Credit Problems? How to legally reduce or eliminate all your debts.

DO YOU QUALIFY?

There is no "qualifying" to negotiate a better payment arrangement if you are having financial problems. It is a matter of your convincing your creditor that it is their best interest to make a better arrangement with you. Generally they will cooperate and try to work with you.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

It does not cost anything to make arrangements with one or more of your creditors. Just contact them and negotiate.

A reduced interest rate or payments made over a longer period will incur additional costs. But a special debt repayment arrangement will make life easier.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR CREDIT RATING? Since you can meet your new commitments, you will minimize the negative impact on your credit rating and probably improve it. Your credit rating is probably pretty poor or you would not be in this situation in the first place.

ELIGIBLE DEBTS

You can probably make new payment arrangements for all types of debts except mortgages.

Mortgages may sometimes be eligible depending on the financial institution and on your financial situation.

Some lenders offer a mortgage payment relief period of up to six months if your circumstances qualify. Phone and ask.

CONTACT YOUR CREDITORS YOURSELF

Contact your creditors and tell them you need either a reduction in your payments, an extended deferral of your debts or a reduced rate of interest (or all three).

They already know you are having credit problems. No need to be embarrassed  They want to work out problems since it is better for them to avoid the cost and effort of collection problems.

DO IT NOW! Start making your calls.

Yes, you can do this. Just pick up the phone and plunge right in.

You are the best person to convince your creditors that you can meet a  negotiated settlement and pay your debt. The most they can do is say no.

The financial institutions that issued your credit cards may require that you stop using your credit card or may even revoke it. Be flexible and open. You are not in a position to refuse. Cooperation goes a long way.

YOU CAN TRY TO NEGOTIATE:

• Ask to have your payments spread out over a longer period, thereby reducing your minimum monthly payment;
• Negotiate a reduced rate of interest, which should also reduce the amount you have to pay (some credit card issuers offer cards at a reduced rate of interest — ask about them);
• Obtain a deferral for some payments;
• Have your total debt reduced (for example, you owe $5000 but you offer to pay $3000 cash right away using money that you may, for example, have received from an income tax refund).

Be sure to obtain a written notification of your agreement from each creditor before you make any large payments.

WHAT IF YOU CANNOT

MEET YOUR NEW OBLIGATIONS?

If, after making the arrangements, you are no longer able to honour your part of the agreement, call your creditor as soon as possible and explain your new situation.

You must try hard to maintain a good relationship with the person with whom you made the arrangements.

If you do not communicate with your creditors, they will assume you are not paying and probably sue.

They will not just let you off the hook. They will collect no matter what it takes.

HERE'S HOW TO NEGOTIATE

WITH DEBT COLLECTORS:

WHAT TO ASK FOR:

• Try to find out how much will a debt collector settle for. Make a couple low offers to see how they react.
• Speak calmly and logically when negotiating.
• Reduction in your payments
• Lower interest rate on your debt
• Extended deferral of your debt
• Maybe even a reduction in the amount owed.

You should be prepared

to deal with the following matters

• Offer a lump sum.
• Inform them your money problems mean you can't pay your bills.
• Mention that going bankrupt is a possibility.
• Confirm that it's your debt.
• Understand your rights.
• Consider the kind of debt you owe.
• Consider hardship programs.

HOW TO NEGOTIATE TO LOWER YOUR MONTHLY  PAYMENTS AND INTEREST COSTS

PREFER NOT TO PHONE? SEND A LETTER:

If you would prefer not to contact your creditor by telephone, you can always send a letter by registered mail explaining your situation and the arrangement you are proposing.

WRITE DOWN THEIR NAME:

When contacting your creditors by telephone, make sure you write down the name and contact information of the people you speak with. You will need this information if you have to contact them again.

CANLAW STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL DEBT REDUCTION

Yes, you can reduce all your credit card debt and interest payments.

IN WHAT ORDER? WHERE DO YOU START?

By reviewing your budget, you will be able to see if reducing the monthly payment for a single debt is enough to get your finances in order. If so, it won't be necessary to contact all of your creditors. However, if a payment reduction from just one creditor doesn't quite get your head above water, you could choose to contact all of the creditors to whom you owe the largest amounts of money. This will have a greater impact on your monthly budget.

TEST THE WATERS FIRST:

Call all your creditors, and without revealing your identity, ask if they have a program whereby debtors can negotiate a better deal. Find out who to call.

WHERE TO START NEGOTIATING WITH DEBT COLLECTORS

Negotiating with debt collectors? Be prepared. Make a complete list of your creditors, account numbers, account balances, monthly payments and payment due dates.

PICK THE BEST PROSPECTS

Use the list of debts you made up since it includes a complete list of your creditors, account numbers, account balances, monthly payments and payment due dates. Mention you do not want to go bankrupt but will if no other option.

It will help you plan your proposal. It will help you determine who you should pay and when, as well as what commitments you are able to make.

MAKE A CLEAR PROPOSAL:

Make a clear proposal, based on your budget and how much you are actually able to repay.

Clearly explain your financial situation to your creditor so that they fully understand your situation. The key to success is to show good faith and your commitment to repay your debts.

Remember they know from your credit report exactly how much you owe them and others. Do not mislead them It will not work.

BE FIRM, BUT VERY POLITE:

Whatever method you choose (telephone or mail), be polite but persistent. Remember, you are asking them do help you. You need their cooperation. Eat a little crow, it won't hurt and may help get you what you want.