Published On: September 4, 2017
By Liz Weston NerdWallet.com, Aug 30, 2017 (a summary from South Bend Tribune)
Many people believe that hiring a company to settle their debts is better on their credit, will cost them less in the long run and will generally be better than a bankruptcy. This is what the debt settlement industry would like you to believe. The following are some clips from an article by Ms. Weston which details the real cost of debt settlement.
The pros and cons of credit card debt settlement
Debt settlement is not as consumer-friendly as the industry presents it, and some of the people who praised the companies didn’t fully understand their alternatives or the longer-term consequences of settling debt (see a former employee’s quote below).
- One woman didn’t realize she would face a tax bill on the forgiven debt.
- A man opted against bankruptcy in part because he erroneously thought he would lose personal possessions.
- Another woman was shocked at how far her credit scores tumbled and how much interest she was charged when she applied for a car loan.
Where debt settlement falls short
Here are some of the biggest problems with debt settlement:
- If you pay less than the full debt you will be taxed on the amount “forgiven”. This is referred to as forgiveness of debt. (Note – this does not usually happen in bankruptcy).
- Negotiations can take years (usually three to four years). Meanwhile, customers risk being sued over their debts.
- The math often doesn’t work. The total cost of the settlement can equal 90 percent or more of the original amount owed.
- Many debt settlement companies unfairly demonize bankruptcy. In reality, most chapter 7 bankruptcies take a few months and the filer can keep most of their assets.
- Both debt settlement and bankruptcy drop credit scores into the mid-500s. Credit scores can begin to recover immediately after either process is complete (chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes months, while debt settlement typically takes years.) Plus, bankruptcy halts collections activity, including lawsuits, and can end wage garnishments.
MUSINGS BY DIANE:
The only company I recommend for a debt workout is National Foundation of Consumer Credit Counselors “NFCC.org“. This is the only true non-profit that I know of. There have been so many scams over the last 40 years that I just gave up trying to find a legitimate alternative to bankruptcy. It was not worth the pain and suffering for my clients, who ultimately had to file bankruptcy after throwing away thousands to these scams.
About the Author: Diane Drain
Diane is a well respected Arizona bankruptcy and foreclosure attorney. As a retired law professor, she believes in offering everyone, not just her clients, advice about bankruptcy and Arizona foreclosure laws. Diane is also a mentor to hundreds of Arizona attorneys.
*Important Note from Diane: Everything on this web site is offered for educational purposes only and not intended to provide legal advice, nor create an attorney client relationship between you, me, or the author of any article. Information in this web site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from an attorney familiar with your personal circumstances and licensed to practice law in your state. Make sure to check out their reviews.*
“You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.” M.H.
You and Jay are the best attorneys I have ever had or needed and thank God for the Honorable Robert Gottsfield in recommending you folks – I would have never made it through the entire process without you and Jay and God Bless you both always and stay in touch as well. You folks are the BEST OF THE BEST in Arizona.
“My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner.” K.H.
I can’t say enough good things about Diane. The way she handled my not typical circumstances was amazing. I was very nervous to start the bankruptcy process but Diane just has a very comforting way of explaining the whole process. My only regret is that I didn’t find Diane sooner. If you find yourself in a financial situation that you can’t correct on your own, please Call Diane Drain as soon as possible.
“Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event” R.A.
Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful life event, and selecting the right attorney can add to this stress. Diane and Jay were a pleasure to work with, and it is obvious that they are passionate about helping people get their life back on track. I would highly recommend them if you need a bankruptcy attorney.
Related Posts
Published On: May 24, 2023
“Best Experience Ever!” C.G. Answered all my questions and very knowledgeable team! Thank you C.G.
Published On: May 23, 2023
“Give her a call if you don't know where to turn.... ” B.G. Diane was an exceptionally nice lady and very courteous to my wife and I as we requested help. She [...]
Published On: March 28, 2023
DOD Announces Six New Measures to Enhance Well-Being of Military Force and Their Families Posting from the Secretary of Defense Release from US Department of Defense, March 22, 2023 [...]
Published On: March 20, 2023
“You were very nice and caring. ” R.G. I cannot thank you enough Diane for taking the time to speak with me. Your website has so much information and very helpful. You [...]
My intention is to put you back in control of your life
Start with $0 down*. We provide affordable payment plans.
