Debt Management 101: 7 Key Rules every Consumer Should Know

Individuals often feel overwhelmed when they come to a point in life where they must ask for help from a credit counselor or debt management specialist. Without some specific guidelines to assist them along the way, many may make poor decisions and, in the long run, only compound their original financial problems. But what is debt management, and what does it really involve?

Debt Management, defined simply, is a process by which debt is eased and eventually reduced through the managing of consumer assets and direct negotiation with creditors. Debt management is usually offered by qualified debt “counselors” or a certified debt management company. These debt management companies use what are called “debt management plans (DMPs)” by which consumers deposit set funds each month into specific accounts that are then used by the debt management company to pay off consumer credit card bills, student loans, medical bills or any other form of unsecured debt.

Choosing a debt management provider is not something that should be taken lightly. What do you look for when choosing a credit counselor or debt management firm? There are dozens of factors to consider, but these 7 key rules to choosing a credit/debt management firm can make the process less stressful and may get you much closer to financial comfort faster and easier then you ever thought possible.

1. Get a Referral – Ask someone who has been in a similar situation. Take time to ask questions, to determine if they had a good experience with a particular firm or a bad experience. Getting information directly from another consumer who has used credit counseling or debt management in the past is an excellent way to learn before you agree to pay for services. In addition, a reputable company should be willing to provide examples of good results, without revealing another person’s private information.

2. National Accreditation – While no specific national or state accreditation will guarantee success, there are organizations in the U.S. with the soul purpose of promoting high standards and ethical practices in the consumer credit industry. The American Association of Debt Management Organizations are one of the most prominent in this industry. Members of this organization specialize in credit counseling, debt management plans, budget/finance industry education and much more.

3. Better Business Bureau Membership – Contact the Better Business Bureau in your city or region and ask for information about the credit counselor or debt management firm you are considering. You may also want to talk to someone in the State’s Attorney or Attorney General’s office to see if the company has been the subject of any regulatory action. Finally, if the firm in question has a website, check to ensure it[s a member of the www.bbbonline.org online arm of the BBB and has been awarded its coveted "Reliability Program Online Seal."

4. For Profit vs. Non-Profit Experience - Many consumers have a misunderstanding about Not-For-Profit debt management companies vs. For-Profit companies. They both offer concessions for the consumer whereas some states require non-profit status before the company can do business in the state. Credit card companies fund most Not-For-Profit credit counseling companies with Grants and Fairshare deductions as a way for them to recover money from consumers who are currently not making their payments. The biggest difference is that a Not-For-Profit does not pay taxes whereas a For Profit does. Study the company carefully to see if it uses "non-profit" status simply as a marketing tool.

5. Excessive Costs - In recent years, credit card companies and other lenders have reduced some of the funding for credit counseling. This has led counseling firms to increase their fees. Some of these increases are reasonable, but consumers should be careful not to get involved with a company that charges a large upfront payment just to establish an account. A baseline of per month is a good guideline for an initial new debt management plan. In contrast, a credit counselor or debt manager should probably not charge a fee of more than 0 to establish your account and negotiate with your creditors. Some companies will waive their initial enrollment fees entirely if you can't afford them.

6. Real Education - Try to find a credit counselor or debt management professional who is sincere about giving you information that will help you deal with financial problems. You should not have to pay extra for CDs or videos that require you to learn on your own. If the person you are talking with does not or cannot provide satisfactory answers to your questions, find another company.

7. A Written Plan - A reputable credit counseling firm or debt management company will take time to review your situation, help you with budgeting and money management, and put your individual plan in writing. This personalized plan should include details on how creditors will be paid, as well as realistic goals for returning you to full financial health. Some firms even offer a free debt comparison quote which is an excellent way to see how much money you can save, what your new interest rate may be and how long it will take you to get debt free on your debt consolidation program right out of the gate. Unrealistic promises should not be part of the plan. For example, a debt management or credit-counseling firm does not have the authority to change your credit report nor should it ever imply it has done so in the past.

Coming face-to-face with financial trouble may seem to be more than you can handle, at first blush. Fortunately, there are many reputable credit counselors and debt management companies out there who can help get you started again in the right direction. Following these 7 simple guidelines when choosing a firm will go a long way in ensuring your final choice is also the best choice for your current financial circumstances.

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First Time Car Buyer – No Credit Auto Loans – What You Need to Know to Get a Loan!

If you have never had credit, or if you have some credit but have never had an car loan, you may be considered a first time buyer. The Banks have different methods to determine if you are a first time buyer or not but usually with no credit or limited credit you are considered a first time buyer. If you don’t have credit it may seem like a daunting task to just go out and get an car loan. There are a few things that you can do to get an advantage when dealing with a lender.

The easiest way to get established with no credit is to get someone with good established credit to sign on the loan with you. This is called a co applicant or a co signer. The banks can look up their credit and determine how they have paid in the past. They cannot do this with a first time auto loan buyer. If they determine that your co-signer is a worthy risk then you are home free.

The next best thing you can do if you are a first time buyer is to save up enough money to use as a down payment to make the auto loan less of a risk for the bank. If you can put 25 to 30% down on a car you have a much better chance of getting your auto loan because the loan amount will be low enough that if the bank needs to repossess the car, they will be able to sell it at auction and not lose their tails on it.

Capital Direct Lending presents author Douglas Gray on using the equity in your home to finance a mortgage helper.

Home Equity Loans – Know the Pro’s and Con’s

Looking for a way to fund new home renovations, invest in a second property, or pay for a child’s college education? A home equity installment loan might fit the bill. Consumers often turn to home equity loans as a way to finance a large expense or investment using the money they have already invested in their home, without refinancing their mortgage. 

What is a Home Equity Installment Loan?

A home equity installment loan is a loan that uses the equity you already have in your home as collateral. With your home’s equity as a guarantee, lenders are willing to offer larger loans at lower interest rates than many other types of loans. 

Unlike a home equity line of credit, most home equity installment loans are standard, one-time loans that are approved for a given amount and must be repaid over a pre-arranged schedule of installments ranging from three to 30 years, similar to a primary mortgage or car loan. Installment payment amounts include both principal and interest.

Lenders offer installment loans based on some percentage of your home’s appraised value, less any outstanding mortgage amounts. The maximum loan amount is calculated according to the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which may be as high as 80-90%.  This means if your home is worth 0,000 with a 0,000 mortgage balance (,000 in equity), at 90% LTV you could potentially qualify for a home equity installment loan for up to ,000 (,000 x 90%). 

Who Uses Home Equity Installment Loans?

A home equity installment loan can be used to finance anything from a home renovation to a wedding. Below are some of the main reasons consumers secure this type of credit:  

Finance a home renovation
Pay a child’s college tuition
Pay off other, higher-interest debts
Purchase a second home or rental property
Invest in a business opportunity
Pay for a wedding, anniversary, vacation, or another big celebration or event 

Home equity installment loans are a good option if you have a large, lump payment that you need to make now but would like to pay off over time. They’re also ideal in a market with unstable interest rates, allowing you to lock in a low fixed rate. 

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are pros and cons to home equity installment loans, and times when this type of borrowing is more suitable than others. Read on for some tips to help you determine whether a home equity installment loan is for you.

A home equity installment loan is ideal for a one-time purchase or investment, such as a home renovation or the payoff of a high-interest debt, where you will only need to draw funds once and are prepared to pay it back on a fixed schedule. An installment loans is probably not a good idea for frivolous purchases that may be difficult to pay back. If you default on the loan you stand to lose your home, so it’s important to be sure you’ll have the means to pay back the funds according to the agreed-upon terms. 

On the positive side, because your home serves as collateral, you’ll most likely be able to get a home equity installment loan at a lower interest rate than an unsecured loan – which can mean big savings in interest payments over time. Interest rates are usually fixed for this type of loan, which makes it possible to lock in a lower rate that won’t change with market fluctuations. You may even be able to count the interest as a tax deduction.

Home equity installment loans are perfect for consumers who are interested in one-time loans and are confident of their ability to repay it. They’re also a good fit for those who like the security of a fixed interest rate.

Home equity loans are secondary loans made to the principle mortgage on a house. Understand how home equity loans work on both ends withtips and advice from an experienced financial adviser in this free video. Expert: Patrick Munro Contact: www.northstarnavigator.com Bio: Patrick Munro is a registered financial consultant (RFC) with outstanding sales volume of progressive financial products and solutions to the senior and boomer marketplace. Filmmaker: Reel Media LLC
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All You Need to Know About Home Equity Loans

Many people do not realize that a home equity loan is available to many homeowners. However, some take advantage of them and get one whenever they can qualify. It just really all depends on your home and the equity in it as to whether or not you may or may not qualify for one. There are many places that offer loans against the equity in your home, and you may or not be aware of them.

Why you should get a Home Equity Loan?

There are so many reasons that you might want to take out a home equity loan. Maybe you need to do some home improvements around the house. On the other hand, perhaps you are ready to take that dream vacation that you have worked so hard for. Another reason that many take out a loan against the equity in their home is for debt consolidation. You will find that this is the most popular reason for this type of loan. Simply to be debt free. Taking out a loan and paying off your debt, so that you only have one single payment that is lower to pay every month is a great reason in itself.

Where can I get a loan against the equity of my home?

Most banks or mortgage companies that offer second mortgages are known for home equity loans. Many of them will be willing to look at your information to in return give you the most for your equity that you have built up in your home.

How much will my loan be?

If you are like everyone else, chances are that you are wondering just how much of a loan you can get against the equity of your home. Well, that really all depends on the equity that you have built up in your home and how much of a loan you need. Maybe you do not need the full amount that you are offered, or perhaps you need a little more. Like stated earlier, this depends on the amount of equity as to how large or small the loan will be.

Something to Keep in Mind

If you just bought your home, and you have not made many payments on it yet, then chances are you will not qualify for a loan against the equity in your home. The reason for this is you have to make payments for a while and give the equity a chance to build up. You cannot go and get a loan against the equity in the same day or month you start paying on your home. Simply because there is, no equity built up at that time. You should at least pay on your home for a few years before you try to qualify for this type of loan.

As you can see, the home equity loan is one that can help you out if you were to get in a bind. You can get one to consolidate your debt, or to just help financially.

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Home Equity Loan : Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Equity Mortgage You Must Know

 

A home equity loan is that type of home equity mortgage acquired with your home property taken in as collateral. The home equity value is actually the difference between your home’s current market and the amount of mortgage that you owe.

 

People apply for home equity loan for many different reasons. The most common of them is the serious need for some amount of cash money on hand to be used for purposes such as college tuition fees or perhaps home improvements.

 

What Are The Advantages

 

Debt Consolidation

 

Another simple reason that home owners consider when wanting to take a home equity mortgage of their property is to consolidate their debts. Therefore, instead of dealing with a number of personal loans, you will then have to deal with only one payment monthly because of debt consolidation. Thus, one due date needs to be remembered as well as the amount that is needed to be paid. One loan means a much easier planning of your financial and budgetary concerns.

 

Home Improvements

 

As already said, home owners likewise can use home equity loan for the improvement of their home properties. These types of loans do offer great interest rates when it comes to home improvement. They likewise help in improving the value of your property with the increase in equity and the writing off of charges in interests on tax returns.

 

Simply put, the main advantages of home equity loans are low and tax-deductible interests. It is likewise a quick and easy way to acquiring a sizable amount of cash.

 

What Are The Disadvantages

 

Where there is positive side, there must also be negative side. You must remember that your house will be used as the main collateral. Thus, the failure to refund the home equity mortgage loan certainly will result in foreclosure, meaning, you lose your ownership to your property if you fail pay your loan obligations.

 

Increasing interest rates

 

Another bad aspect of home equity loan is the ever increasing interest rates. Most rates of home loan vary according to the current economy condition. With a changing interest rate, your monthly loan payments may either increase or decrease in its amount. Therefore it is a must that you are aware of your interest rate cap.

 

The cap actually decides on how high the interest rates can increase annually and how much it can increase its amount over the entire duration of the loan. Likewise, it is best for you to inquire from your lender about whatever possible fees involved with the home equity mortgage loan.  It is possible that lenders will decide to charge you will simply all possible fees there is. Some of the fees include application fees and withdrawal fees.

 

Before you get a home equity loan, better consider how the overall economy and property market is doing. If the prices of home property are going down, it is advisable to not consider getting such type of loan as the home equity value will be lower.