There are options available that can help if you are seriously in debt and cannot pay your creditors. Bankruptcy and debt settlement are two possible options that could get you out of debt. With debt settlement, you pay a lump sum to your creditor that is usually lower than what you owe and your debt is cleared. If you declare bankruptcy, your creditors will no longer be able to harass you. You could use one of these two options to get out of debt but the one you choose will depend on your financial situation. These tips can help you decide which method is good for you;
Check Your Credit Report
Your credit report will help you know the total amount of your debts so you can assess your financial status. Check if there are any mistakes on the credit report as you are not required to pay for costs you did not incur.
Calculate Your Total Debts
Use your credit report to calculate the total amount of what you owe. Remember to include your interest and any penalties on your various accounts.
Make Two Lists
Make a list of your total debts and beside each debt, indicate your monthly payment. You should also write down the total amount of your monthly income. If your monthly income is more than the total amount of your debts, debt settlement might be your best option. You will be required to pay a lump sum to the debt settlement company, which will then pay the creditors. Bankruptcy might be a better choice if your debts are more than your monthly income. There are two types of bankruptcies – a chapter 7 and a chapter 13. If you own valuable assets you want to keep, you might choose a chapter 13. However, with a chapter 13, you are required to pay off your creditors. In comparison, with a chapter 7, most of your unsecured debts are dismissed.
Understand How Your Credit Score Will Be Affected
It would be advisable to first understand the effect of debt settlement and bankruptcy on your credit report. By choosing to settle your debts, your credit score will be negatively affected, especially if you have not been making payments on your debts. Your credit score will be reduced more severely if you choose bankruptcy. The greatest disadvantage of a bankruptcy is that it shows on your credit report for a period of up to 10 years. You will have difficulty in getting loans in the future due to your poor credit history.
Debt settlement will not hurt your credit report and score as much as filing bankruptcy will.
You can quickly rebuild your credit score when you are out of debt with debt settlement.
Determine The Actual Costs Of Each Option
If you choose debt settlement, you will be required to make lump sum payments to settle your debts. If you choose bankruptcy, you will be required to pay court and filing fees before filing for bankruptcy. If you chose a chapter 13 bankruptcy, you will need to start making those payments you agreed to.
Make A Comparison Between Debt Settlement And Bankruptcy
Look at both short term and long term benefits of each method. While both methods allow you to clear your debt, there may be long term negative effects with one or the other that could make you regret your decision. If you are not sure which option would make the most sense, you might seek the help of a credit counselor. Your debts will be analyzed and the available options presented to you. It would be advisable if you took time to carefully research each option before you make a decision. You might also seek advice from other people who have gone through one of the two options.
Talk with a debt relief expert free –>
Talk with a debt relief expert who will evaluate your financial situation and explain all your debt relief options. There is no obligation and no high pressure. We want you to be informed about all your options and give you the time to make an informed decision. Call National Debt Relief at 888-703-4948 today.
