Credit card debt is a common burden for many Americans. In fact, in 2002 it was reported that American’s carried $750.9 billion in credit card debt1. Whether you were forced to rely on credit in an emergency situation or let your out-of-control spending habits get the best of you, you are entitled to get credit card debt help. Debt consolidation is available in a number of forms and can help you reduce or eliminate your debts with lower monthly payments. A debt management company will evaluate your situation to determine if a consolidation loan, credit counseling, or debt settlement is the best option for your needs, and can assist you throughout the entire process.

If you choose to consolidate your credit card debt with a loan, you may be able to apply for one that is secured (or unsecured) by collateral. Secured loans are most commonly in the form of mortgage refinancing or a home equity loan, which use your home as collateral. If in the future you can no longer afford to make your loan payments, your home will become possession of the lender as a way to compensate for the money you owed them. Unsecured loans do not put your property at risk, but often have higher interest rates.

Debt settlement occurs when your debt management representative goes through arbitration with your credit card company to have your outstanding balance reduced. Once an amount is settled on, you must pay this balance in full rather than in monthly installments. Credit counseling services provide debtors with education on how to reorganize their finances and cut back their spending habits to get debt free and stay that way in the future. They can also contact your credit card companies to get you a lower interest rate and monthly payment, and may be able to have your late fees waived. Before you make any decisions, take the time to learn more about the credit card debt help that is available to you.

Sources:

1 http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/creditcardsmarts/P74808.asp

Bookmark and Share