Debt negotiation is the process in which your creditors consider an agreement to accept less than what they are fully owed. For the most part, this can feel extremely daunting; however, it is not impossible to do, as long as you have a good idea of what to do. Today, we will try to help guide you in the event you decide to handle your own debt negotiations.
Stop Giving The Creditors Money
Most likely if you are considering debt negotiations, you are behind on your payments. You have been trying to get current on your debts, but it is just not happening. You have called, and tried to get the debt reduced, but the creditors are not budging. So what do you do? Quit paying them right now!
Until you put them in a bind, they are not going to consider you a high risk. Now that you have put them in a bind, they have to consider their options. Legal recourse is going to cost them money, and if you are already hurt, it is not like you are going to give them even more money. Now it is time to give them a call. Now, you have leverage against them.
Figure Out What Works Best For You
Once you have called them, or they have contacted you, it is time to negotiate a plan that works for you. Beware, the creditors do not care how your life will be affected. So, please do not give them the old sob story. Give them the facts and nothing else. Do not try to play on their emotions, they do not care.
Talk to them, and explain to them what you feel you can do. It is a good idea to have this thought out before you call. They can either accept, or deny, your request. Under most circumstances, your creditors will settle for roughly 40 percent of your full debt. This means, if you owe $10,000, they will most likely accept an offer around $4,000. After you and the creditor have negotiated a deal, it is important to understand the terms of the agreement.
Handshakes Are Worthless, Get It On Paper
No matter what, do not take them at their word! I do not care if they claim they record all conversations, yours will be the “one” that they happen to not record. Whatever you agree to, have it sent to you in writing. This will help both sides understand the terms of the agreement, binding both under legal recourse.
Make sure that the agreement details out your account number, the debt being settled, how much you will have to pay and when it should be paid. Do not send any form of payment until you have a signed document from your creditor (any money send before an actual agreement can be considered money to satisfy the debt before the settlement – i.e. wasted money).
Ultimately, debt negotiations are not impossible; they just require some planning. Once you have figured out what you want to do, do not stray. Creditors are now out to help you, they are out the help the companies they represent this. Remember this and do not let your emotions control your decisions. Hopefully, you feel more comfortable now handling your own debt negotiations.