When faced with overwhelming debt, many people don't know where to turn: Should they file for bankruptcy, consolidate their debts into one loan to be paid off over time, or try to settle with creditors for less than they owe? Each approach can be fraught with difficulties and expense if you don't know what you're doing, but inaction is probably the worst course.
If you're considering debt settlement, be aware that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently changed several key rules governing how for-profit debt settlement (a.k.a. "debt relief") companies may bill for their services and what information they are required to disclose.
Briefly, debt settlement is where you negotiate with creditors to accept less than the full amount you owe. You can conduct these negotiations yourself, but some people hire a debt settlement company to act on their behalf. There's usually a pretty hefty fee -- 15 percent or more of the negotiated settlement is not uncommon.
In a typical contract, you might be asked to stop making payments on unsecured debts, such as credit cards or medical bills, and instead deposit the money in a dedicated savings account. Once you've accrued sufficient funds, the debt settlement company attempts to negotiate with your creditors to accept lump-sum payments for less than the amounts owed. This process is repeated until all debts are settled.
Although many legitimate debt settlement companies exist, the FTC found that a number of businesses were targeting consumers in financial distress and making unrealistic claims -- such as promising to reduce debt by as much as 60 percent with no damage to their credit score -- in exchange for a large up-front fee.
Unfortunately, the FTC estimates that approximately two-thirds of these consumers are unable to accumulate enough savings for a sufficient settlement offer and therefore not only forfeit the fee, but still owe their debt, plus accumulated interest and additional penalties; in addition, their credit score is severely damaged by not making payments all those months.
Effective October 27, 2010, most for-profit debt settlement, debt negotiation and credit counseling companies can no longer collect fees for their services until they have renegotiated, reduced or settled at least one outstanding debt and the client has made at least one payment under the new agreement.
- They apply only to companies that market their services by telephone or take phone calls from customers responding to print, broadcast or other ads.
- They do not cover nonprofit firms, but do apply to companies that falsely claim nonprofit status.
- They don't apply to in-person only or Internet-only sales.
- The provider's fee for a single debt must be proportional to the total fee that would be charged if all debts were settled; or, if the fee is based on the percentage of what you save as a result of using their services, the percentage charged must be the same for each debt included in the settlement.
- Although settlement companies can still require you to set aside savings in a dedicated account to pay creditors (and their own fees), you retain control over the account, earn interest on its balance and may withdraw the funds at any time without penalty.
- Companies must disclose how long it will take to see results, how much their services will cost, negative consequences of using debt relief services and key information about dedicated savings accounts, if they require one.
- The rules do not limit the amount of fees, only when they may be charged.
- To learn more details of the new FTC regulations, click HERE.
Before settling on how you want to manage your debt, you may want to speak to a certified credit counselor. Referrals to free and low-cost non-profit credit counseling agencies are available from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. The FTC also provides a robust library of credit and loan information.
This article is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a legal, tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to you and about your individual financial situation.
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