Debt Handling Solutions


Sometimes debt can seem overwhelming. In those instances, or even before things get that far out of hand, get back to basics and try some of these debt handling solutions.

BASICS - Lower insurance deductibles for your homeowners, renters and vehicles policies where appropriate and save money. Don't take chances on bouncing checks; instead get covered with overdraft protection and pay about the same as what it would cost for one bounced check to cover our account for an entire year. Ask your banker about packaged account services. Many offer free savings and checking accounts with free overdraft protection and checks, free online bill paying and more. When you shop, check your receipts, even for groceries. Many times items ring up at incorrect prices. Sometimes store policy allows for no errors, meaning you get the items free if it wrings up wrong. So carry along a handheld calculator or pencil with small notepad to tally up your charges.

REACH OUT- If you have medical debt, the first thing healthcare offices try to do is get you to charge the bills or refinance your home, etc. STOP. Before you take such a drastic step, check with legal counsel. There are often other steps to take first. For example, notify the billing parties and tell them you need to apply for financial aid. Many have forms to complete, and although they may be lengthy, remember they're for free money to pay your bills. Reach out, take forms and fill them out. Then set up minimum payment arrangements for the remaining balances, even if it's just $10 a month for 30 years. Healthcare bills are not like credit card debt and do not need to be reported to the credit bureau in the same manner.

Also reach out with merchandise and return any recently purchased items that you can for a refund. Credit cards and mail order companies generally allow you 30 days to inspect your purchase. Return any you can for refunds. If purchases are beyond the 30 days and for various reasons don't hold up to their end of the "bargain;" i.e. they broke already or never worked right to begin with, get on a letter writing campaign pronto. Write the place of purchase and copy the manufacturer, the distributor, the Better Business Bureau and your state Attorney General's Office. State the reasons our product is faulty and that you want a refund. It's often rewarding to get help with other entities like these. No need to go it alone!

So before your debt gets out of hand, take charge and get back to basics. Put some of these debt handling solutions into practice and make the most out of what you have.

Masni Rizal Mansor is a successful webmaster and publisher of http://www.1st-usa-credit-cards.com. He provides tips on how to apply credit card online.


MORE RESOURCES:

BNET

FTC Unveils Law Banning Up-Front Fees From Some Debt-Relief Companies
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The law, which begins to take effect in September, would bar companies that sell debt-relief services over the phone from charging up-front fees. ...
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FTC Bans Advance Fees at Debt Relief CompaniesBaltimore Sun (blog)
New FTC rule prohibits debt-relief companies from charging consumers advance feesPlain Dealer
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PBS (blog)

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Marchant pulls support for medical debt relief bill
The Hill (blog)
Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Texas) this week withdrew his support for legislation to prevent paid medical debts from ...



Exploring Different IRS Tax Debt Relief Options For IRS Debt Settlement
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By apoul62 It's about time to explore different IRS tax debt relief strategies in case you have got yourself into significant tax dues. ...

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Survey: Many hospital patients in dark about debt-relief options
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A survey of Marion County residents found that 80 percent of respondents owe money to a local hospital—and about half of them say they were never informed ...

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Bankrate.com

7 simple ways to defeat debt denial
Bankrate.com
A simple filing system ensures you pay your bills on time, suggests Kevin Gallegos, vice president of Freedom Debt Relief, a debt settlement company in ...

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The State

CONSUMER FINANCE: Auto Sales Are Top Consumer Complaint
Wall Street Journal
2 position from third place last year as more consumers faced troubles with mortgage-related fraud, debt-relief services, predatory lending and illegal or ...
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Consumer complaints surged in trying 2009Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Denver Post -KGO-TV
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Debt Consolidation Becomes Simpler in Burnaby
Online PR News (press release)
CCC plays an active role in providing debt relief to individuals. It offers different debt-relief options for individuals who are in financial trouble. ...




Thinking About a Mortgage Default? Beware The Taxes Due
CBS MoneyWatch.com (blog)
That's the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act (otherwise known as “The Don't Kick 'Em When They're Down Act”). But it doesn't apply to every mortgage. ...


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