Even if you didn't know that you had outstanding debt, you may have gotten the dreaded call from a debt collector. When you get that phone call during supper time, or get that dreaded notice in your mailbox, emotions will run high. The first step is always the same: remain calm. You still have several options moving forward. You also have rights that you should know about in the months coming.
Those rights are the first thing that you need to learn. You should learn them forward and backward. For example, a debt collector is not allowed to call you after nine in the evening. You also have the right to request a written notice of your debts from your creditors; the clock doesn't start until you receive it. Make sure you request written notice to avoid being the victim of a phone scam.
Next you should know bankruptcy is never the only option; there is always a bankruptcy alternative. You should carefully research all of the options before making any decisions. Some of these will be described later in the article, but many others exist. However, you should always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable provider.
At this point, it may seem like too little too late, but you should look into debt management strategies. It may be entirely possible for you to rebudget your income, and pay down your debt over time without drastic measures which are almost always detrimental to your credit. You should contact your bank for some strategies for determining a budget.
The next thing you should do is work with your bank and your debtors to create a debt payment plan. If you try to avoid this step, they may do it without you. Nothing is worse than having your wages garnished. It's also worse for your credit if you don't come up with a voluntary debt payment plan.
If your debt is really worse than you can manage, then you may have to seek a more drastic form of debt relief. Beware: this is going to ruin your credit for the next seven years. A debt settlement is just as bad on that front as declaring bankruptcy. But if there are no other options, make sure you choose a good plan from a reputable provider.
If you've made it this far, then you're probably going to be okay. What you really have to do now is be patient, own up to your debts, and wait it out. You'll make it through this. Even if you have to declare bankruptcy, it's not the worst thing in the world, and it will be off your record in a few years. - 29904
Those rights are the first thing that you need to learn. You should learn them forward and backward. For example, a debt collector is not allowed to call you after nine in the evening. You also have the right to request a written notice of your debts from your creditors; the clock doesn't start until you receive it. Make sure you request written notice to avoid being the victim of a phone scam.
Next you should know bankruptcy is never the only option; there is always a bankruptcy alternative. You should carefully research all of the options before making any decisions. Some of these will be described later in the article, but many others exist. However, you should always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable provider.
At this point, it may seem like too little too late, but you should look into debt management strategies. It may be entirely possible for you to rebudget your income, and pay down your debt over time without drastic measures which are almost always detrimental to your credit. You should contact your bank for some strategies for determining a budget.
The next thing you should do is work with your bank and your debtors to create a debt payment plan. If you try to avoid this step, they may do it without you. Nothing is worse than having your wages garnished. It's also worse for your credit if you don't come up with a voluntary debt payment plan.
If your debt is really worse than you can manage, then you may have to seek a more drastic form of debt relief. Beware: this is going to ruin your credit for the next seven years. A debt settlement is just as bad on that front as declaring bankruptcy. But if there are no other options, make sure you choose a good plan from a reputable provider.
If you've made it this far, then you're probably going to be okay. What you really have to do now is be patient, own up to your debts, and wait it out. You'll make it through this. Even if you have to declare bankruptcy, it's not the worst thing in the world, and it will be off your record in a few years. - 29904
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