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Debt Counselors and Consolidation
Services offering advice regarding the management of personal debts and the combination of several individual loans into one large loan
Total questions 1300
How do you choose a debt consolidation company?
The best way is to look for a reputable organization that is an approved nonprofit organization. You can check with the IRS to...
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Should you hire a credit repair company?
Hiring a Credit Repair Company Here are some things to know about credit repair companies. By law (see The Credit Repair...
Popularity: 282 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you can make a payment arrangement to stop garnishment of wages?
Garnishment of Wages Yes, you can make payment arrangements with almost anyone to whom you owe money. In fact, they would...
Popularity: 272 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you get credit counseling?
If you are living paycheck to paycheck, worried about debt collectors, or can't seem to develop a workable budget, you may be...
Popularity: 243 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you arrange a debt repayment plan?
In a debt replayment plan, you deposit money each month with a credit counseling service. Your deposits are used to pay your...
Popularity: 241 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you write a letter of hardship?
When you request a loan modification from your lender for the purpose of lowering your house payment or doing a short sale, they...
Popularity: 234 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you do a credit card consolidation?
Credit card consolidation Credit card consolidation allows you to make just one payment to the consolidator, instead of...
Popularity: 214 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you use a company to help settle your debts?
Yes. You can do it on your own but companies can usually get larger settlements. You on your own are doing one...where as if...
Popularity: 176 • Tools: Recategorize
If you use a debt consolidation program or company to lower your monthly payments does this affect your credit?
I was interested in doing this; I asked random creditors first what the effect would be on obtaining future credit. They advised...
Popularity: 160 • Tools: Recategorize
How do mortgage companies regard people in debt management programs who want to buy a second house?
Honestly, what makes a bigger difference are your credit scores. Naturally if you are in a debt management program, your credit...
Popularity: 117 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the best way to consolidate debt without it affecting your credit score?
Used Auto Financing Cars are no more an item of luxury. They have become more of a necessity nowadays. You wish to purchase a...
Popularity: 115 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you consolidate your debt through a second mortgage?
You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of...
Popularity: 114 • Tools: Recategorize
What should you do if you are deep in debt?
Whether it is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or simple overspending, a financial crisis can seem...
Popularity: 110 • Tools: Recategorize
Are there any debt consolidation companies that are trustworthy and will not rip you off?
s Yes there are...Whenever you go to consolidation before submitting your documents you need to inquire about the company and...
Popularity: 110 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you choose the right debt consolidation company ensuring that you will not get ripped off?
You can choose a debt reduction company like Freedom Debt Relief, who can negotiate with your banks to reduce your debt amount...
Popularity: 105 • Tools: Recategorize
After consolidating debt how long does it take to see an increase in credit score?
It takes minimum 2 years to see an increase in your credit score but again it depends on the consistency of your payments to...
Popularity: 97 • Tools: Recategorize
How does settling debts for less than the full amount affect your credit?
If the debt is already in collections it is really behind..it is not going to hurt. That information stays on there for 7 years...
Popularity: 96 • Tools: Recategorize
What education or training do you need to become a credit or debt counselor?
you probably don't need a degree, but why would you want to be a debt counselor, trust me man, those people are dead beats. the...
Popularity: 95 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the average minimum credit score required for obtaining a consolidation loan?
Depending on what lender you go to, you'll probably need a credit score of at least 540 if not higher. If debt consolidation...
Popularity: 94 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it true that using a debt counselor will have a negative impact on your credit?
No it does not have a negative impact on your credit as they are there to help you out to manage your debts and increase you...
Popularity: 93 • Tools: Recategorize
When a debt consolidation program is paid off will it make your credit score higher?
Not necessarily. Because of all of the factors that go into determining credit scores. Do some research on this forum to some...
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
If you use MBNA Cleansweep for 10K debt but need a co-applicant can the co-applicant's credit be hurt?
Yes. The debt will appear on the co-applicant's credit reports
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you file bankruptcy after you have consolidated most of your debt?
no you can not That answer is incorrect. Whether you can file a bankruptcy case and under which Chapter you can file needs...
Popularity: 90 • Tools: Recategorize
Is your balance on a consolidation loan calculated based on outstanding balances or revolving credit?
The balance on a consolidation loan is based on the outstanding balances of your debt, not on the total amount of your revolving...
Popularity: 89 • Tools: Recategorize
What will happen if you can not make the payments to a debt consolidation program?
If this is a Chapter 13, you can petition the court for a modification or refiling. If it is with a private CC org. they can...
Popularity: 87 • Tools: Recategorize
Is bankruptcy or consolidation better for your credit?
If the referrence is to a consolidation loan then that depending on the party's financial situation would be a better choice than...
Popularity: 85 • Tools: Recategorize
Are debt consolidation loans a good idea?
Whether or not a debt consolidation loan is a good idea will depend on your particular circumstances. Debt consolidation loans...
Popularity: 85 • Tools: Recategorize
Who do you talk to about stopping wage garnishment?
Work out some sort of agreement very quickly with the other party. If you can't do that then perhaps your only option is to file...
Popularity: 84 • Tools: Recategorize
If you make a payment on a loan and you still owe more on that monthly payment can they refuse payment and what happens if they return your payment because it's not enough?
It depends on your contract. Most will take your payment then phone you. Please note that if you don't call first, you will get a...
Popularity: 81 • Tools: Recategorize
If you use a debt counseling service that consolidates your debt for you can you still make payments to your credit card company directly?
When you use a debt counseling service that consolidates your debt for you, you are supposed to make one monthly payment to the...
Popularity: 79 • Tools: Recategorize
Does it make sense to consolidate your debt if the interest rate is going to stay the same?
If you’re thinking of consolidating your debt, but your interest rate is going to remain the same, you may want to think twice....
Popularity: 77 • Tools: Recategorize
What's the difference between a debt consolidation loan and debt counseling services?
A debt consolidation loan is a loan you get to pay off multiple loans or lines of credit. Debt consolidation loans are useful...
Popularity: 73 • Tools: Recategorize
Does it make sense to refinance your mortgage at a higher rate for debt consolidation?
It depends on how much debt you have, what interest rates this debt carries, what rate your 1st mortgage is at, if you are...
Popularity: 68 • Tools: Recategorize
Can your credit be damaged by paying less than what is due on time?
Absolutely. It won't be hurt as badly as not paying, but your credit report usually shows a status that reads "pays as agreed." ...
Popularity: 68 • Tools: Recategorize
How long will it take you to pay off your debt consolidation?
How long it takes to pay off your debt consolidation will depend on a number of factors. The first thing you need to look at is...
Popularity: 66 • Tools: Recategorize
Does debt consolidation affect your credit score?
Since a credit score can depend on how many different accounts have outstanding balances, it's possible that debt consolidation...
Popularity: 66 • Tools: Recategorize
Is there a time limit on recovery on bad checks?
There are no time limits established which prevent a creditor from pursuing the collection of a debt(s). However, states...
Popularity: 65 • Tools: Recategorize
What if you can't afford your debt consolidation payment?
If you’ve taken out a debt consolidation loan and you can’t afford your debt consolidation payment, the first thing you should do...
Popularity: 62 • Tools: Recategorize
How can one protect oneself from a manic depressive spouse who has maxed out credit cards and a inability to pay them and is divorce the only way?
You will not be able to cure this person. They have a serious illness. There is no point in living in that uncertainty. See a...
Popularity: 61 • Tools: Recategorize
Does Income Contingent Repayment include any initial down payment prior to income calculation?
Popularity: 60 • Tools: Recategorize • Needs Answer
Can a loan be forgiven if it has been consolidated?
when you get consolodation loan the lender pays off all of the loans you want taken care of. for example you have 5 different...
Popularity: 59 • Tools: Recategorize
How does credit consolidation in which a company negotiates a lower interest rate and not a lower balance affect a credit score?
Approximately 3 years ago Oprah Winfrey had this very subject on her program and we all know many Credit Card Companies do charge...
Popularity: 58 • Tools: Recategorize
What is needed in order to sign up for credit counseling services?
What is needed in regards to signing up for credit counseling services will depend on which credit counseling company you decide...
Popularity: 56 • Tools: Recategorize
In the state of Nevada are family members responsible for paying the debts of their deceased father?
No. Just send a copy of the death certificate to the creditors, they have to write it off. They may try to tell you that you have...
Popularity: 56 • Tools: Recategorize
Will using a credit counselor help or hurt your credit?
Indirectly. A credit counselor will work with you to help you reduce your debt and manage your financial life more...
Popularity: 55 • Tools: Recategorize
How much will debt consolidation cost you?
How much debt consolidation costs you will largely depend on what type of debt consolidation you will be utilizing. If you’re...
Popularity: 54 • Tools: Recategorize
Is there a legal time frame to collect a charge off debt that has been recently acquired by a second party from the original creditor if the charge off is 10 years old?
There are not laws that pertain to how long a debt is collectible or how long collection action can be taken. There are statute...
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Can a collection agency sue you if you're enrolled with a debt settlement group?
Yes. A lawsuit is still viable even if the debtor is actively participating in a debt repayment plan. It is unusual for a...
Popularity: 54 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find out who you owe money to?
Get a copy of your credit report// \Wrong your credit report doesn't tell you who or where to pay Answer On the contrary,...
Popularity: 50 • Tools: Recategorize
Will credit counseling show up on a credit report?
yes it does show up. also just a pointer when you go to geta loan and a banker or a loan officer looks at it it is a very bad...
Popularity: 49 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it legal if the electric company found a final bill from 02 when you transferred service to a new address and reported it as a charge off and added the amount to your regular bill and won't remove?
You will need to pay it before they will institute service. Hopefully, it is a lower amount than a deposit would be. If you...
Popularity: 49 • Tools: Recategorize
Can you use a debt consolidation company if the credit card companies have already sold your accounts to collection agencies?
Yes, but neither a collection agency nor the original creditor has any legal obligation to communicate or accept the terms...
Popularity: 49 • Tools: Recategorize
If you faithfully paid off credit card debt over 7 years through an agency like Credit Guard of America will your credit still be bad?
Best Answer Chosen If you're looking for a simple short answer it would be quite possibly however honestly in the world of...
Popularity: 47 • Tools: Recategorize
What are the requirements to become a debt counselor in New York state?
Popularity: 45 • Tools: Recategorize • Needs Answer
Where would you find a person who would review your financial situation and make concrete recommendations to help you get out of debt?
Go to the Federal Trade Commission's Web Site (www.ftc.gov)and look around the consumer section and you will find the answer your...
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What do you do if you are enrolled in a debt relief program but still cannot handle your monthly payments?
You need to call the company that you are enrolled with and have your situation re-evaluated. Figure out what happened between...
Popularity: 44 • Tools: Recategorize
If you use credit card counseling services to pay off debt how does this affect your credit?
Typically when you use credit counseling services there has been damage done to your credit already. It affects your credit, but...
Popularity: 44 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you report unethical callers?
If you are talking about collectors-- You can call your Attorney General in your state...
Popularity: 43 • Tools: Recategorize
Can a collection agency lie to obtain information?
they do all the time, go to ftc.gov read the laws that govern them and report the to the ftc and stop them
Popularity: 40 • Tools: Recategorize
If you owe 20000 on an SUV worth only 15000 at 16 persent interest and your credit score is 5.5 and you're 62 would the smartest thing for you to do financially be to just voluntarily return the car?
Try to refinance at a lower rate if you can afford payments. With your credit score, you should be able to get something under...
Popularity: 38 • Tools: Recategorize
What should a 19-year-old girl do if she bought a car with a very high interest rate a year ago and she can't afford the payments and the amount due on the car is more than the car is worth?
First, are there parents around to help out?? Another relative?? Ask--better getting help now than ruining your credit before it...
Popularity: 37 • Tools: Recategorize
To see a sample of a hardship letter?
sample of letters by liquidators to creditor in case of a company winding up
Popularity: 34 • Tools: Recategorize
Can a 10 year old debt still be collected in South Africa?
no but you should pay your bills
Popularity: 33 • Tools: Recategorize
How long does it take for a financial judgment to become part of public record in New York State?
i think is it a good job to be countinue and study it. but not sure how long it wil be tale to get financial...
Popularity: 32 • Tools: Recategorize
Can a creditor take your federal or state income tax refund to pay a judgment?
Tax Refund Issue If the judgment is for state or federal taxes then any refund is subject to seizure by the agency holding...
Popularity: 30 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you decide between a 125 no equity loan or a debt counseling agency to consolidate your huge credit card debt?
Keep in mind the 125 loan will probaly have high interest or some other means of increasing the payment in the future. The lender...
Popularity: 29 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you start an honest and reliable debt consolidation and counseling company?
If really serious, you would learn an enourmous amount of info as to how collection agencies work by working for one as a debt...
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What can you do if you have a closed electric account with a balance and you have made monthly payments but it has been sent to a new collection agency and they are requiring larger payments?
And the question is what? You created the large bill, you need to be responsible enough to pay it off. You can't expect to pay...
Popularity: 25 • Tools: Recategorize
If you want to refinance your home to cover your debts that weren't covered with your bankruptcy do you want a refinance or debt consolidation?
shoud I refi the truth is a refinance and a debt consolodation loan that uses you home as colateral are two ways of saying the...
Popularity: 23 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you eliminate debt?
First of all, each consumer must take a stringent and accurate analysis of his or her own credit ledger and find out precisely...
Popularity: 22 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it legal for a business to display bounced checks?
Tell everybody I dont see why it should be against the law, in fact some people owe my business money and I am considering...
Popularity: 22 • Tools: Recategorize
What does congruence mean?
If two shapes are congruent it means that they are exactly the same, same side lengths and angle measures.
Popularity: 22 • Tools: Recategorize
If a third party purchased your credit card debt and sends a letter asking if you are the debtor should you answer yes and then proceed the discussion with the third party or keep unanswered?
If you are planning on paying the debt then let them know it is you and negotiate to have it removed from your credit report once...
Popularity: 19 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you go about consolidation if you have more than one loan?
Just contact a debt consolidation company. There are several debt consolidation companies. They would provide you with the debt...
Popularity: 18 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the difference between an agreed judgment and default judgment and will both have equal impact on credit ratings?
There's no difference in how the judgment is entered on a credit report. An agreed judgment indicates the debtor(s) appeared...
Popularity: 18 • Tools: Recategorize
How long does a default notice stay on your credit file?
All negative information stays on your credit file for anywhere from 1-6 years. The credit reference agencies only hold...
Popularity: 15 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you find a legitimate debt relief program?
Talk to an Attorney. They usually give you 1 hour free to talk to them. As a former debt collector, this is the way I would...
Popularity: 15 • Tools: Recategorize
A business owner with debt on credit cards and personal loan what can I do without effecting my business?
This is easy. Just pay of your debts bit by bit each month or in big parts every so often. It may also be smart to consider...
Popularity: 15 • Tools: Recategorize
What does understatement of revenue mean?
It means that a person isn't putting all of his revenue down. He is claiming less than he has.
Popularity: 13 • Tools: Recategorize
How do you get life back on track financially?
Popularity: 13 • Tools: Recategorize • Needs Answer
How do you get your money back from someone who owes you money?
Go to them and tell them that you need your money back. When they begin to make payments, make sure that you write down how much...
Popularity: 12 • Tools: Recategorize
What is credit card check?
A "check card", also known as a debit card, will have a visa sign for example. You can use it to pay in the same manner you would...
Popularity: 12 • Tools: Recategorize
What does cease and desist mean?
A 'Cease & Desist Order' means: 'Cease' means to stop and 'Desist' means not to do it again. This comes into effect when...
Popularity: 12 • Tools: Recategorize
Do third parties really buy old accounts?
Yes - It's called a collection agency
Popularity: 12 • Tools: Recategorize
What can and cannot be garnished from your retirement?
Monthly child support payments can be garnished from retirement.
Popularity: 12 • Tools: Recategorize
How much bad credit needed to get a debt consolidation loan?
Shouldnt need any. Just a job and able to demonstate the ability to make the payment. Collateral may be more of an issue to...
Popularity: 11 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the difference between debt consolidation and debt settlement?
Debt Consolidation - is when you enroll in a program called "The Debt Management Program". Credit Counseling Organizations have...
Popularity: 11 • Tools: Recategorize
Should you consent to disclose tax information?
Your tax information should stay between you, your employer and a reputable firm [ if any ] that prepares your taxes and no one...
Popularity: 10 • Tools: Recategorize
What can be done to get help to pay off a judgement against you although you have been paying 25 a month for a few years and now they tell you they want their money now?
Ihave got the same problem. I have sent in 20 or 25 everymonth. they want there money to, but I don't answer the settlement...
Popularity: 9 • Tools: Recategorize
How much credit card debt do you need to consolidate your bills?
$5,000
Popularity: 8 • Tools: Recategorize
Is it a felony to bounce a check to a collection agency?
No, and if they tell you that it is, then they are violating the FDCPA- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. They are not allowed...
Popularity: 8 • Tools: Recategorize
You just got a collection notice from a company that states the account was closed in 1996 your not sure if the bill is yours and you never recieved any collection or bill what do you do?
First, I would get a full copy of your credit report, see if this is on your report or not. Since it has been closed over 7...
Popularity: 8 • Tools: Recategorize
What is the statute of limitations in Texas for debt collection?
Texas Statutes of Limitation The Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code provides a 4-year limitations period for types of...
Popularity: 8 • Tools: Recategorize
Will debt counseling hurt your credit?
No man...they are there to help you out and not to hurt your credit. Answer Debt counseling will never hurt your credit,...
Popularity: 7 • Tools: Recategorize
How do credit counselors work?
Usually, a credit counseling agency will attempt to get you a lower interest rate on your credit cards in order to coax you into...
Popularity: 6 • Tools: Recategorize
Can debt consolidation services solicit their services before you contact them and how do they get all your information about being sued before you do?
When someone files a lawsuit, that information is public. They get it from the County Clerk's office of the Recorder. Anyone in...
Popularity: 6 • Tools: Recategorize
What is another word for avoid payment on a debt?
Your question is very vague, but you can ask for an "extention" if you are looking to free up one to three monthes of regular...
Popularity: 6 • Tools: Recategorize
Who is responsible for a deceased person credit card debt if there is no living children or spouse?
No one. In that case the debters are SOL (although I believe they may be able to seize the deceased persons assets and sell them...
Popularity: 6 • Tools: Recategorize
Civil summons response form?
Popularity: 6 • Tools: Recategorize • Needs Answer
You work for a collection agency you know the laws a collector called your grandparents house a released personal information about your debt to your grandparents without your permission While calling?
You have two options: You can find out if your state allows you to record a conversation with the other person giving you verbal...
Popularity: 6 • Tools: Recategorize
