The Consolidation and Reduction of Debt

By Marion Jones

So, now you can see the writing on the wall, you are in up to your neck and your creditors are starting to ring you in your home in the evenings as well. You are aware that you have to do something, but you're not sure just what. It's so embarrassing having to talk to that youngster from your creditor's debt collection department, especially over the phone; but you don't want to take time off work to go down to their offices either! And you can't wish the problem away. You've heard of debt consolidation and reduction and you think that maybe you need to look into it.

However, before you think about debt consolidation and reduction loans, analyse your debts to calculate your total exposure. Debt is an avenue of credit lines afforded you by creditors who felt that you would repay the amount borrowed or owed. When creditors become aware that you are behind on your repayments, they will frequently delay a few weeks before informing the collection agencies.

At this time, you ought to get in touch with your creditors and request an extension of time, a debt reduction, or even a complete termination of the debt. Creditors do expect to get their money back and therefore, they may extend your credit period, because they want to avoid the problems that crop up when they have to report a customer for a default on payment.

Creditors do not want to make enemies of their customers, because they hope that the customer will show good faith and pay the debts and continue doing business with them. If you fail to contact your creditors, they will eventually hand your files over to the collection agencies. These agencies often use much more severe tactics to retrieve the money owed.

These agencies will go to almost any lengths to stress you to the point where you find a way to pay, or else stress you to the point that you need to seek professional help. Debt consolidation and reduction is a process of eliminating debts, while a loan may or may not be required.

When you do get in touch with your creditors, ask them for leniency, so that you can attempt some form of debt consolidation and reduction by cutting back on your out-goings. If the creditors agree to debt consolidation and reduction by lowering your payments, terminating it, or else providing you with an extension and you don't take advantage of their generous offer, ie, if you fail to start repayments after the offer is made, then they will not be as friendly the next time you contact them.

Make sure that you repay the debts as stipulated by your creditors to avoid any complications. Communication is of the utmost importance, because once you have ceased talking to your creditors, they have every right to go all out to retrieve their money. This will help you in your debt consolidation and reduction. - 23223

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