When debts spiral out of control, individuals not used to handling complex financial matters often find themselves at a loss because they face two problems at the same time. On the one hand, they have to learn to adapt to a new lifestyle that suits their financial condition. On the other hand, they have to find a viable way to sort out their loans to ensure that they do not get into debt traps from which they can never climb out.
Is bankruptcy the only way out?
Filing for bankruptcy may seem to be the only solution out of the quagmire. But bankruptcy spoils one’s credit worthiness for years and one can have no hope of opening a new business or taking a loan for any purpose for at least seven years. Instead of losing hope one can always turn to negotiating one’s debts. One only has to choose the suitable option from the many alternatives available.
Debt Negotiation versus Debt Consolidation
The two main options are Debt Negotiation and Debt Consolidation. In the first method, creditors forgive a percentage of the debt. Usually borrowers hire a company that negotiates with the creditors to reduce the debt burden. The second option is to take a loan to pay back all the other loans. This is potentially dangerous because the new loan may drive the debtor deeper into debt since the repayment period is longer. Apparently it may seem that creditors would not prefer negotiations as they are required to forgive a part of the debt, but in some cases this is exactly what they want because they know that they will get nothing if the defaulting borrower files for bankruptcy.
Monthly Payments
When one is unable to make requisite monthly payments to creditors it is advisable to opt for debt negotiation over consolidation because the company that does the negotiations will accept lower monthly payments and also reduce the total debt burden. Consolidation will only stretch the period for which one remains indebted.
Credit Scores
Sometimes people are worried that debt negotiations will reduce their credit scores. But this is generally not much reason for worry because the credit records of people who are driven to debt negotiation have already taken a few hits. A credit record that shows that debts have been settled looks better than a record with bankruptcy.
However, borrowers who set out to negotiate their debts should remember that creditors will not be willing to forgive debts without a fight and will use many tricks to make the borrower agree to unfavorable terms. In such a situation the best bet is to seek the help of a professional debt settlement company that can take on big creditors on behalf of the borrowers.
