Must Follow Financial Thought Leaders of Instagram

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Assessing your finances and putting in the effort to create budgets and reduce debt can be exhausting. For many people struggling with debt, financial education was not something they were taught in school or at home. According to possiblefinance.com, 4 in 7 Americans are financially illiterate. But where can you begin learning about money?

ASSURE Debt solutions has an extensive blog with financial resources to reference for debt relief tips and tricks. Below, we gathered a list of our favorite financial thought leaders and accounts to follow on Instagram. These influencers do an excellent job of presenting easy-to-digest information on spending habits, student loan debt, credit card spending habits, and so much more. Make your Instagram scrolling productive following these accounts:

1. Financial Frugality

Jen Smith documents how her and her partner accumulated $78,000 in student loans credit card debt. They were able to pay off this debt within two years, and share many of their tips on Frugal Living. Follow along for a lot of inspirational content on debt repayment and ways to make extra payments on student loans.

2. Be Worth Finance

Kimberly Hamilton is the creator behind Beworth Finance. If you’re looking for quick tips and tricks on spending your money, repaying student loan debts, and making short lifestyle changes to become debt-free, this is a must follow account.

3. Money to the Masses

Money from the Masses goes a bit further than fundamental financial hacks. Up your financial literacy beyond debt relief and savings by avoiding common financial mistakes and WHY they are mistakes. They also offer a podcast, and they often have experts weigh on in debt solutions.

4. Vest Pod

Emilie Bellet, is the founder of Vest Pod, is also the author of the best-selling You’re Not Broke, You’re Pre-Rich. On this account you will find a lot of humor, encouragement, and real life stories relating to finance. Every Sunday she sends out a quiz where you can put your financial literacy skills to the test.

The first step to ending the cycle of debt is speaking with an expert. ASSURE Debt Solutions’ team of experts are ready to help you today.

4 Tips for Staying out of Holiday Debt

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and we hope your wallet can agree to that, too. While it is important to make sure everyone on your list is accounted for this holiday season, this doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. According to a survey from CreditCards.com, “despite a desire to keep their spending in check, 41% of respondents indicated they are willing to incur debt this holiday season.” We don’t believe holiday spending and debt need to go hand in hand. Below we outlined best practices in order to stay out of debt this holiday season.

1. Create a Holiday Budget

Start off your holiday shopping plans with a strict budget in mind. This may seem obvious, but without a budget, you are more likely to overspend. Be specific on who is included in this budget. Beyond family members, are there holiday gatherings you will be attending? Sometimes this list can keep growing, but you should go into the season with an allocation of proper funds. Lacey Cobb, director of advice solutions at Personal Capital, suggests using the 50/20/30 rule: “50% of your earnings go to essentials (like rent, utilities and food), 20% of your earnings go to financial priorities (like emergency savings) and 30% of your earnings go to lifestyle purchases (like entertainment and shopping),” she said.

2. Pay off Credit Card Expenses Immediately

It is easy to assume you can put your presents on a credit card and pay later. But this is exactly how debt grows, and this is certainly not ideal. Start off your New Year’s debt free by staying within budget and paying off expenses immediately. To make sure you don’t acquire holiday debt, another spending practice is to take out cash (if you are shopping in-person). This ensures you will not overspend.

3. Research Your Gifts

Try to be organized as you shop this holiday season. If you find a gift online, we suggest looking around other websites to compare prices, so you will pay the lowest price for your gift. Luckily we live in an age of technology, and this can be done from the comfort of your home. Apps like BuyVia compares prices from major retailers.

Another rule of thumb of online shopping is to buy in bulk and avoid shipping costs. Most websites offer free shipping and/or discounts on bundles and orders over a certain amount. Small charges add up, so this is crucial to incorporate into holiday spending.

4. Get Creative with Gift Giving

Hosting a holiday party? Take the pressure off guests by implementing a fun gift-giving tradition. Secret Santa gift giving limits guests to purchasing a single present. Each guest is assigned one person who they will purchase an item for. Set a budget for how much your guests are allowed to spend on a gift. The fun part of this tradition is that you don’t find out who is giving you a gift until you receive it.

Another fun holiday tradition is a grab bag. Similar to Secret Santa, you must notify each attendee about the budget, and they arrive with a gift. Presents are pulled at random from a bag, which is another creative and interactive way to limit spending pressures around the holidays.

We hope you head into the holiday season confident and excited to celebrate with your loved ones. If you find yourself in credit card debt and need relief, our certified experts are ready to help. Contact us today, and a specialist will reach out as soon as possible.

5 Financial Skills Every Person Should Have

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Everyone understands the importance of learning certain financial skills, but not everyone knows where to begin. In order to eliminate debt and make informed money management decisions, there are a few fundamental factors to consider. We explore the 5 financial skills every person should have below.

1. Calculate your Discretionary Spend

In simpler terms…create a budget! This may seem simple, but without a clear idea of your spendings, you will not be able to save. A budget is a simple way to understand how much money you have coming in and going out. A detailed budget is necessary to decide where you want your money to actually go. The most common mistake young adults make is using their checking account balance as a gauge of how much money they have available to spend.

How to start tracking your expenses:

  • Write out a list of all your income
  • Write out a list of all your expenses
  • Create categories such as food, clothing, pets, entertainment, transportation, housing, etc
  • Allocate a set amount of money to each of these categories (check your credit card statements to get accurate estimations)
  • Monitor spending throughout the month

2. Understanding Wants vs. Needs

There is almost no limit to bigger and better stuff that you could want to buy. However, it is important to distinguish between wants and needs when trying to make positive financial decisions. At the most basic level, needs are the things that we need in order to sustain day-to-day life. Everything else can be categorized as a want. When money is tight, it is important to put those wants on hold.

3. Build a Positive Credit Score

A positive credit score is necessary to meet future goals. In order to maintain a positive credit history, our experts suggest the following:

  • Only borrow what you can afford
  • Pay bills on time, every time
  • Start with only one credit card
  • Keep accounts open to build a lengthy credit histor
  • Request a credit limit increase

High credit scores mean that you have demonstrated responsible credit behavior which may make potential lenders more confident when evaluating your request for credit.

4. Know Bank Accounting Basics

Understanding the bank lingo can help you manage your income and expenses more effectively while avoiding pointless fees. Don’t be intimidated by your bank account.

  • Minimum balance requirements: keep X amount of money in your account at all times to avoid certain fees
  • Overdraft fees: when you don’t have enough money in your account to cover a transaction or withdrawal, but your bank allows it to happen anyways and lends that specific amount to you in the form of a loan. There is usually a fee per overdraft, which can run upwards of $35. Service fees:
    • Monthly maintenance/service fees
    • Out of network ATM fees
    • Monthly maintenance/service fees
    • Excessive transaction fees
    • Insufficient fund fees
    • Wire transfer fees
    • Early account closing fee

5. Be As Efficient As You Can Be

Efficiency pays back over time. It can mean implementing small changes in your day to day life to waste less money.

  • Doing things yourself instead of paying for it: learn how to get handy around your house so you don’t have to pay someone else to get the task done for you. Cooking at home is another great option to be efficient with food costs.
  • Plan: make a single grocery trip instead of multiple, live in a smaller house to pay less mortgage and utilities.
  • Resource: use LED bulbs to save on lighting in the future, cut down on the amount of junk in your house, consolidate on certain products (cleaning, makeup, kitchen, etc). Again, this goes back to wants v. needs.
  • Refer back to your budgeting lists. Reflect on this at the beginning, middle, and end of the month to make sure you are staying on track. There are a number of apps that can help you keep track of your budget: Mint, YNAB, and Pocket Guard.

Financial skills take time and effort to build. As you learn more about money management, you will become better at saving. If you are stuck in credit card debt and need a solution, Assure Debt Solutions is here to tailor a personalized plan to get you out of debt. Call us today!

 

3 BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN PAYING OFF DEBT

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The decision to get yourself out of debt is a life changer, if you are willing to make the necessary commitment that goes with that.

Getting out of debt involves more than just paying off a few credit cards. It means changing spending habits; learning to how to budget; knowing who and how much you owe; prioritizing debts; creating emergency and retirement funds; and knowing where to find help when you get off track.

In other words, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made.  It’s also likely that you’re going to make some mistakes along the way. Here are a few of the most typical, and how to avoid them.

1. Mistake: Never changing you spending habits.

We’re all creatures of habit – and spending money is no exception. We shop in the same stores, drive the same car and even eat the same restaurants because it’s what makes us comfortable.  What you don’t realize is it’s also costing you more than you can handle financially. Remedy: If you won’t change your spending habits, you won’t ever get out of debt. Start with your morning habits (have your coffee and breakfast at home). Start packing your lunch. In the evening, watch games or movies on TV, while eating a home cooked meal. You will see an immediate impact on your daily spending habits. You don’t have to do without….you just need to make smarter choices with what you do.

2. Mistake: Signing up for a debt-relief program, but not understanding what is expected.

It is rare to get a quick-fix solution to debt problems. If that is one of the promises you hear, start looking elsewhere. Remedy: The first thing to understand is that debt-relief programs typically take 24-48 months, so be patient. Second, check up on the whatever company you choose for debt relief. They should be A rated by the Better Business Bureau and have positive user reviews certified by Trust Pilot. They should be a business that’s been around for at least 5 years.

3. Mistake: Trying to dig out of debt alone.

People are reluctant to ask professionals for help dealing with debt. Remedy: Call a credit counseling agency like ASSURE Financial Services and get free help from experts. Accredited Debt Relief credit counselors are trained and certified by their organizations. They can suggest debt-relief solutions like credit consolidation and debt settlement. The credit counselors advise you on creating budgets and recommend a solution that you can take or leave. And, it’s free! Take advantage of that.

YOU’VE BECOME DEBT FREE…NOW WHAT? FINANCIAL MOVES THAT MAKE SENSE

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When you’re focused on getting out of debt, most folks get caught up in the process and don’t think beyond achieving that goal.  If this happened to you – don’t worry!  It’s happened to almost everyone who’s successfully eliminated large credit card debts.  But the fact is, if you are consistent and committed to paying off your debt, it will happen. So then what? If you don’t have a plan for what to do with your money once your debt is paid off, it can be all too easy to start a cycle of over-spending that will leave you where you started. Here are several things you need to do once your credit card debt is paid off.

Bulk Up Your Emergency Fund

If you haven’t yet started to save for emergencies, you must do it now and deposit as much as you can into that account every month. If you already have an emergency fund, increase your monthly deposit. Why is this so important? It will help you avoid using credit cards to pay for a true financial emergency, such as major vehicle repairs, a new air conditioner, emergency medical bills, or everyday expenses in case of job loss. Remember, you just got out of debt. The last thing you want to do is get blindsided by an emergency and get right back into debt by having to use a credit card to pay for it.

Start Working On Your Retirement Options

The sooner you start saving for retirement the better, but it’s never too late. Look into the retirement savings options offered by your employer along with additional options such as a Roth IRA. If you’re self-employed, look into a SEP IRA, Simple IRA or Individual 401(k). No matter what how you choose to save for retirement, the important thing is to be consistent with your contributions and leave the money alone until you reach retirement age. You already know you have the discipline to pay off debt; apply that same discipline toward saving for your retirement.

Get Your Financial Life In Order

If you’ve managed to pay off all your credit card debt, there’s a good chance you’re already at least somewhat organized, but there’s always room for improvement. Set up as many bills as possible for auto-pay, so you never again have to risk paying late or missing a payment. Get all your financial documents in order and devise a filing system that works for you. Opt out of pre-screened credit card offers to minimize the temptation to overspend, not to mention cut down on annoying junk mail.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

You may have been getting by with bare minimum insurance coverage while working to pay off your debt, but now that you have more money every month, you may want to consider increasing your insurance coverage. For example, if you’ve been meaning to get life insurance but couldn’t afford it, now is the time. If you’re approaching middle age, look into long-term care insurance to add security to your senior years. Of course medical, dental and vehicle insurance coverage are all necessities, too.

Start Saving for a Major Purchase

If part of the motivation for getting out of debt was so you could start saving for a major purchase, such as a home or a new vehicle, it’s time to start making that dream a reality. Establish a savings plan solely dedicated to your goal and contribute to it regularly. You’ll be surprised by how quickly the balance grows.

BENEFITS OF DEBT RELIEF

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Let’s say you’ve decided that debt relief is the right choice to help you pay off your debt. As you learn more about the debt relief process, you start wondering how it could affect your credit score. If it could leave a negative impact, should you still use a debt relief service? Here’s what you need to know about debt relief’s effect on your credit score, plus some tips on improving your score in the long run.

WHAT’S A CREDIT SCORE, AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

A credit score is a statistical number based on your credit history that evaluates your creditworthiness and allows lenders to determine how likely you are to repay debt. Your credit score includes, but is not limited to, things like your payment history, how long you’ve held your accounts, and how much available credit you’re currently using.

Credit scores generally range from 300 to 850 depending on the scoring system you’re using. To a lender, a higher score can indicate that you’re very likely to repay your debt, and a lower score could indicate you’re less likely to pay back what you owe.

Your credit score can play a large role in everyday life, and can effect the following:

  • Getting approved for a credit card or loan
  • Securing a home mortgage
  • Receiving more favorable terms on a loan (ex. a lower interest rate)
  • Renting an apartment and how much of a deposit you’ll pay
  • Opening a cell phone line
  • Setting up utilities

DOES DEBT RELIEF AFFECT YOUR CREDIT?

Certain types of debt relief options can affect your credit in both the short and long term, but the impact can often be temporary. Depending on the type of debt relief you choose, your program may show up on your credit report for several years. For many, eliminating debt is more important than a temporary dip in their credit score. Living without crippling debt could actually help you make better financial decisions that improve your credit for the future.

HOW DOES DEBT RELIEF AFFECT YOUR CREDIT LONG-TERM?

Many debt relief options can help your credit score in the long run. Once you get out of debt, your aim should be to make smart financial decisions to help you avoid falling back into debt. You’ll also probably see a score increase as you decrease the amount of credit you’re using. By continuing to use credit wisely and making your payments on time, chances are you’ll see your credit score improve over time.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT

Building a good credit score takes time. The two best ways to impr ove your credit are to make your payments on time and to avoid using all of your available credit (ex. not maxing out credit cards). 

Use these strategies to increase your credit score:

  • Pay Bills on Time: Paying your bills in a timely fashion shows lenders you’re reliable. Those who miss payments, or make late payments often, will see that lack of reliability reflected on their credit score.
  • Keep Balances Low: Try to pay down your credit card balances (or lines of credit) to make sure you have plenty of credit available. The amount of credit you’re using versus the amount you have available plays a major factor in your score.
  • Don’t Open New Accounts: Try to avoid taking on new credit. Every time you apply for a new account, there’s a hard inquiry on your credit. Too many hard inquiries in a short time span can have a negative effect on your score.
  • Don’t Close Unused Accounts: Even if you never use your old credit card, it’s a good idea to keep it open. The length of time you’ve had an open account can help increase your score.

Monitor Your Credit: Keep an eye on your credit report for inaccuracies or fraudulent activity. Report anything out of place right away so you’re not paying for someone else’s mistake.

9 Common Myths About How Your Credit Score is Calculated

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Under most scoring models, credit scores (also known as a FICO score) range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better a person’s credit – it implies that the person is a lower risk to a lender.

The score is calculated using a credit report that gathers data on your current and past debt and whether you pay the debts on time.

Besides determining whether or not you are approved for a loan, your credit score can determine the interest rate you will pay.

Following are many myths that people tend to believe about their scores.

Myth 1: The Credit Bureaus Decide Whether I Get a Loan

The three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and Transunion generate credit reports – but they don’t evaluate your credit score or advise lenders whether to approve or deny a loan. The bureaus simply layout the facts about your credit history – like whether you pay your debts on time. Your actual credit “score” or “rating” is calculated by companies like FICO and VantageScore Solutions, however, these credit bureaus do evaluate your credit risk level based on your credit report.

Myth 2: There’s Only One Type of Credit Score

There are actually many different scores. For example, FICO has several models with varying score ranges that a lender can use. Thus, the FICO score attained by one lender may not be the same score received by another. If a lender declines your application or charges you a higher interest rate because of your score, determine what in your credit history may be negatively impacting your score and work towards resolving those issues. You can request a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit bureaus.

Myth 3: If I Close a Credit Card, its Age is No Longer Factored into My Credit Score

If you’ve got a card that has always been in good standing on your credit report, it might be best to leave it open. As long as the card remains on a credit report, the credit scoring system will continue to see it and still consider the card in the scoring metric—regardless of its age or standing.

Myth 4: A Credit Card Stops Aging the Day I Close it

Even after an account is closed, a credit card will continue to age and will continue to affect your credit score – whether your account was in good standing or not. However, a closed account will not remain on your credit report forever. The credit bureaus will delete them after 10 years if the account was in good standing, and after 7 years if the account had a damaging history.

Myth 5: I Need to Carry Debt to Build Credit

Not necessarily. It’s all about balance. Making minimum payments and maxing out your credit cards is detrimental to your credit score. It’s also a fast-track to needing credit card help. You’re better off having credit cards that are no more than 30% full to show that you can have credit without using it.

Myth 6: Medical Debt is Treated Differently on Credit Reports

Typically, medical bills aren’t reported to a bureau unless the bills are sent to a collection agency. But if the medical bills are reported, credit bureaus treat them the same as other debts. The more recent they are, the more they can affect your credit score.

Myth 7: A Credit Repair Company can only Remove Inaccuracies on My Credit Report

Credit Repair Companies can help provide advice and assistance in reporting inaccurate information on a person’s credit report. If information on a credit report is negative, but accurate, it’ll take at least 7 years to be removed, no matter how good the Credit Repair company is

Myth 8: My (Credit) Utilization Ratio Doesn’t Matter

Simply put, your credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you’ve actually borrowed. (For instance, if your credit card has a limit of $1,000 and you have $250 charged on it, your utilization ratio is $250 out of $1,000, or 25%.)

This ration is a very important piece of the credit scoring system and can seriously affect your credit score in a short period of time – for better or worse. The credit score tracking website CreditKarma.com recommends that consumers shouldn’t exceed utilizing 30% of their available credit. If all your cards are maxed out, you should look into how to pay off credit cards immediately.

Myth 9: I Should Avoid Getting Store Credit Cards Because They’ll Hurt My Score

As long as you use a store credit card responsibility, it can help raise your credit limit, improve your utilization rate and boost your overall credit score. In fact, it may be a great way to get a credit card for people who might not qualify for other types of cards.

The Incredible Link Between Debt and Stress

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Did you know that your financial struggles could be putting your health at risk? A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association revealed that 1 in 5 Americans have either thought about skipping, or have skipped, a visit to the doctor because of financial concerns. Moreover, those who participated in the survey said that they had stressed over money matters within the past month.

Let’s examine how stress is related to debt, and can affect your emotional, physical, and behavioral wellbeing.

EMOTIONAL

Excessive debt can fill the mind with negative emotions. Irritability, moodiness, and the inability to relax are all common side-effects of stress and are all contributing factors to depression. A recent article posted on WebMD found that 73% ofthe subjects surveyed by the American Psychological Association identified money as the main source of stress in their lives. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, 3 out of every 4 American families are in debt. In another study from Northwestern Medicine, “high financial debt was associated with higher diastolic pressure and poorer overall general and mental health in young adults.” Clearly, being worried about how to get out of debt or how to pay off credit cards can take its toll.

PHYSICAL

Worrying about how to get out of debt or how to pay off credit cards can literally make you sick.

There is overwhelming evidence that mind-body balance is an important factor in maintaining one’s physical well-being. A recent study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine cited that “Those with increasing credit card debt described themselves as having worse physical functioning, worse health and greater helplessness.” Mental health unquestionably affects an individual’s physical health. Nausea, chest pain, hair loss, skin problems, and even dental problems are some of the most common warning signs. If left unchecked, these symptoms can lead to further health complications such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

The need for debt relief can affect anyone. The stress of credit card debt on an individual’s physical wellbeing affects more seasoned adults as well as younger ones. A random study of undergrad and grad students at the University of Minnesota found that those with at least $1,000 in credit card debt were associated with unhealthy risk factors that included overweight/obesity, unhealthy weight control, and violence.

BEHAVIORAL

When you experience the mental and physical maladies triggered by stress, your behavior can also drastically change. A study performed at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey using the Panel Study of Income Dynamics found that “there is a possibility that non-collateralized debt could cause poorer health behaviors through anxiety and frustration.” Behavioral stress can lead to substance abuse and an inconsistency in one’s appetite or sleep cycle. As a result, he or she may start to interact with people differently and relationships with friends, family and colleagues may be jeopardized. In fact, lack of initiative and irritability can set in, affecting one’s work ethic.

Putting one’s physical and mental well-being at risk because of burdensome debt is not a lifestyle many of us would choose. But by recognizing the signs, you can begin the journey of returning to a healthier place. It’s not easy for some of us to notice, or even admit, that we need help with our debt since we become accustomed to a feeling of despair.

To speak with a consultant at US Debt Relief , to help resolve your debt, call us at 1-888-910-7411.

Know your Rights When Dealing with Debt Collectors

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Debt collectors have a reputation—and in some cases, a well-deserved one—for being unpleasant and even threatening when trying to get debtors to pay. Even though the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted to limit debt collectors’ behavior and actions, some collectors continue to ignore the law.

Understanding the boundaries of debt collectors will help you to better deal with them. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

False or Misleading Representations

The FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from pretending to work for any government agency, including law enforcement.

A recent documented case involved the sentencing of debt collectors for allegedly accusing people of fraud, stating they would be arrested and face criminal charges for not repaying debts. The collectors also allegedly misrepresented themselves as contract workers for federal and state government agencies, including the Department of Justice and the U.S. Marshals.

Arrest Threats

Federal debt collection law prohibits collectors from falsely claiming you’ve committed a crime or will be arrested if you don’t repay the money they claim you owe. Collection agencies cannot issue arrest warrants or have you put in jail. Failing to repay a legitimate credit card debt, mortgage, car loan or medical bill won’t get you a jail sentence.

However, if you do receive a legitimate court order to appear in court related to a debt you allegedly owe, and don’t show up, the judge could issue a warrant for your arrest. Additionally, if you fail to pay a court fine related to your debt—or refuse to pay taxes or child support—you could go to jail.

Publicizing Your Debt

Debt collectors are not allowed to contact you by postcard, publish the names of debtors who refuse to pay them or talk to anyone other than you, your spouse or your attorney about your debt. Additionally, debt collectors should not try to publicly shame you into paying money that you may or may not owe.

Debt collectors are allowed, however, to contact third parties to try to track you down and ask for your address, home phone number and place of employment – although they’re not generally allowed to contact such people more than once.

Attempting to Collect Debt You Don’t Owe

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act requires collectors to send you a written notice stating how much you owe within five days after first contacting you, including who they claim you owe and how to make your payment.

In some instances, debt collectors may rely on incorrect information when attempting to collect on an unpaid debt. For example, the agency might be trying to collect a debt from you that was discharged in bankruptcy or that belongs to someone else with an identical or similar name. If you are uncertain about a debt owed, send a letter to the collector via certified mail with a return receipt requesting more information. Meanwhile, do not assume any responsibility for the debt.

Harassment

Debt collectors cannot:

  • Threaten you with violence or harm
  • Use obscene or profane language
  • Call you repeatedly
  • Call you before 8:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. without your permission
  • Call you at work, if you disallow it in writing
  • Contact you at all—if you tell the collector, in writing, to stop contacting you altogether or to contact only your attorney

Debt collectors may contact you to let you know they will no longer be contacting you, or to inform you that a lawsuit has been filed against you.

And here’s a special note to people wondering how to pay of credit cards or who need credit card help: In-house debt collectors are not subject to the FDCPA. Consequently, if you are delinquent on your Chase credit card bill and Chase calls you directly, they are not required to follow the rules described in the FDCPA. Only when a collection agency or debt buyer is involved does FDCPA apply. Also, if you receive a court summons for a lawsuit regarding your debt, don’t ignore it—it might be legitimate. When in doubt, be sure to check out the court contact information to ensure the summons is real and not a forgery.

The Bottom Line

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was enacted to protect your rights as a consumer—so don’t allow a debt collector to ever intimidate or harass you!You can contact one of our Consultants at 1-888-910-8411 to learn more about resolving burdensome credit card debt, debt settlement, debt management and other debt relief programs.

5 Ways to Tell If a Debt Settlement Company is Trustworthy

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So, you recognize that you are not making any progress paying down your debt, and you realize it is time to turn to the experts to learn how to get out of debt. After conducting some preliminary research, however, you become aware that there are literally hundreds of companies that claim they will successfully help you settle your debt for less than you owe. If you have examined your options for how to get out of debt, and chosen debt settlement, a new problem comes to the fore: how do you know if a debt settlement company is trustworthy? The majority of debt settlement companies specialize in sales and marketing only and have no idea how to negotiate a settlement. Fortunately, sorting out the companies worth trusting from the companies that are not is simple – if you know what to look for.

  1. Examine Their Fee Structure. It is fairly standard for a company to set their fee as a percentage of the enrolled debt when negotiating with their creditors; it establishes both a fair method of payment and ensures the company works as hard as possible. If they try to charge a fee before they help you, this is a sign to stay away from them.
  2. Pay Attention to Their Tactics. Choosing this route is not something you should just jump into without speaking with somebody at the company. The most respectable debt settlement companies will also want to speak with you, to explain how they work and to determine whether you will be able to meet the sometimes rigorous needs of the plan. If you get on the phone and experience nothing but high-pressure tactics to “enroll” in their plan, do not do business with them.
  3. Look for the Proper Disclosures. An honest company will give you quite a bit of information on their website or in the content they send you. Not only should fees be discussed, but also the length of time until results are typically reached. Knowing specifically how much money you will save, and the nature of the savings account you set up, is fundamental information. For example, that account should be in your name and the company should inform you that you can withdraw money from it at any time. Be certain there is no lack of communication.
  4. Check Their History. Unethical companies, in the modern era, cannot get very far before somebody raises a few objections to their practices. This is especially true for companies offering debt relief programs. While you will need to keep a salt shaker next to your computer while you study a company’s reputation on review sites, often a quick online search can offer up a good overview of how a debt relief company is seen by its customers. Look particularly for news articles about legal action taken against the company; often if the government feels something is wrong with a company this is a sign to cut ties.
  5. Trust Your Instincts. The best way to spot a company you do not trust, however, is simply the fact that you do not trust them. Debt settlement is built on a strong relationship between the debtor and the company negotiating with their creditors. If you do not trust a company, do you really want to spend months or years working with them? Choosing a debt settlement company to help you with your debt can be a complicated process on many levels. But follow these steps, and you will be certain to find one you can trust.

Why US Debt Relief?

Choosing the right partner is the single biggest decision you will make for resolving your outstanding balances. US Debt Relief is one of the nation’s best programs in terms of overall client satisfaction and graduation rates. We truly have a vested interest in seeing our clients graduate the program free of unsecured debt without resorting to bankruptcy. We do not earn anything until we save you money. Additionally, we charge no upfront fees.

We treat every single client with the utmost care, while creating trustworthy, personal relationships. US Debt Relief’s clients have immediate access to their Client Success Representative to answer any questions, concerns or to simply have a shoulder to lean on. We take pride in educating our clients on the causes of debt and how to avoid repeating the steps that led to too much debt in the first place. We understand that honest, hard-working individuals sometimes find themselves in difficult situations. We understand the stress and anxiety that tough financial times can cause, and we are passionate about providing relief.

US Debt Relief’s program allows our clients to become debt free in as short a time period as possible. The settlement process involves extensive knowledge, so that each negotiation reduces a consumer’s balance by as much as possible. Our rigorous, experienced negotiators are known to relentlessly negotiate until the greatest amount of savings is reached. Not only do we provide one of the fastest and least expensive methods of resolving your debts, but we are a trustworthy leader in the industry.

If you or someone you know is having difficulty paying their bills, or wants to learn how to get out of debt, speak to an experienced consultant at 1-888-910-8411

Discover how much money and time US Debt Relief can save you.