How to pay off credit cards enrolled in a debt management program?
December 7, 2009 by B. Benson
Filed under Debt Solution
MiC asked: I have been in a debt management program with a local credit counseling service for about 8 months. My parents have offered to co-sign a loan so I can pay off the cards. The loan with the bank is a lower interest rate than the cards and will pay them off faster with a lower payment each month. Should I pay the cards directly or go through the credit counseling service? Which is better for my credit score?
Make direct settlement offers with each creditor…..The credit counselor will not do this for you as they are funded by the credit card industry.
If the cards are more than 90 days late or charged-off, offer 50% as as settlement. Paying a settlement is still a negative factor and it will not repair your credit rating.
- Get all terms of any settlement deal you reach with debt collectors IN WRITING BEFORE you give them your money. This letter should state the settlement amount and that the account will be “paid in full” upon receipt of this amount from you. Keep the letter in a safe place. Never accept settlement deals over the phone that are not backed up in written terms. If you don’t, the debt collectors will deny that any settlement was ever made once they get your “settlement” money and will come back demanding more money from you..
The truth of the matter is that credit related issues can be very complicated and sometimes confusing. So, you are not alone with your question. I found a great site when searching for an answer to your question that I think you will find useful:
Hope this helps!
The Credit Counseling company will probably get you a better price in the long run because they will negotiate a lower rate than you can. But, you are being charged a very large amount of compounded interest on every dollar that you owe them for every Month that the amount is owed. Let Mom and Dad help IF the interest rate and terms are better than you are currently paying the credit card companies. And, if you can afford to pay all of your bills iccluding that payment. Remember that the credit counselor is making money on you, they will not always counsel you to your advantage.
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