When you are struggling with overwhelming credit card debt, it’s time to consider contacting a debt relief service. These companies will work with you to create a repayment plan that will allow you to pay off the debt in a manageable manner. These services can offer many benefits, including reducing your interest rates. Some of these services may require fees, however, so it’s important to understand the differences and decide which is right for you.
There are two types of debt relief services that are available to people in trouble. One option is to contact a bankruptcy attorney, which can help you file for bankruptcy. This option is often short-term and easier to get with a debt plan. Family assistance may also cover the costs of filing for bankruptcy or rehabilitating a student loan. It may also help you get on a better payment plan. Unfortunately, these options are often accompanied by scams, collection tricks, or bad choices.
The federal government has a softer attitude toward student loan debt due to the student loan crisis. While bankruptcy is an option, it will stay on your credit history for 7-10 years and can prevent you from securing employment in certain industries. If you need student loan debt relief, there are less drastic options that may be more suitable, including forbearance, an income-driven repayment plan, or refinancing your loan. This solution may require a court appearance, but you will likely get a better credit rating.
The government has also warned borrowers against paying fees to debt relief companies that claim they can help borrowers discharge their student loan debt. Many of these companies ask for sensitive information, such as social security numbers. They may also ask borrowers for upfront payments or other money. The Department of Education advises borrowers to use caution when choosing a debt relief company. And be aware that some companies are frauds and not legitimate. It’s better to avoid them and opt for a more affordable debt solution yourself.
If you’ve been in debt for a while and haven’t been able to make your payments on time, you might be eligible for a debt relief plan. Debt settlement works effectively as debt forgiveness. The only difference is that you must have a past due status before applying for this option. Furthermore, debt settlement has a much higher impact on your credit than any other option, so it’s best to try other options before choosing debt relief.
Federal student loans are one of the most common types of debt relief available. While federal government programs are more flexible than private loans, eligibility requirements are very strict. These loans are generally subject to income-driven repayment plans. Unlike a private student loan, the federal government doesn’t alter the repayment plans of old student loans. Instead, it introduces new plans and programs. Some of these programs are specifically targeted at certain professions or are tied to specific income levels.
While debt relief programs can provide a way out of a debt cycle, they’re not the perfect solution. There are significant trade-offs with any of these options. Debt consolidation loans and lines of credit, for example, can offer credit card debt relief. Consolidating debt can also lower your interest rates, allowing more of your monthly payment to go toward the principal. Lower interest rates mean less interest over the course of the repayment.
While IDR plans offer lower payments for the majority of borrowers, these plans depend on the Federal Services Administration (FSA) to track their borrowers’ progress toward forgiveness. However, an independent Department of Housing and Urban Development review of IDR payment tracking revealed major flaws in these plans. As a result, the FSA will need to be reformed. If we do not improve payment tracking, we’ll be forced to eliminate more debt and make America a better place to live.
