How to Beat Debt

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Growing Debt Problem
An estimated 3m people owe more than £10,000 on credit cards, overdrafts and loans, new research shows.

Among these people just over 2.5m have unsecured debts of more than £50,000, according to debt solutions company One Advice.

The research found that one in 10 people who owe five figure sums are worried about whether they will be able to repay their debt.

A fifth... Read debt consolidation article



Debt Recovery and Solutions
Debt piled up can lead to a financial crisis. However, there are several solutions available to help you recover from debt. Securing a loan to consolidate your bills can create one low interest monthly payment. Debt management companies can also help you reduce your debt and interest rates. A credit counselor can also help you create personalized financial plans and strategies.

Reducing... Read debt consolidation article



How to Beat Debt
Debt is a Product in America

The #1 sickness in America concerning finances right now is debt. Debt is a product in our culture and it is vigorously aimed at you and me everyday, everywhere. As a society, we borrow more money than the last two generations times two and your online credit report reflects these habits! Some companies like Sears make more profit from their credit department than from all the physical products they sell.

But It's the Norm Isn't It?

We are programmed from childhood to make automatic decisions regarding our personal spending habits thus negatively affecting our online credit report. A few 'real world' examples are listed below:

- leasing a car instead of paying for it in cash (unheard of right?)
- 90 days same as cash (NOT... really the same in more than 75% of the cases)
- rent-to-own (translation = paying 2, 3, 4 times the actual value of the product)
- 30 year vs. 15 year mortgages (an accepted lengthy and very costly way of purchasing a house)

What to do? Well, I hate to give the obvious answer here but how about saving money! Try saving money in a money market account for a couple years and then paying for a slightly used car in cash or with a 50 to 75% down payment. Wow, imagine having that extra money every month that most people dump into their lease or high rate loan. Try saving money for 3-6 months interest and risk free for that thing that you needed and you might find that you can get it cheaper with hundreds OR even that you want to use your hard-earned money for something more practical. Your credit report will thank you as well.

Penny Pinching is Boring!

Most people today think that to be frugal one must live out of a shack and only make purchases when they are on clearance (or if it's life or death). Well they're only half right. Have you heard the expression "It's the little things that count"? This holds very true when dealing with financial decisions. While large purchases definitely have great effect on one's online credit report as well as their overall situation, it is often the everyday spending habits that accumulate and hold them back from attaining wealth of any sort. What many people fail to realize is that the majority of true millionaires in America (those with net worths exceeding 1 million dollars) got rich from thinking outside the box and not following the crowd. Try thinking a little more about how you handle your money and you might find that you know more than you think you do.

Summing Up the Debt Sickness Fiasco

A decision as simple as using a debit credit card instead of a credit card shows discipline. Report that paying with cash instead of credit shows that you have properly budgeted your money and it just feels better to own something the day you walk away with it. Your credit report will also reflect these positive actions. Since the average consumer has little control over their own spending habits, the credit report picks up the slack and in turn there are more negative items to show for it. Even statistics show that using cash when making purchases will greatly reduce spending thus causing you to think harder as a consumer before swiping that credit card. Get off to a good start by seeing what is on your online credit report. By removing negative items from your online credit report you can improve your credit rating.

Tom Justice is the webmaster for Clean Credit Online and does all the designing, marketing, SEO and maintenance the site. He has a passion for personal finance and how the economy and consumers are affected by money. To see how you can use Clean Credit Online to help you with your personal finances please visit http://www.cleancreditonline.com "Beating Debt with a Stick" - © (2005) Reprinting is allowed assuming all content is left the same.

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Debt Collection - How to Deal with Old Debt

The business of debt collection has become very lucrative and the collection of "old" is on the rise. It would be wise to know your rights when it comes to getting collection calls for old debt especially debt that is excess of seven years and no longer appears on your credit record.

1. Be aware of the statute of limitations in the state you live and in the state the debt was incurred if they are different. If it has expired, the collection agency will have limited legal options.

2. You may want to ignore the call. If the statute of limitations has expired they have very little recourse and you have a lot to lose by negotiating repayment. Repayment could cause it to be relisted on your credit report again.

3. Write them a letter and send it certified mail. Do not admit to the debt. Once they have received the letter the law prohibits them from contacting you again.

4. Know what your rights are. A copy of the Fair debt Collection Practices Act or a copy of "Money Troubles" by Leonard will familiarize you with what your legal right are.

5. Watch your credit report. If you see something on your credit report that is incorrect, you can dispute it with the credit bureau. If the reporting agency or creditor can not prove that the information is correct, it will be removed.

6. If the statute of limitations is still current, you may want to try to work out a settlement with the agency. Negotiate with them and see what you can get worked out.

Collections has become a very lucrative business. Knowledge is power. You will best be able to handle your debts if you know what your rights are and where you stand.

Marjorie Salada is the owner of http://www.debtmanagement1.com a website that contains debt management information. You can find more out about debt consolidation, debt settlement and debt counseling by visiting this website.


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1. Debt Reduction Tips
2. How to escape debt
3. Hiring a Debt Counselor
4. Credit repair - Cooperate and win
5. Debt counseling and management - How to avoid the debt trap
6. Dealing with Bill Collectors
7. 3 Ways To Eliminate Your Debt
8. Debt Consolidation Loan for a Better Life
9. Online payday loan sites - What you must know about payday lenders
10. How to manage personal debt

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How to Beat Debt
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