Online nonprofit credit counseling services to lower bill payments for credit cards and other unsecured debt.
Can't pay the minimums on your credit cards?
Consistently late paying one or more of your regular bills?
Being hounded by creditors and collection agencies?
Can't reach reasonable repayment plans with creditors?
If so, request consumer credit counseling
assistance
Nonprofit credit counseling
Choosing a Credit Counselor
Finding a good credit counselor can be a bit tricky. After all, it's not something you'd want to bring up with colleagues around the company water cooler. That means you'll have to do the legwork on your own. But there are a few things to keep in mind to make the task easier and less fraught with disappointment.
First, look for a nonprofit credit counselor. You've spent too much already, why pay more now? Nonprofits get most of their funding from creditors, not you. Privacy isn't usually an issue, but it's wise to check what the agency's policy is. Make sure they don't sell your information. Many ask for only a nominal fee to enroll. And the nonprofits' relationship with the credit community has an added benefit. They can often negotiate better rates with those same creditors on your behalf.
Second, find out upfront exactly what services you'll receive, such as counseling, a debt-repayment plan and budgeting advice. The more services, the better. You might want to have them put it all in writing and send you the information before you proceed.
And ask if the organization belongs to any professional groups, such as the NFCC or the Better Business Bureau. Have them explain how they're audited and if your funds are protected. After all, you're sending them your money.
Don't know which debt program is best for you? Compare credit counseling vs debt settlement to help you decide which one offers the best benefits for your situation.
Whether you choose a credit counseling agency or a debt settlement company, either program can only help you with unsecured debt. Find out what types of unsecured debt qualify.
The bankruptcy law regarding the scope of the chapter 13 discharge is complex and has recently undergone major changes. Therefore, debtors should consult competent legal counsel prior to filing regarding the scope of the chapter 13 discharge.
A chapter 13 debtor is entitled to a discharge upon completion of all payments under the chapter 13 plan so long as the debtor: (1) certifies (if applicable) that all domestic support obligations that came due prior to making such certification have been paid; (2) has not received a discharge in a prior case filed within a certain time frame (two years for prior chapter 13 cases and four years for prior chapter 7, 11 and 12 cases); and (3) has completed an approved course in financial management (if the U.S. trustee or bankruptcy administrator for the debtor's district has determined that such courses are available to the debtor). 11 U.S.C. § 1328. The court will not enter the discharge, however, until it determines, after notice and a hearing, that there is no reason to believe there is any pending proceeding that might give rise to a limitation on the debtor's homestead exemption. 11 U.S.C. § 1328(h).
The discharge releases the debtor from all debts provided for by the plan or disallowed (under section 502), with limited exceptions. Creditors provided for in full or in part under the chapter 13 plan may no longer initiate or continue any legal or other action against the debtor to collect the discharged obligations.
As a general rule, the discharge releases the debtor from all debts provided for by the plan or disallowed, with the exception of certain debts referenced in 11 U.S.C. § 1328. Debts not discharged in chapter 13 include certain long term obligations (such as a home mortgage), debts for alimony or child support, certain taxes, debts for most government funded or guaranteed educational loans or benefit overpayments, debts arising from death or personal injury caused by driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, and debts for restitution or a criminal fine included in a sentence on the debtor's conviction of a crime. To the extent that they are not fully paid under the chapter 13 plan, the debtor will still be responsible for these debts after the bankruptcy case has concluded. Debts for money or property obtained by false pretenses, debts for fraud or defalcation while acting in a fiduciary capacity, and debts for restitution or damages awarded in a civil case for willful or malicious actions by the debtor that cause personal injury or death to a person will be discharged unless a creditor timely files and prevails in an action to have such debts declared nondischargeable. 11 U.S.C. §§ 1328, 523(c); Fed. R. Bankr. P. 4007(c).
The discharge in a chapter 13 case is somewhat broader than in a chapter 7 case. Debts dischargeable in a chapter 13, but not in chapter 7, include debts for willful and malicious injury to property (as opposed to a person), debts incurred to pay nondischargeable tax obligations, and debts arising from property settlements in divorce or separation proceedings. 11 U.S.C. § 1328(a).
The Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Hardship Discharge
After confirmation of a plan, circumstances may arise that prevent the debtor from completing the plan. In such situations, the debtor may ask the court to grant a "hardship discharge." 11 U.S.C. § 1328(b). Generally, such a discharge is available only if: (1) the debtor's failure to complete plan payments is due to circumstances beyond the debtor's control and through no fault of the debtor; (2) creditors have received at least as much as they would have received in a chapter 7 liquidation case; and (3) modification of the plan is not possible. Injury or illness that precludes employment sufficient to fund even a modified plan may serve as the basis for a hardship discharge. The hardship discharge is more limited than the discharge described above and does not apply to any debts that are nondischargeable in a chapter 7 case. 11 U.S.C. § 523.
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DebtConsolidationCare.com Review
Get FREE counseling and analysis. With proper help you can:
* Lower your monthly payments
* Reduce interest rates
* Waive late fees
* Reduce collection calls
* Avoid bankruptcy
* Have only one monthly payment
Self-help kit to help you resolve debt
* DIY Debt consolidation
* DIY Debt settlement
* DIY Debt management
What's more?
* Best free way to plan your budget
* Compare debt relief plans
* Learn how to handle collectors
* Learn how to settle debts yourself
31 Sample Debt/Credit Letters
* Debt Validation Letter
* Debt Verification letter
* Counter Offer for Debt Settlement
* Debt Settlement Agreement
Best free way to plan a budget and simplify your finances
* Track your income and spending
* Have better control over your money
* List your income and allocate your funds
* List your expenses and Calculate your savings
* Get budget report & Compare income/expenses
* Find where you can save more
* Set easy goals & stay under budget
Here's an example of how consolidation works: Suppose you have accumulated debt on 2 credit cards, as well as medical bills and a personal loan. The details of these accounts are:
Outstanding balance on credit card X (15%) - $15000
Outstanding balance on credit card Y (20%) - $12000
Amount you owe on medical bills (13%) - $13000
So, the average interest rate = (15% + 20% + 13%)/3 = 16%
After you enroll in a consolidation program, the interest rates on your debts are negotiated down to:
Credit card X - 10%
Credit card Y - 16%
Medical bill - 10%
So, the average interest rate = (10% + 16% + 10%)/3 = 12%
Now if your total debt amount is $40000, you'll save = (16% - 12%) * 40000 = $1600 per year
How our community helps you: With over 237,000 members, our community gives you the strength and support to resolve financial problems on your own. Here are the benefits of being our community member.
* Forums: Discuss your problems and get free debt advice from our community members. The members share their real life experiences on how to deal with creditors and collection agencies and give right advice on debt consolidation, settlement, management, mortgage, personal finance, budgeting, tax, bankruptcy, chexsystems, credit repair, loans, etc.
* Debt calculators: These are financial tools that help you calculate your debt and figure out how much you save by consolidation or settlement. There are tools to determine how long you'll take to pay off your credit cards and how much you need to pay monthly. Then there are calculators which help analyze your debt and income and calculate the APR on your loan. Finally, there are calculators to help you choose the debt plans suitable to you. In short, you can determine whether or not you should get debt consolidation help or go for settlement, interest rate arbitration or bankruptcy.
* Earn dollars: Our community rewards you for your valuable contribution in the Forums, Social Answers and other community activities. Community members can get credit points for making posts in Forums and Social Answers. They can encash these points in dollars to make money. In total, there are 7 simple ways to earn dollars in our community.
* Get recognition: Our community appreciates your valuable contribution and gives you the opportunity to earn recognition as "Hall of Fame" member, "Debt Samaritan", "Moderator" and an Expert. Apart from that, the community also gives you a golden opportunity to be recognized as a financial writer by writing articles for DebtCC Wiki.
Top rated articles to help you lead a debt-free life
* 7 Steps to become debt-free: Getting rid of debt isn't impossible but you need to plan your way out of it. Becoming debt free is a realistic goal. You can achieve it by putting your heart and soul into it. Right financial planning and proper budgeting are some of the key steps you need to take for becoming debt free. Check out 7 steps on how to pay debt off and achieve financial freedom.
* Debt consolidation loans: Banks and financial institutions often provide you with unsecured personal loans to consolidate debts. After the consolidation of debt with the new low interest rate loan, you only need to make a low single monthly payment to the financial institution. This is also known as loan consolidation. However, bad credit debt consolidation loans are hardly available because banks and lenders may consider you as a high risk borrower if they find too many negative items on your credit report.
* Credit card consolidation: With this option, you consolidate debt on credit cards and get rid of bills with one monthly payment instead of many. Here, the debt consultants of America talk with the credit card companies and arrange an affordable single monthly payment for you. If you're in military service, you may qualify for military debt consolidation program that'll help you pay off credit card debts with a small monthly repayment.
* 6 Types of debt solution: Compare and contrast debt consolidation, settlement and other ways to resolve your credit problems. Know about each and every debt service or solution in details. These 6 types of debt solutions can help you put your debt behind and lead a financially happy life. Find out what impact they can have on your credit score and choose the one that suits you the best.
* Christian debt consolidation: It works similar to any other consolidation program. The only reason why it is called Christian consolidation is because it is based on the Christian principles which believe in serving one master, that is, God. Since man cannot serve 2 masters at the same time, hence he can get help from Christian consolidation services and free himself from the bondage of debt. That's how he'll find out time to serve God and live the Christian way of life.
* Bill consolidation: Under this program, interest rates on credit card bills, medical bills or utility bills are lowered and any late fees or over-limit charges may be eliminated to help you pay off debt conveniently. So, you pay less toward your bills and save money each month. You can use the money to pay off other debts or contribute toward your retirement/future savings.
* Credit counseling: This is an option in which you seek debt advice from a credit counseling agency that is a member of the NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling). The credit counselors help you with budgeting and money management advice and offer tips on how to manage multiple bills conveniently. The credit counselors also communicate with your creditors to reduce the interest rates on your outstanding loans if you are unable to handle your debts even after the initial counseling.
* Debt consolidation non profit: This is similar to any consolidation program but it is offered by a company that has obtained the non-profit status from the IRS. Debt consolidation non profit programs are not available for free. Either you'll need to pay lower fees or make voluntary contributions to take advantage of these prog
Contact Numbers: For free consultation: 800-debt-913 (between 9 AM and 6 PM PST) General queries: 775-297-8585
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Review information was gleaned from the website, and is neither an endorsement by us nor an confirmation of content nor a warranty of any promises made by the website. Use the review information at your sole discretion and sole liability.
Debt grants from government - USA.gov USA.gov is the U.S. government's official web portal.
As an individual, how do I find information on federal and state grants, benefits, or assistance? Where can I search for grants or assistance to pay off debt, bills, or medical costs? Where can I find information on government benefits that I may be eligible to receive?
If you are an individual looking for information on government benefits, refer to GovBenefits.gov, the official government benefits website, a free, confidential tool that helps individuals find government benefits they may be eligible to receive, as well as information on how to apply.
Chargeoff credit card - How to charge off credit card balances yourself, or get professional help from a debt settlement company.
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Extra Free Money to Pay Bills: In all likelihood, you have spare money all around you. You simply need to know how to collect it - *If you have a talent like painting, making costume jewelry and so forth, turn it into a revenue stream. You can sell either to family, friends, neighbors, or place your work for sale online. *Rent unused assets such as a boat, or perhaps extra appliances you may have like TVs, DVDs and so on. *Babysit either for cash, or for return favors. For example, if you have a neighbor who has kids and runs a lawn care business, you can babysit the children in return for free; or discount, lawn work. *Go on a scavenger hunt for loos change. The floorboard of your car, the crevice of your sofa, junk drawers, etc, are perfect places to pick up a few dollars in change. *Return unwanted purchases or gifts. Why keep something you don't need or want? If you can't return the item to the store, sell it to a friend. If you have a lot of unwanted items, collect them all and have a yard sale. If you don't have anything you want to sell, you could pawn them for cash. This; however, is a very expensive loan option. *Collect and recycle scrap metal and plastic. Even if you don't want to go searching for these items, you can earn extra money with nothing more than your family's refuse. If you consume a lot of canned drinks (sodas, beer, juices, etc), save them and when you've collected a dozen sacks full, take them to a recycling center which pays you. *Cash-in on your health. Sell plasma to your local blood bank.
