Debt cure: What are the available options?

Are you in severe debt problems? Stop worrying and evaluate the debt cure options in order to choose one that suits you the best. There are professional debt relief options as well as self repayment strategies and you need to go for one in which you’re comfortable.

Professional debt cure options

Professional debt cure options help you to repay your debt in a systematic way. There are 5 ways by which you can cure your debt problems with professional help. They are:-

  • 1. Credit counseling: In this process, at first a credit counselor will analyze your financial status and will offer suitable suggestions to manage and repay your outstanding debts.
  • 2. Debt management: In this debt cure option, counselor will negotiate with your creditors to reduce the interest rates on your loans/debts so that your monthly payments get reduced to some extent; it’ll help you to make the required monthly payments on time.
  • 3. Debt settlement: It can help you to reduce the total amount of debt that you owe to your creditors. A settlement company (on your behalf) will negotiate with your creditors in order to reduce your debt amount so that you’re able to repay it fast.
  • 4. Debt consolidation: If you go for this debt cure option, then a consolidation company will negotiate with your creditors to reduce your loan interest rates. The company will also help you to combine your multiple debts and replace it by a single payment every month.
  • 5. Chapter 13 bankruptcy: Though it can be a useful option, yet it will affect your credit report negatively. However, you can opt for it if there is no other way out. If you file Chapter 13, the bankruptcy court will restructure your debt and make a new repayment plan, by following which you’ll be able to repay your debts.

Self help debt cure options

It is not always necessary to opt for professional help in order to cure your debt problems. Here are some self help debt cure options, by which you can solve your debt problems, all by yourself.

  • Increase the amount of your minimum monthly payments: If you can increase your minimum monthly payments, then you’ll be able to repay your loan faster. In this way, you can actually save a substantial amount in the long run.
  • Try balance transfer method to repay credit card debts: You can transfer your high interest rate debts to a low interest credit card; it helps you to repay credit card debts fast. However, you need to take your creditors’ approval.
  • Reduce your expenses as much as you can: If you’re not able to earn any additional income, then it is necessary that you reduce your monthly expenses as much as you can. It’ll help you to pay more towards your debts.
  • Borrow money from friends/relatives: It is always better to borrow money from your friends and relatives rather than worrying about harassing creditor/collection calls. If possible, borrow an amount with which you can pay off all your debts. However, you should also repay your borrowed amount as soon as possible.
  • Contact your creditors without wasting time: It is always better to contact your creditors before they contact you. Explain your financial situation to your creditors and request them for repayment plans in order to cure your debt problems.

Apart from these debt cure options, you can also take out a home equity loan if you’ve managed to accumulate enough equity in your home. While you repay the loan, the equity automatically helps to replenish itself as long as the property continues to appreciate in value.