your rating. They include:

Your payment history Your new credit The types of credit that you have The length of your credit history The amount of debt owed by you Credit card debt can drive down your rating; however, established accounts that you have used responsibly can actually increase it. A bad payment history will stay on your report for some time anyway, whether or not the account is closed. Therefore, you are likely to get into a predicament if you close accounts without knowing for sure that closing them will actually benefit you.

In some cases, closing accounts will be advantageous, but in many situations it will have a disturbing effect. It will be in your best interest to consult with a professional credit counselor before taking do-it-yourself steps concerning credit report repair.

Jennifer

Jeanette Joy Fisher asked:




As interest rates rise and the economy slows down, many people find themselves in over their head, especially when it comes to their credit cards. Here are a few tips for coping with your credit card debt.

First, cut up your credit cards and don’t use them again until you’ve regained control of your situation! Then create a budget for yourself and your family. Be realistic and totally honest in your appraisal of what you really need to spend money on, and how much money you’re bringing in every month. Make trade-offs wherever you can to bring the income and expenditure columns into agreement. And don’t forget to include saving, if it’s at all possible.

If you’re already in deep, contact your creditors. They’ll actually appreciate your effort, since most folks turn and run scared when they begin experiencing financial difficulties. Tell your creditors what you can pay, but be honest and then stick to that proposal. You’ll find that they’re generally quite willing to make special arrangements to help you regain control of your financial life.

Try to work out repayment plans with your creditors before they turn your account over to a collection agency. That means they’ve given up on trying to get their money from you. If your account has gone to an agency, there are Federal regulations that prohibit them from bothering you excessively, threatening you, or making false assertions in order to collect your debt. Even when you’ve that far in arrears, you still have rights.

Regardless of where you are financially, it’s worthwhile to contact a credit counselor for help and suggestions on how to approach your problem creatively and responsibly. Many of them can help work out deals with your creditors that you might not have been able to accomplish on your own.

A word of caution about credit counselors: never pay a monthly fee to a counselor for their services, and never believe that someone can repair your bad credit in a simple, easy way. It can be dangerous, both for your pocketbook and from a legal standpoint, and the repercussions can be severe.

If you’re simply too far in debt to get back on your feet again, bankruptcy can help, but it should always be your last resort. A bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for seven years, and can affect your ability to get loans and credit cards for a long time to come.

Nearly everyone gets into financial trouble at one time or another, but if you face your own money problems head-on, you can regain control of your financial life.

Copyright ? 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Stella

eHow asked:

Good ways to get out of credit card debt include not using cards and quickly paying down cards with smaller balances. Stay out of credit card debt by throwing away enticing low interest-rate offers received in the mail with advice from acertified public accountant and credit counselor in this free video on debt management. Expert: Jerrie Guthrey Bio: Jerrie Guthrey has been a certified public accountant and credit counselor since 1992. Filmmaker: Jack Guthrey

Elizabeth