Who are our clients?
Our clients are individuals who have decided that they want to reduce their
debts of $5000 or more of unsecured debt with either one or more creditor.
This person is finding it difficult to get ahead financially and at times
cannot keep up with their monthly expenses. This is usually due to a change
in circumstances such as divorce, health problems, reduction in pay, loss
of job or other major financial problems. Some have even tried other programs
which have failed them.
What types of debt can be handled by the company?
Any unsecured debts meaning credit cards, medical bills, personal
loans, cell phone bills, old utility bills, repossessed car
debts, department store debts, charge offs, collection accounts,
judgments, professional fees.
How do I know if I am right for your help?
You simply need a desire to reduce the debt in your life and
have the willingness to do so. Through our initial interview we
will go over the debt reduction options available for you. If at
anytime together we determine you would benefit from a different
type of debt service or course of action with your debt we will
make that recommendation to you. We are here to help you get on
the right path and see you through to success.
Do I have to be behind on my bills for your help?
No, in fact we have a large client base with individuals who
were not behind with bills. However, many of these people were
barely making their minimum payment on bills each month, although
they were not behind. We understand that you have bills that have
to be prioritized each month including your rent/mortgage payment,
food, daycare and your utilities that must be paid, with the
debt help services we offer many clients find it easier to make
those necessary payments when, before entering the program they
were having trouble doing so.
How much does it cost?
Our debt consultation is free as well as the application process.
In addition we do not charge you any up front costs you simply
begin the debt program with your first scheduled payment. We
get paid when we resolve one of your debt accounts during the
process. The funds come from the money you already owe to the
creditors so you never get additional bills sent to you from
us while in the program for our debt services. Any and all
fees are included in your one single monthly payment for
the debt program.
How fast will I see results?
Once you are set up in the program, creditors are contacted
immediately with our notification letter and authorizations
and then negotiation process begins. Depending on your schedule
you may see an account resolved as early as 30-60 days later.
What is my payment based on?
The amount of debt you put in to your program and how quickly
you want to resolve that debt. We will provide you with payment
options and you make the determination what is best for your
budget based on our quotes.
Where does the money I send go each month?
Into our attorney's trust type account
for
safe keeping until payment to your creditors is made.
When should I consider bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy should always be a last resort in solving financial
problems. Bankruptcy is a short term solution with long term
ramifications. First it will appear on your credit report for
10 years. Second it may harm your future by preventing you
from applying for certain jobs, state licenses and many types
of loans. Our firm will not handle bankruptcy matters. We seek
to help clients considering such a solution to avoid such a
drastic measure. However if at all during the program you wish
additional information on bankruptcy a consultation with an
attorney in the firm can be made for you at no additional cost
to discuss your options. We want you to be comfortable and
successful resolving your debt so if your financial circumstances
change, we are right there with you providing the support you
need with the flexibility to make sure your debt interests
are protected.
What is debt consolidation?
Debt consolidation plans involve reorganizing your outstanding
debts with your existing creditors. Money is not loaned and
original creditors do not change, however, the terms and conditions
under which the outstanding debt can be repaid usually changes
significantly.The purpose of debt consolidation is to put you
on a road to paying off your debts at a faster rate while at
the same time making lower monthly payments. Using a debt consolidation
plan usually helps improve your credit as well, since most
creditors report payments received under this plan as prompt
payment.
What does it mean to default on debt?
When you default on debt, you fail to make timely payments
or follow other terms of the loan. There are two types of defaults;
monetary and covenant. When an owner fails to make any payment
due under the mortgage, it is considered a monetary default.
When the owner fails to follow through on any other terms of
the loan, it is considered a covenant default.
Definitions
Secured Debt: This means the debt is secured
with collateral. Examples of secured debts are; home loans, car
loans, loans for specific merchandise that has been named on
the loan contract as collateral, federally guaranteed student
loans, or other forms of debt that are held against specific
property.
Unsecured Debt: This means that the
debt is not secured against any form of collateral, such as property,
that can be held against the loan. Examples of unsecured debts
are: credit card, lines of credit from banks or finance companies,
signature loans, medical bills, bills for services, or bills
that have gone to a collection agency. All of these debts can
easily be resolved with our specialized debt help services.
Asset: Anything
owned by an individual that has a cash value. This includes property,
goods, savings or investments.
Bad Credit: A
term used to describe a poor credit rating. Common practices
that can damage a credit rating include making late payments,
skipping payments, exceeding card limits or declaring bankruptcy. "Bad Credit" can
result in being denied credit.
Balance: The total
amount of money owed. It includes any unpaid balance from the
previous month, new purchases, cash advances, and any charges
such as an annual fee, late fee or interest. The balance should
not be confused with the monthly payment (the minimum payment
allowed each month), which is generally 2% - 5% for revolving
credit cards.
Beacon Score: This is your credit
score that creditors look at when determining if you are credit
worthy. Your Beacon Score is determined by negative entries such
as late payments which would decrease your score or a positive,
timely payment history on your accounts which would increase
your score.
Billing Cycle: The number of days
between statement dates. This is generally about 25 days.
Cosigner: Another
person who signs for a loan and assumes equal liability for it.
Credit: The
promise to pay in the future in order to buy or borrow in the
present. The right to defer payment of debt.
Credit Worthiness: A
creditor's measure of a consumer's past and future ability and
willingness to repay debts.
Credit Card: Any
card, plate, or coupon book that may be used repeatedly to borrow
money or buy goods and services on credit.
Credit History: A
record of how a person has borrowed and repaid debts.
Default: Failure
to meet the terms of a credit agreement.
Discharge: A
legal term meaning a court has erased your debt(s) not to be
confused with a "charge off" or "write
off" which is an accounting term which does not erase debts.
Finance Charge: The
total dollar amount paid to get credit.
Lien: A notice a creditor attaches to your
property that tells the world that you owe the creditor money.
You cannot sell the property without paying off the creditor
because the lien makes the "title" (history of ownership)
cloudy and a new owner won't buy under those conditions.
Overdraft Checking Account: A
checking account associated with a line of credit that allows
a person to write checks for more than the actual balance
in the account, with a finance charge on the overdraft.
Security Interest: The
creditor's right to take property or a portion of property
offered as security.
Statement: The monthly bill from a credit
card issuer that describes and summarizes the activity
on an account. A statement includes the outstanding balance,
purchases, payments, credits, finance charges and other
transactions for the month.