Debt Solutions PDF Print E-mail
Written by Jackson Roberts   
Wednesday, 01 September 2010 16:13
The combined effects of the recent recession and the abundance of unsecured debt that Americans are now carrying have motivated millions to scramble for possible solutions to their financial problems. The recession has wreaked havoc throughout the jobs market, the housing market and the lending industry while the cost of essentials like food and energy have taken a steady rise. The run-up to the recession was characterized by easy credit and high levels of consumer spending, and the worst effects of this behavior are now being fully realized as many struggle just to make the minimum monthly payments on their excessively high interest rate accounts. With their resulting payoff prospects literally extending to decades, consumers need effective solutions to their debt predicaments.
by JacksonRoberts


The combined effects of the recent recession and the abundance of unsecured debt that Americans are now carrying have motivated millions to scramble for possible solutions to their financial problems. The recession has wreaked havoc throughout the jobs market, the housing market and the lending industry while the cost of essentials like food and energy have taken a steady rise. The run-up to the recession was characterized by easy credit and high levels of consumer spending, and the worst effects of this behavior are now being fully realized as many struggle just to make the minimum monthly payments on their excessively high interest rate accounts. With their resulting payoff prospects literally extending to decades, consumers need effective solutions to their debt predicaments.

People with small financial problems can start off by trying thrift and discipline. It is feasible that adequate relief can occur simply by cutting down expenses and using the money to pay down debt instead. Debt problems of a more serious nature would do well to combine thrift and discipline with one of the other debt solutions available.

Another debt relief method that can handle even more serious debt problems is refinancing the problem debt at a lower interest rate by getting a new home loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). The current lending environment, coupled with the large drop in home values, has made this seemingly simple solution quite difficult. There is simply not enough equity remaining in the borrowers' homes for them to qualify.

Credit counseling and a debt management plan (DMP) that its clients can gain access to benefit the consumer through personal financial counseling, lower interest rates on the included accounts and credit score protection. Debt settlement, which is also sometimes referred to as debt negotiation, can claim some truly impressive successes for some clients, yet it suffers from a high drop-out rate due to problems inherent in the process required to achieve settlements with the creditors. Many consumers have also had their money simply taken by unscrupulous settlement companies in an unregulated environment.

Bankruptcy is a solution of last resort for many due to the dire credit consequences which can last for 7 to 10 years. Still, the relief offered by a Chapter 7 bankruptcy may be the only real solution for those completely overwhelmed by their debt and able to pass the 2-part "means test" instituted in the 2005 reforms. Otherwise, a Chapter 13 court-determined repayment plan may be a bitter pill to swallow given the stiff penalty also paid in ruined credit.

As you can see, there are options available for those seeking relief from their unsecured debt problems. Obviously the best solution is to simply do some belt-tightening and streamline your personal finances, however this will undoubtedly be inadequate for those struggling with bigger debt problems. If avoiding damage to the credit score is an absolute requirement for a viable solution, then credit counseling should be the first option to be investigated.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Author excerpt: Jackson Roberts is an experienced debt analyst and has been helping consumers eliminate credit card debt for over 12 years. He hopes to educate indebted consumers about the many credit card debt solutions available.