I had 3 major surgeries last fall. I had insurance that covered 80%, but the 20% is still more than I can handle. I don't want to file bankruptcy. I heard that the debt consolidation companies charge too. I dont need more debt! Should I wait for all the agencies to send my bills for "collection"? Some have already and the interest that they charge monthly is outrageous...Help... What should I do?????
2007-08-29 04:47:45 · 8 answers · asked by Geraldine S 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
no, there arent.....
They are all indexed to charge based on what you can afford....
There is no free ride.. sorry....
2007-09-02 04:15:11 · answer #1 · answered by I Can Count To Potato 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had looked into this at one point, and when I found out these "non-profit" debt consolidation rackets were charging a fee, I decided to call one of my creditors and see if I could do the same kind of negotiation on my own for reducing the interest owed. What I was told--and this is coming from a creditor--was that I was better off filing bankruptcy, because they would both have similar effects on my credit rating.
Fortunately, I didn't have to do either, because things worked out in the long run. Don't fall for these scams, and don't assume that a "non-profit" is a benevolent or charitable entity. Just because the company doesn't make a net profit doesn't mean the principals don't skim off a hefty salary.
2007-09-01 22:35:27 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Debt consolidation is an option, and you should look into it. Just be careful about WHAT you're getting into. Some plans, because of their higher APR rates get you into more trouble than you were.
Also, some lenders look poorly upon it later on. Some institutions believe that it really is a black mark. It will depend upon the types of deals that your particular company or lender work out, and of course, your own individual circumstance. For some with absolutely NO way out, debt consolidation is a welcome option.
Take a good hard look at all the options and plans offered, and don't let a single company pressure you into something you just can't do. Make sure that you're comfortable with the plan offered before you commit to it.
In any case, it doesn't hurt to investigate debt consolidation as an option. It doesn't cost you anything to find out more information about it.
If you want a place to start your investigating, there's information and listings for debt consolidation providers on the page listed below. You'll probably find something of use there:
http://axalda.info/debt-consolidation.html
2007-08-29 19:02:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a similar problem several years back. Back when the republicans had the majority in congress they made it much more difficult to claim bankruptcy.
The debt consolidation company I found worked this way, they negotiate with all your creditors, lower the interest rate and if possible lower the amount you owe. For this to work, "ALL" of your creditors have to agree to participate. If one or more creditors refuse to participate, you own the consolidation company nothing and you are back where you started. If they do agree you will be sent a report stating how much you will pay each month, if it is still unaffordable, you let the consolidation company know and you owe nothing to them.
By all means, keep your all of your collection bills and a list of all companies you owe money to in the event that bankruptcy is your only option (if you qualify).
2007-08-29 12:11:47 · answer #4 · answered by Ricky H 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chapter 7. It's gone. People make it out to be soo bad. You do what you gotta do. All medical bills are written off anyways with a 7. Think about it. $12.00 for a Tylenol. Your free to start your life again. Get an Attorney. Even a 13. you pay it all back. but your free. You can live again.
2007-09-06 03:07:37 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is help out there don't panic.
Type in"Free debt help" or" free help debts-" Into google and that will get you started.
-research and ask lots of questions - !!!
A member of my family got things fixed up like this several years ago and they are doing just fine now
-It was not easy ! but they are happy that got help.
I cannot get off the computer and ask right now to ask specifics -but yes , help is out there .
PS no one can work for free -they have bills to pay also but , they can work payments into the plan.
2007-09-06 10:43:23 · answer #6 · answered by Bemo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should know nothing in life is completely free, but
medical debt is one of the easy folks to work with -- set down and figure out a realistic figure you can pay each account each month and contact each one and tell them this is what you plan to pay each month -- in most cases they will go along with your plan!!!
2007-09-01 18:36:28 · answer #7 · answered by mister ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try Care One website. I just did and it saved me 133 a month total and lowered my interest rate.
2007-08-29 13:45:14 · answer #8 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋