Unsecured Debt Solutions
Difficulties with personal finances, which have been intensified by the influence of both the economic downturn of recent years and the balances of unsecured debt, have put consumers on the lookout for legitimate remedies. The downturn has had a fairly devastating effect on employment, home prices and the ability to secure loans as prices on necessities have risen. Before the downturn took place it was very easy to qualify for loans and consumers were making new purchases at a torrid pace, but now the true extent of the overspending that took place is being felt as Americans are now confronted by large account balances at interest rates that can go upwards of 25%. Hordes of consumers require a solution for this debt as they can only afford to make the minimum monthly payments now, and this consigns them to repayment periods that can last for 20 years or even longer.
Thrift and discipline is a debt solution that can be sufficient for those with relatively minor debt problems. By combining the reduction of unnecessary expenses with the application of the realized savings toward the debt, these minor debt problems can potentially be overcome. Those with more serious debt problems will probably require thrift and discipline in combination with more potent debt solutions.
Refinancing a home or taking out a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and using the proceeds to pay off the high interest debt can be a potent solution. The problem lies in the difficulty of accomplishing either of these solutions given today’s battered housing market. Equity levels have shrunk or disappeared entirely, making these loans very hard to come by.
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 solutions available for those who have found themselves in serious trouble with their unsecured debt. If it is at all possible, it is recommended that thrift and discipline be the sole solution utilized to solve the problem. Credit counseling should be considered by those who are intent on finding a solution that will not negatively impact the credit score.
About the author: Jackson Roberts is a professional debt advisor for professional debt relief services company. He also regularly writes informative articles about debt relief help.
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