When you’re dealing with debt, it’s very important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of different debt-relief options, including a debt settlement. A helpful way to clarify certain issues in your mind is to ask yourself a few questions. Here are some questions you should consider if you want to settle your debts:
If you’ve been considering debt settlement because you’re tired of being harassed by collection agencies or because you simply don’t have the means to pay off your debts in full, it’s important that you first determine whether or not you qualify.
In Canada, there are many debt relief options. Along with debt settlement, there is also credit counselling, debt consolidation, debt management, and consumer proposal, just to name a few. Debt settlement is an option for people who find themselves in a very particular financial situation.
Put simply, debt settlement programs are designed for those whose debt is so deep that they are no longer suitable candidates for debt consolidation or credit counselling. Moreover, your debt is not serious enough to pursue more severe options such as a consumer proposal or filing for bankruptcy. Generally speaking, debt settlement is best suited for those who have at least $10,000 in unsecured consumer debt.
Although there is an approximate amount of debt that makes you eligible for a debt settlement, your total debt level does not exclusively decide whether a debt settlement is right for you. Your income, savings and creditors will impact your ability to qualify for a debt settlement as well.
A debt settlement can take up to 2 years before your debt settlement company and creditor reach an agreement. During that time, you should have enough income to at least make the minimum payments on your debt. While your debt settlement company may advise you to stop making payments as a negotiation tactic, your income should be high enough to at least make the minimum payments on your other debts. Generally speaking, if you are not able to make at least minimum payments on your debt then usually at that point you would file for bankruptcy.
The amount of savings you have or capital from your liquid assets can help you qualify for a debt settlement. Most creditors like to settle the debt with a single lump-sum payment rather than a new payment plan. For example, if you have 15,000 thousand dollars in debt with a creditor, your debt settlement company may be able to reduce your debts to $8,000 if you make the payment upfront. As such, if you have enough savings or liquid assets, you can have your debts settled for less than you owe.
The outcome of your settlement may be different depending on the specific creditor you work with along with and your history with the creditor. Chances are if you’ve been a loyal and long-standing borrower with a good credit history, your creditor may be more inclined to work with you. However, each creditor you work with has the right to reject any offer you make, if he so chooses.
Be sure to ask these questions before working with a debt settlement company.
All this being said, there is only one way you will know if you are eligible for a debt settlement program: it is as simple as contacting a professional for a free consultation. From there you will fill out the debt relief form and find out which options are best for you.
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Caitlin Wood is the Editor-in-Chief at Loans Canada and specializes in personal finance. She is a graduate of Dawson College and Concordia University and has been working in the personal finance industry for over eight years. Caitlin has covered various subjects such as debt, credit, and loans. Her work has been published on Zoocasa, GoDaddy, and deBanked. She believes that education and knowledge are the two most important factors in the creation of healthy financial habits. She also believes that openly discussing money and credit, and the responsibilities that come with them can lead to better decisions and a greater sense of financial security.
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