Credit Card Debt – How to Avoid It

I have $10,000 in credit card debt, and found some resourceful information on the blog with some good links, and I am wondering if anyone has some more.

One thing many people don’t understand is that they have the advantage. Most consumers run from debt collectors. Just the mention of a collection agency strikes fear in the hearts of the masses.

But, you have something the collector wants. They are basically begging you to pay. So if you get the image of a beggar calling you to ask for money in your mind, the collection agent doesn’t seem so intimidating. I certainly don’t want to down play the seriousness of the situation. They do have recourse, and it can be dire. But the fact is that the process is slow.

You can get them to give you the deal you want. You have to be firm, professional and show some fortitude. They are always going to tell you no. Relax, take a deep breath.

I really want to encourage you to NEVER talk to a collector on the telephone. First, most people can collect their thoughts a little better in a letter. It gives you time to think and make rational, unemotional, unpressured decisions. Second, everything you do with the collection agency needs to be written. If you use the mail everything is documented and date stamped. They can’t dispute it.

Most collection agencies pay literally a few cents on the dollar for old debt. Depending on the age, 1-7 cents may be average. On debts that are out of statute, they have paid one cent or less on the dollar.

Start your negotiation at 25% or less. If you owe $1000, offer $200 or $250. Many will accept quickly because they are making money can close out the account.

If the collection agency has added “fees”, don’t include them in the negotiated amount. Only negotiate on the original amount of the debt. Don’t seem to eager. Don’t volunteer any information. Never give them your bank account number, your employer or that inevitable “other number to contact you at”. Oh yeah, and why are you talking to them on the phone?

Time is on your side. Be firm, and get the deal you want.



By: Ted Batron

I have a credit card debt is not so much I actually thought I can pay it all off. I received a phone call from the bank and they offered a settlement much less then what I owe. Can this really back fire on me or affect my credit in a really bad way?

Debt can happen to anyone. Don’t let outstanding debts or credit card balances control your life. Debtcaretaker.com services can help you take charge of your finances and eliminate debt fast. Debt settlement is a method of eliminating debt for less than the amount actually owed to creditors. In this process, you stop paying your monthly payments to creditors and instead save some money. When you have saved at least 50% of the total, you start to negotiate with your creditors for a refund …

Credit Card Debt Problems. We Can Help. avoidpersonalbankruptcy.org

I’ve become over whelmed with my credit card debt and I’m getting those phone calls because I’m missing payments and such. Anyway I’m looking for a credit card debt consolidation company that doesn’t screw people over, anyone know of any from experience or just know a good one?

I have A LOT of credit card debt from opening a business and having to sell it in one year because of family responsibilities. Saw a bankruptcy attorney, but the options don’t seem to work for me as there’s no way I could ever pay off these debts.
I know it’s very immoral, but what will actually happen if I just stop paying on them? I know I’ll be inendated with phone calls and lose my good credit standing, but can they attach my bank account or any other asset?

Subscribe, rate, and comment Options for people in debt

In august i will be going away to school. the cost of tuition is around 17,000 a year. at the same time i have about 4,000 dollars in credit card debt. is there any way i can payoff my credit card debt by adding it to my student loans? and how do i go about getting a student loan?

What happens to credit card debt when one’s parents pass away in the event that they do not have an estate, BUT the children do have an estate (real estate, etc)?

Morbid, but just wondering.