While some people may think that debt settlement as a costly mistake, the truth is that it can help you settle your debt at a lesser cost than that you owe.
If you are struggling to get out of your huge debts, going for a debt settlement could be your viable option. You have probably seen the debt settlement advertisements, but you are not sure whether it’s a good idea.
Well, this article will help you discover the 3 benefits you could get from debt settlement, but let’s first understand how it works.
How Does Debt Settlement Work?
First, you halt paying your creditors for some time, normally six to seven months. Once your debt accounts are unpaid for a significant period, your creditors will begin to worry. Now, this is the right time to make a debt settlement offer.
The debt settlement offer will be presented to your creditor by your debt settlement company. The offer will be a small portion of your total payment and will get your debt erased.
The company will negotiate your creditors until they reach an agreement. If your lenders are convinced that this is the best they can get, they will accept the offer. In other words, you will walk away without having to settle your full debt.
The debt settlement company will charge you a small fee, usually a certain percentage of the amount you have been relieved.
Benefits of Debt Settlement
To some consumers, debt settlement yields various benefits. Here are some of them:
You Will Avoid Bankruptcy
The primary reason why most people go for debt settlement is to escape from bankruptcy. Bankruptcy refers to a debt solution that will have adverse impacts on your credit.
In such a case, bankruptcy will remain in your credit report for up to ten years. You won’t be able to access loans, get a mortgage, and you cannot open credit card accounts.
If you ever manage to get a loan anywhere when bankrupt, the interest rates will be significantly high to the extent that you cannot afford it.
Debt settlement can save you from this nightmare of bankruptcy or dealing with its consequences.
Furthermore, debt settlement will only remain in your credit history for just seven years. There will be no public record showing that you used a debt settlement.
You Will Be Relieved from Overwhelming Debts
Although the goal of debt settlement is not about getting over your lenders, by failing to repay your full debts, it is helpful when you are legitimately in trouble.
If you cannot pay back your creditors, debt settlement may help you pay less and walk away. Once you negotiate and pay your settlement, you will be free.
Most creditors will accept debt settlement because they know it is far better than bankruptcy. They may not get anything when you file bankruptcy.
You Will Settle Your Debt in Less Time
Paying back your creditors the amount you owe them may cost you more time than when you use debt relief programs. Debt settlement will only take 2 to 4 years.
If you are stuck to pay your debt using the original repayment schedule, it might take you more than ten years to clear your debt. So, debt settlement is a considerable option.
Final Thoughts
Debt settlement companies may help you lower the amount you owe to your creditors and get out of your debt.
If your creditors accept the debt settlement offer, you will settle your debt in less time and less amount. However, there are no guarantees that your company will accept the debt settlement offer.