The Consolidation and Reduction of Debt

By Marion Jones

So, now you can see the writing on the wall, you are in up to your neck and your creditors are starting to call you in your home in the evenings too. You know that you have to do something, but you're not sure exactly what. It's so embarrassing having to talk to that youngster from your creditor's debt collection department, especially over the phone; but you don't want to take time off work to go down to their offices either! And you can't wish the problem away. You've heard of debt consolidation and reduction and you think that perhaps you need to look into it.

However, before you consider debt consolidation and reduction loans, analyse your debts to work out your total debt. Debt is a source of credit lines given to you by creditors who thought that you would repay the amount borrowed or owed. When creditors become aware that you are behind on your repayments, they will frequently delay a few weeks before telling the collection agencies.

At this time, you ought to contact your creditors and request an extension of time, a balance reduction, or even a complete termination of the amount owed. Creditors do expect to get their balance and therefore, they may extend your credit, since they want to avoid the problems that arise when reporting customers for a default on payment.

Creditors do not really want to make enemies of their customers, since they expect their customers to show good faith and pay the debts and eventually continue doing business with them. If you fail to contact your creditors, however they will hand your files over to the collection agencies in the end if they have to. These agencies often use much more severe tactics to recover the money owed.

These agencies will try almost anything to stress you so much that you will go all out to find a way to pay up, or else pressurize you so much that you are willing to seek professional assistance. Debt consolidation and reduction is one of the methods of eliminating debts; a loan may or may not be needed.

When you do speak with your creditors, ask them for leniency, so that you can attempt some form of debt consolidation and reduction by reducing your expenses. If the creditors agree to debt consolidation and reduction by lowering your payments, terminating it, or else providing you with an extension and you refuse to take advantage of their offer, ie, if you fail to make repayments after the offer is made, then they will not be as friendly the next time you speak with them.

Ensure that you repay your debts as agreed with your creditors to avoid any further complications. Communication is extremely important, because once you have ceased negotiations with your creditors, they have every justification to go all out to recover the debt. This will assist you in your debt consolidation and reduction. - 23200

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