Debt negotiation - How to negotiate your debt

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Debt elimination is not an easy task. However, if you are determined, debt elimination is possible. Experts advise to stop using credit cards unless you need them for emergency. They also recommend paying for in cash and not by credit cards. This will give you a better idea of your expenses rather than charging your expenses to plastic. To get out of debt fast, you will need to introduce some changes to your lifestyle as well as make some serious effort to pay off your debts. Credit card debt is the one you need to take care off the most. The late fees, the interest rates and yearly fees will take quiet a toll on your life. You can also consider consolidating your credit card debt into a new credit card with low interest or short term no interest credit cards.



How to Lower Your Debts
The cash balance of the several Americans today, shows a negative record. They are not adequately knowledgeable about the planning of cash. It would be a wise decision to choose financial management as a topic of study. After learning the concept of credit and debit management, they will perhaps learn to reduce their extent of debt.

If they wish to increase their credit balance within a... Read debt consolidation article



Debt negotiation - How to negotiate your debt
Eliminating your debt is a daunting task. What can you do to get out of debt fast? Believe it or not, negotiation along with proper financial responsibility is your foothold out of the rat race. Learning how to eliminate your debt might be one of the most important life skills that you learn because it can bring you happiness and fulfillment. In order to successfully eliminate your debt, you must use a combination of self-control, proper negotiating skills, and some future planning.

Here Are Some Tips

1. Chop 'em up or freeze 'em. Start by taking all your credit cards out of your wallet/purse and cut them up into pieces. If you're one of those people who make the claim that you might need those credit cards in case of emergency, then a unique strategy is to freeze your cards--literally. Put the credit card into a paper cup and fill the cup with water and then freeze it. You won't have immediate access to the credit card and it will still work for you in case of emergencies. Whatever way you choose to get rid of your credit cards, make it a symbolic ritual of your commitment to get out of debt.

2. Start living within your means. You'll be amazed at how much money can slip through your fingers on small daily purchases. Start living within your means by paying cash for the things that you need to purchase. Start looking for the cheaper items. Remember, brand names do not always equate to being a better product. Big businesses count on the fact that you are going to toss them your money without question, so don't make it so easy for them. Use coupons wherever you go. Buy in bulk to reduce costs. Learn how to cook. The ways to save money are endless. Just remember that living within your means does not mean you have to live poor it just means you have to live smarter.

3. Consolidate all your high-rate credit cards. First check out the maximum credit limit and APR on all your credit cards and choose the one with the lowest APR and consolidate your other credit card balances onto that one account. Make sure that there are no hidden fees associated with the balance transfer. Another way is to negotiate a loan that offers a lower APR than what you are currently paying for and pay off your high interest cards with that loan. Just be very careful about the small print because many credit card and loan companies will offer a low introductory APR, but once that is over, they jack it up through the ceiling.

4. Invest in your debt. Many people who are stuck in debt still pay quite a bit into their mutual funds or stock portfolio thinking that they will get a higher rate of return. In most cases, this will never happen. Annual APR's for credit cards are a whopping 24% or more. I have yet to see a constantly performing stock or mutual fund that turns out even 15% on a regular basis. Treat your debt like a high-interest investment one where you are guaranteed to earn a huge rate of return. Always invest in your debt before you put money into investments.

5. Use a trusted family member. One of the best ways to get out of debt is with the help of a financially stable family member because they will usually give you the cheapest deal on a loan. Get an IOU agreement in writing and pay them a predetermined amount every month. Some people choose not to go this route because of pride, but it could be the fastest and cheapest way out of debt. Just make sure you possess the integrity and honor to repay your debt to them otherwise you will have more problems than just financial ones.

6. Don't get suckered into taking more debt. A dirty negotiation tactic that loan companies like to use is to offer you more of a loan than you need to pay off your debt, thus adding more debt onto your existing debt. This tactic works the same way as when a child brings a stray puppy home and asks, "Can we keep him?" The credit companies know that there is a great deal of emotional attachment to that extra credit and they are betting that you are going to take that "stray puppy" home with you. Resist the temptation to take that extra credit home with you because it will cause more problems than it is worth.

7. Kill the smaller vermin first. If you have several debt accounts in various denominations, then attack the smallest debt first with full force and kill it as quick and as painlessly as possible. Once that debt is gone, then use the newly freed savings from the last debt and apply it towards killing the next largest one, and so forth. This is a simpler and much more effective way of eliminating debt than paying small amounts off of each loan. It also has the psychological benefit of boosting your motivation with each progressive success.

8. Stay busy. It's a known fact that if you have too much free time on your hands, you are more likely to spend money than if you were busy. Take up some recreational activity to keep you occupied so that you don't have that free time to go spend your money.

9. Set up an auto-pay system. There is a ridiculous amount of money to be made on late charges and finance charges. Credit card accounts spiral out of control because people see that they do not have any monthly minimums dues and let it roll over to the next month. The credit card companies love this because you have just given them extra money in the form of finance charges to your account. Always pay more than your minimum to get out of debt. Avoid handing free money over to companies who charge you for late fees by setting up an EFT or automatic bill pay system so that you won't have to deal with writing the checks, finding stamps, and mailing the bills every month. Having an automated system do this for you will make sure those bills get paid on time.

About The Author
Tristan Loo is an experienced negotiator and an expert in conflict resolution. He uses his law enforcement experience to train others in the prinicples of defusing conflict and reaching agreements. Visit his website at http://www.streetnegotiation.com or e-mail him directly at tristan@streetnegotiation.com

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Debt consolidation loans FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Debt consolidation loans can be the answer to a number of financial problems, but before you take the plunge, make sure you're well informed.

What is a debt consolidation loan?

Debt consolidation is when you arrange a single loan to cover a number of existing debts. Rather than juggling several expensive payments, such as credit card or hire purchase bills, a debt consolidation loan means a single manageable monthly payment. You'll also benefit form lower monthly interest payments; compare an average secured debt consolidation loan of 12.4% APR to a credit card company charging 19.9% APR.

Besides lower interest rates/ payments; you also benefit from knowing that a consolidation loan runs for a fixed term, and that every repayment you make goes towards clearing the loan. Without consolidation you may find that minimum monthly payments simply service the interest accrued on your debt, without having any impact on the debt itself.

Debt consolidation also offers an opportunity to repair your credit rating. Remember that any missed payments and bank charges count against you in the eyes of lenders. It's a vicious circle: a poor credit rating means that lenders see you as a risk, which in turn means they charge you higher interest rates. By repaying all your creditors and taking out a single loan; you are already well on your way to rewriting your credit history.

Getting the best debt consolidation loan

When looking for a loan, the first step is to work out exactly how much you need to borrow. Calculate how much you owe on credit cards, standing orders, overdrafts etc. and only borrow as much as you owe. Because most debt consolidation loans are 'secured' against the value of your property; you won't have trouble finding lenders willing to arrange loans for considerably more than you actually need. However, getting further into debt rarely makes financial sense.

The next step is to begin shopping around for the best deal. Visit a number of FISA registered brokers and see what they can offer you. Recent industry regulation means that loan providers must now tell customers the total cost of repaying the loan, rather than monthly payments and the loan's lifespan. Make sure that you compare like with like; don't be tempted just by low monthly repayments as you may find that the loan has a substantially longer term.

Are there any drawbacks?

Debt consolidation loans often make shrewd financial sense, but it's important to know exactly what you are getting into:

Firstly, you may be cutting your monthly outgoings, but it's important to understand that you are refinancing your debt over a much greater period of time. In the long run you may actually be paying more.

Secondly, most debt consolidation loans are also secured, which means that your property is at risk if you continually default on repayments.

Finally, it's worth bearing in mind that you are under no obligation to repay your outstanding debts. Use the loan wisely to repay existing debts; and you can look forward to a bright financial future. Use it simply to raise capital and keep spending and you will soon be in trouble.

Michael Stepney is part of the team at First Aid Finance; one of the UK's leading secured loans brokers. For more advice or a debt consolidation loan quotation visit their website at http://www.firstaidfinance.co.uk.


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Debt negotiation - How to negotiate your debt
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