| Debt negotiation companies can help you to get rid of your debts and reduce the total amount you owe. Sometimes also called debt settlement, debt negotiation occurs when a company liaises with your creditors on your behalf in an effort to get them to agree to a reduced amount of money as being payment in full for your debts.
While this sounds like an easy way to get rid of your debts, the reality is you must already be several months behind on your repayments to qualify for a negotiation program. With payments already delinquent, it?s likely your credit has been affected negatively anyway. You?re also likely to have penalty interest fees and overdue payment charges added to your balances, which makes it even harder to catch up.
In some cases, debt negotiation companies are able to negotiate to have the penalty interest charges waived and the overdue fees removed. Once these are gone, they can begin working to try and reduce the balance you owe.
Why Will Banks Negotiate My Debts?
Banks realize that if you?re already several months behind on your repayments, then there is a chance you may file bankruptcy. If this happens, they won?t get back any of their money and they will then need to write off your unpaid debts as bad debts.
When a customer is in severe financial difficulty and asks for a negotiation to represent payment in full, banks will often realize that it?s better for them to get back a little of their money rather than nothing at all. In many cases you could negotiate to have your debt reduced to around 40-50% of your total amount of debt.
Can I Negotiate My Debts On My Own?
It is possible to apply for a debt negotiation with your lender on your own, however many debt negotiation companies have long-established connections with most lenders and banks. This can often give them a little more bargaining power as they?re presenting multiple applications.
Another advantage debt negotiation companies have over individuals is that they?re able to discuss the terms of your settlement with calm, professional detachment. An individual is often distressed and upset by their financial difficulties, which can make them quite emotional when trying to work towards a settlement agreement. Bank representatives are often less helpful with customers who appear to be emotional.
How Do I Find the Best Debt Negotiation Companies?
Before you agree to any services from a debt negotiation company, always take a little time to do some homework. Ask about the fees and charges that will be incurred for their services and check the internet for any complaints about that company made by any other clients.
When you think you?ve found some suitable companies, ask them for references. If the company representative tells you that they can?t supply references because of privacy issues, take your business elsewhere as this is not a valid excuse.
Once you?ve found the right debt negotiation companies to help you, work on getting rid of those debts and regaining control of your financial situation. |