How to Negotiate with Creditors
Negotiating with creditors can feel intimidating to think about but has the potential to improve your finances. The first and most important step of debt negotiation is knowing the terms. Do not agree to or sign anything that you do not fully understand. When in doubt, ask more questions.
Find out how much you will owe in total with interest, whether the interest rate is fixed or variable, and how much you will owe each month. Avoid accepting deals you know you will not be able to pay. This may require examining your monthly income versus monthly spending to create a monthly budget.
Staying within this monthly budget is vital for preventing financial problems like missing payments or falling deeper into debt. Do not hesitate to ask for a lower interest rate or monthly payment. If these cannot be offered at the rates you need, then try exploring other places that may offer better rates.
If you are currently dealing with a personal loan that feels overwhelming, you might be able to negotiate a settlement plan. A debt settlement plan is an agreed-upon lump sum payment or new payment plan with the creditor. This can work when your offer to the original creditor is slightly higher than what would be paid by the debt buyer.
Calculate your monthly budget and then start saving the lump sum offer. Make the offer to the creditor and explain why you cannot afford to pay more. When you both agree, make sure the agreement is signed in writing.
Other Options for Debt Relief
If debt negotiations fail, there are other options for debt relief that may help. Debt management plans are provided by nonprofit credit counseling agencies. These agencies will help you make a new payment agreement with the creditor. This can lower the interest rate.
Debt consolidation combines multiple debts from loans and credit cards into one main balance. This can also lower the interest rate and simplify the process into one monthly payment. One of the last resort options available is bankruptcy.
Filing for bankruptcy is something most people want to avoid. Some creditors will accept an offer before bankruptcy is filed. If you do have to file for bankruptcy, do not panic. It is not always impossible to recover from.
Contact Tom Bible Law
You may not have to give up if loan debt has led you to bankruptcy. Feel free to call us at Tom Bible Law today at (423) 424-3116 for a consultation concerning your financial dilemma. Our legal team of Tennessee bankruptcy attorneys is ready to help you find bankruptcy options that match your financial situation. We can be found in the Tennessee cities of Chattanooga and Tullahoma.