debt settlement

The Hidden Dangers of Personal Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know

October 10, 2023 by ggrant-brightcredit Leave a Comment

Introduction

Filing for personal bankruptcy may seem like an attractive solution for those drowning in debt, but it’s crucial to understand the risks and long-term consequences that come with it. Although bankruptcy can provide relief from overwhelming debt and offer a fresh start, it also has several downsides that may outweigh the benefits. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the risks of filing for personal bankruptcy and why it should be considered as a last resort.

Long-lasting Impact on Your Credit Score

One of the most significant risks associated with personal bankruptcy is the long-lasting impact on your credit score. A bankruptcy filing will remain on your credit report for 7 to 10 years, depending on whether you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. During this time, your credit score will likely be severely impacted, making it difficult to obtain loans, credit cards, and other forms of credit at favorable interest rates.

Difficulty Securing Future Loans and Credit

With a bankruptcy on your credit report, lenders may be hesitant to approve loans or credit applications, as they may view you as a high-risk borrower. Even if you’re able to secure a loan, you may face higher interest rates, which can make the cost of borrowing more expensive. This can have a lasting impact on your financial stability and make it difficult to rebuild your credit in the years following bankruptcy.

Loss of Assets and Property

Depending on the type of bankruptcy you file, you may be required to liquidate some or all of your assets to repay your creditors. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, non-exempt assets are sold to pay off your outstanding debts. This can include your home, car, or other valuable possessions, depending on your state’s exemptions. Although Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows you to keep your assets, you must commit to a repayment plan to repay your debts over 3 to 5 years.

Impact on Employment and Housing

Bankruptcy can also affect your employment and housing prospects. Some employers may consider your credit history when making hiring decisions, and a bankruptcy filing can raise concerns about your financial responsibility. Additionally, landlords may be hesitant to rent to someone with a bankruptcy on their record, as it may indicate a higher risk of non-payment.

Social and Psychological Effects

The social and psychological effects of bankruptcy should not be overlooked. Filing for bankruptcy can be a stressful and emotionally draining experience that can impact your relationships and mental health. The stigma surrounding bankruptcy can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, which can have lasting effects on your overall wellbeing.

Conclusion

Filing for personal bankruptcy is a decision that should not be taken lightly. While it may offer temporary relief from debt, the long-term consequences can have a significant impact on your credit, financial stability, and overall wellbeing. Before considering bankruptcy, explore alternative options, such as debt settlement, credit counseling, or debt consolidation, which may be less damaging to your financial future.

If you find yourself considering bankruptcy, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can help you weigh the pros and cons and determine the best course of action for your unique situation. Remember, bankruptcy should always be viewed as a last resort – exhaust all other options before taking this drastic step.

Financial Independence for Many People Through Debt Settlement

October 6, 2023 by ggrant-brightcredit Leave a Comment

As a result of their debt, many Americans are struggling in the current economy. Millions of people are seeking alternatives to regain financial control, whether owing to credit card debt, personal loans, private college loans, medical costs, or other sorts of unsecured debt. Debt settlement is one option that has gained popularity. In this blog post, we will look at the necessity, benefits, and reasons why debt settlement may be the best option for many Americans trying to get out of debt.

Why Is Debt Settlement Necessary?

Debt may be a tremendous burden for individuals and families, affecting not just their financial well-being but also their mental health and overall quality of life. Given the rising cost of living (inflation), stagnant wages, and growing tendency for debt, it’s not surprising that many people are turning to debt settlement as a way to regain control of their finances of living from paycheck to paycheck.

Creditors are bargained with throughout the debt settlement process in order to minimize the amount owed, which commonly results in a lump-sum payment that is less than the initial debt (typically 40-50%). This can be a good strategy for folks who are drowning in debt and unable to make regular monthly payments.

Why Debt Settlement Might Be Your Best Option

Reducing the Principal Amount Due

One of the most significant benefits of debt settlement is the ability to reduce your principal debt. If you engage Bright Credit, we will be able to significantly reduce the total amount you must repay without having to speak with your creditors. This can help you get back on your feet financially and reduce your debt.

Preventing Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy should only be utilized as a last resort due to the negative influence it has on your credit score and financial future. It’s an alternative that Debt settlement might help you avoid the disadvantages of bankruptcy. Debt settlement is frequently less damaging than bankruptcy and can give you with a fresh start without the long-term consequences, but it will still have an impact on your credit score.

Monthly Payment Is Reasonably Priced

Our debt settlement service will consolidate your debts into a single manageable monthly payment (usually half of what you were paying). This can help you handle your money more easily and stress-free, allowing you to focus on paying off debt and regaining financial security.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Debt can have a negative impact on your mental health, causing tension, anxiety, and unhappiness. You can regain control of your finances and reduce the stress caused by overwhelming debt by working with Bright Credit, a debt settlement company, to negotiate your debt and develop a payment plan. This could help your general well-being and provide you with the confidence you require to move on.

The Road to Financial Independence

Debt consolidation may be the first step toward financial independence. Lowering your debt and minimum payments will help you start restoring your credit and moving toward a more secure financial future. After completing the debt settlement program, you will have access to better financial products, such as loans and credit cards with lower interest rates, as you pay off your debt and develop your credit, which will help you improve your financial situation even further.

The Best Debt Settlement Company

Even though debt settlement has numerous advantages, selecting the right company to work with is critical. A reputable debt settlement company would prioritize outstanding customer service, have a proven track record of success, and offer transparent fees.

When selecting a debt settlement company, consider the following factors:

Expertise and Reputation: Select a company with a good reputation and a solid track record of successful debt settlements and glowing client testimonials. This may boost your confidence in their ability to represent you during negotiations. Bright Credit has been in the debt settlement business for about 17 years, and the owner has been in the debt settlement business for over 25 years, which is more than practically every other debt settlement company.

Transparency: A reputable debt settlement company should be open and honest about the charges involved, the time frame for paying off your debts, and any potential consequences on your credit score. Be aware of companies that offer inflated promises or claims.

Excellent customer service is critical when dealing with debt settlement. The company should be open to your queries, provide frequent updates on your case, and be ready to address any concerns that arise along the road.

Tailored Approaches: Because everyone’s financial situation is different, a one-size-fits-all debt settlement strategy may not be the best solution. Choose a provider that offers solutions that are tailored to your needs and goals.

Conclusion

Debt settlement may be a lifeline for many people seeking to regain financial security. Debt settlement can help you achieve financial independence by lowering the principal amount owed, lowering payment amounts owed, avoiding bankruptcy, merging payments, saving money on interest, and reducing stress and worry.

It is critical to select the right debt settlement business to provide the best results. Bright Credit will help you achieve your financial goals and regain control of your life by considering factors such as experience, reputation, transparency, customer service, and customised solutions.

Although debt settlement may not be the best option for everyone, for many Americans looking to get out of debt, it is often the best option for a fresh start and a brighter financial future.

Understanding the Risks of Debt Settlement

October 3, 2023 by ggrant-brightcredit Leave a Comment

Debt settlement is a great option for getting out of debt that is very popular among people who are in serious debt trouble. It involves negotiations with their creditors to arrive at a settlement amount (usually 40-50% of what you owe) that is much less than what you actually owe. Once you come to such an agreement, your creditor will write-off the balance of what you owed at the time.

However, debt settlement carries risks:

Your credit score will go down once you default with your creditors. It will improve once you settle all of your debt.
Completing a debt settlement can take a long time (2-5 years for most people).But it’s much shorter than Credit Counseling, Chapter 13 Bankruptcy or if you keep paying your minimum payments. It could take you 5-20 years to get out of debt this way.
Creditors will call you sometimes every day trying to collect what’s owed to them. We tell you to block their phone number so that you don’t talk to them.
You could be sued by a few of them depending on who you owe the money to. We always settle or setup a payment plan with them before they try to sue you. Most people don’t want to get sued so we always settle with those creditors first.

How the process works

Debt settlement applies to most of your unsecured debt (credit card & store cards, personal loans, medical bills, if you have a vehicle repossession or private student loans). Most of the time there’s a loss of income (job loss, business failure, divorce, medical problem or just unable to keep up paying your minimum payments anymore).

Your scores for your credit cards and loans will plummet. You’ll feel overwhelmed, far behind and your monthly income can’t cover your ongoing debt service on the current terms.

Debt settlement companies intervene on your behalf to negotiate with your creditors to lower your debt which will improve your credit score. Of course, you won’t be able to use a settlement firm for every type of outstanding debt. Debt settlement doesn’t work for secured debts, such as a home that can be foreclosed on or car that can be repossessed if you don’t pay. You also can’t include IRS debt or Federal Student loans. If you’re struggling financially you have 3 options for getting out of debt (Credit Counseling, Debt Settlement or Bankruptcy). Credit Counseling only lowers your interest rates where Debt Settlement lowers your minimum payments and debt amount by 50-60%. Most people only use Bankruptcy as a last resort.

By offering a settlement, you show that you are unable to pay any of your debts, making you less attractive to creditors. Currently around 3-5% of people are late in some way with there creditors. Instead of paying on your debt, you put a monthly payment into a savings account. Once the settlement company believes you have enough for a lump-sum offer, they negotiate with the creditor to accept a smaller amount.

Risks for debt settlement

We always suggest using debt settlement as a great option for getting out of debt, the final call is always up to you. But, don’t take our word for it. Ask yourself if using debt settlement is your answer after carefully weighing the pros and cons and determining if it’s really worth the risk.

“Here are potential downsides to getting out of in a debt settlement program”:

Your credit score will suffer but your credit score is already suffering if you owe more than 50% on any of your credit limits of your credit cards. Your credit score will be significantly lower (an estimated 100-150 points below average), which can take years to restore. Always use your credit first by buying the house or the car before you start a debt settlement program.

Penalties will start accruing to your balance, and interest will continue to rack up, adding to the total balance. Your creditors are allowed to charge you late fees and interest until the account charges-off (when you’re six months late).

Before you sign up for a debt relief program, you should understand what the fee structure will be. Most of them charge 20-30% of the debt amount.

You’ll pay additional fees: Most of the Debt Settlement company’s charge fees for setting up a dedicated account in the program and monthly maintenance fees for the account along with fees to pay your creditors each time an account is settled. We let you hold the money in your Savings account to settle with so there’s no additional bank fees.

Forgiven debt is generally considered to be taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You might want to talk to an income tax specialist about your additional IRS responsibilities. You’ll receive a 1099-C on the forgiven portion of the debt. Most people don’t have to pay taxes on the forgiven portion of the debt as long as you’re insolvent and you file form 982 with your taxes.

It is important that you make sure you have all the facts before hiring ANY company who offers to help with your financial situation. Remember, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

For borrowers who are overwhelmed by unsecured debt such as credit cards, consider how your options compare to, for example, bankruptcy (chapter 7 and 13). If you’re unable to pay off your debts in a timely fashion or earn enough to service your debt, you’ll likely face several consequences and should explore your options. Generally, if there’s no way to pay off debts within a reasonable amount of time, you’ll have to explore alternatives. If filing for bankruptcy is out of the question, for example, you may decide to consider doing a debt settlement program which has been around for over 30 years and have helped millions people avoid bankruptcy.

Don’t work with companies that tell you to make claims under specific laws or that suggest you lie on your forms. Many debt settlement companies make promises about what they will do, when in actuality; they can’t do those things. These companies also promise to have your debt “declared invalid.” Don’t work with these companies. The FTC could bring a law enforcement action against them.

If you don’t have the funds to pay your debt, use a debt settlement company to help you negotiate with your creditors. This is something that you don’t want to do yourself. The debt settlement company will usually get you better settlements than you could receive yourself. We’ve been helping consumers for over 17 years get out of debt this way and our owner has been doing debt settlement for over 25 years longer than almost every other debt settlement company.