Credit Card Debt as a silent financial killer

Posted on February 7, 2012 by admin

Technology spoils people’s whims. It tends to cater to every human’s caprices. It feeds on the people’s undying thirst for easy, instant, and convenient. More often than not, it also causes them a lot of trouble—financial trouble through credit card debt—that is.

Credit Card convenience vs. Credit Card debt

We often see people pull out “plastic” to pay for everything they need. Why not? When all it takes is a quick swipe of the card through a little electronic box and a signature then, everything’s okay. You go home happy, content, and almost worry-free. On the other hand, not every one of these people realize that the convenience of using credit cards can lead to a false feeling of financial security. And this realization will strike them as soon as the bills arrive.

In fact, studies show that credit card debt and personal bankruptcies have increases bank profits to the highest level in the last five years. It only shows that more and more credit card holders were unable to manage their finances that lead to credit card debt. If you are a cardholder and having some credit card debt troubles at this early stage, it’ now time to think over the possible outcomes of this minor glitch so that a more serious problem with credit card debt would cease to arise. Credit card gives people the feeling of invincibility. And it also gives them tons of uncertainty about their financial management capability when they encounter problems with their credit card debt. Although it is true that that credit cards solve financial matters especially when it comes to safety and convenience, credit cards also creates hassle especially when the person using it doesn’t know what you he or she’s getting into.

Indeed, paying off credit card debt may take a long time especially if the person has high interest rates. But, it doesn’t mean that you can do nothing about efficient management of credit card debt. When you find yourself overwhelmed with credit card debt, don’t fall into a pit of depression. You can get through it with discipline and a change in spending patterns. Start eliminating problems with credit card debt by getting tips and techniques on how to pay off your balances easier, how to consolidate of frequently encountered problems, look for free debt consultation agencies that can help you, and try—inch by inch—to rediscover ways on how you can regain your financial freedom by reducing you credit card debt.

The power to eliminate credit card debt

People who are having problems managing their credit card debt or those who are near in bankruptcy often don’t realize that the power to eliminate their credit card debt troubles totally is in their hands. Today, more and more Americans need credit card debt help badly. The main problem is that these families are having difficult times paying high interest for credit card debt. And instead of lifting the burden of credit card debt, more people are paying much in interest every month than that of the actual expenditure.

There are actually more lawful and moral ways to zero-out thousands of dollars in credit card debts. And if you only take the time to research and know your rights and how bankruptcy laws have changed, you will discover that there are valuable facts to eliminate credit card debt. Actually, the possibility of reducing or eliminating the high interest credit card debt is now more possible when a person takes action to get his or her finances back on track.

Apart from knowing your weapon in terminating credit card debt, it is very important that you develop a sense of control and perseverance first. Since credit card debt elimination process requires organization, clarity, and commitment to your own growth, it is a must that you are ready for the responsibility and to stand free and independent.

For those people who consider having a credit card indispensable but afraid of getting one because of the possibility of credit card debt nightmare, you must remember that credit card can be a powerful tool in managing your finances but there will always be glitches when not used properly. Of course, there are countless reasons why you should and shouldn’t get one depending on your needs. Whether you decide to get one or not, managing finances it still takes a sense of good budgeting, willingness to change spending habits, and the humility to avail low interest consolidation loans when you are already burdened by too much credit card debt.

 

 

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Six Credit Card Secrets Banks Don’t Want You to Know

Posted on May 26, 2011 by admin

Posted in Credit Cards | 1 Comment

Creditor Payment Agreement Letter

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

Your creditors have agreed over the phone to you making lower payments based on your current financial hardship. Follow up your conversation with a letter outlining the terms of the agreement.

After negotiating a reduced payment plan with your creditors, this free sample letter can be used to write your own personal letter confirming the terms of the reduced or delayed payment agreement.

Free Sample Letter for confirming payment agreements with creditors based on your current financial hardship

Today’s Date

Your Name
Your Address

Attention: {Creditor’s Name}
Credit Department
Creditor’s Address

RE: Account #: {your account number here}

Dear Mr. /Ms. {insert name of person you spoke with}

Thank you for speaking with me today about my temporary problem in making my normal payments, and for also agreeing to the following payment arrangement on my account.

As agreed upon in our conversation, I will make reduced payments in the amount of $ _____ on or before the ______ of each month for a period of ____ months and after that time will resume making normal payments. see alternate text below

Thank you for your help and understanding in this matter. If you have any questions regarding this matter I can be reached at (insert daytime phone number with area code).

Sincerely,

Signature just above printed name
Your Printed Name

Source: http://www.debt-n-credit-letters.com

Posted in Credit Letter Sample | 2 Comments

Credit Purchase Complaint Letter

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

You purchased or leased a product or service on credit but are not satisfied! Sending a complaint letter that clearly explains your problem with a product or service is a powerful method for resolving complaints.

Free Sample Letter
Complaining After a Purchase or Lease of a Product or Service

Today’s Date

Your Name
Your Address

Business Name
Business Address

Dear {Consumer Affairs Department or President} ,

Re: (account number, if applicable)

On (date), I (bought, leased, rented, or had repaired) a (name of the product, with serial or model number or service performed) at (location, date and other important details of the transaction). state problem

Unfortunately, your product (or service) has not performed well (or the service was inadequate) because (state the problem). I am disappointed because (explain the problem: for example, the product does not work properly, the service was not performed correctly, I was billed the wrong amount, something was not disclosed clearly or was misrepresented, etc.).

To resolve the problem, I would appreciate your (state the specific action you want – money back, charge card credit, repair, exchange, etc.) Enclosed are copies (do not send originals) of my records (include copies of receipts, guarantees, warranties, canceled checks, contracts, model and serial numbers, and any other documents).

I look forward to your reply and a resolution to my problem, and will wait until (set a reasonable time limit) before seeking help from my local or national consumer protection agency and filing a complaint about your business with the Better Business Bureau. Please contact me at the above address or by phone at (daytime phone number with area code).

Sincerely,

Signature
Your Printed Name

Keep copies of all correspondence
and all related documents (letters, faxes, email, etc.)

source: http://www.debt-n-credit-letters.com

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Credit Complaint Resolution Letter

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

Use this FREE letter to make a settlement offer when you wish to pay less than the debt collector is demanding!

Feel free to print this page, or copy and paste the text into a word processor. If neither option works for you, then use this to have Rich send you a free copy of this letter in Microsoft Word format.

Free Sample Letter for Confirming Actions
Promised by the Company or Creditor

Today’s Date

Your Name
Your Address

Business Name
Business Address

Re: (account number, if applicable)

Dear {use the name of the person with whom you spoke with}

Thank you for speaking with me today and for agreeing to resolve my complaint.

For the record, my complaint is (clearly but briefly describe your complaint – use facts)

As agreed upon in our conversation, you will state that you or your company will (state the specific action agreed upon including all details) See note below

Thank you for your help and understanding.

Sincerely,

Signature
Your Printed Name

Posted in Credit Letter Sample | 1 Comment

Credit Card Dispute Letter

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

You discover an error on your monthly credit card bill and need to dispute the error with your credit card company.

The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) outlines your specific rights and your credit card company’s specific responsibilities when you dispute an item on your credit card bill. When disputing credit card bills, always do so in writing and in a timely manner. In your letter provide specific facts, descriptions, figures, names, dates, locations and so forth. Equally important is including a certified copy of receipts, a bill of sale, the credit contract and any other document that support your claim.

FREE Sample Letter for Disputing Errors on Credit Card Bills

Today’s Date

Your Full Name
Current Address
Current Phone Number

Name of Credit Card Company
Mailing Address (check your statement for the correct address! It’s usually different than the one you mail payments too)
City, State, Zip

Dear {Insert name of Credit Card Company from statement}

I am disputing an item on my statement, dated {insert date of statement}. Please note that this letter is dated within the 60-day limit required under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

or use the following paragraph instead

I am disputing an item on my statement dated {insert date of statement} because I am unable to determine from my records what the charge is for. I need more information about line item {place the line item number or description here}. Please send copies of any documents you have pertaining to this item.

Please use the following information to investigate my claim:

{Insert your name as it appears on your credit card statement}

Date of Statement: {Insert the date from the statement you are disputing}

Account Number: {Insert credit card account number}

Date of Transaction: {Insert date from statement}

Description of Transaction {Copy from statement}

Describe Error: {If disputing dollar amount, insert amount using $0.0 format}

{Insert explanation of why you believe an error occurred} see more examples below

I understand that you have 30 days to respond and 90 days to either resolve my dispute or inform me in writing of why the bill is correct. Until then, I will pay any amount due except for the amount in question and await your letter explaining all actions taken concerning this dispute.

If your investigation shows the information to be accurate, I respectfully request that you provide an explanation of your findings, a statement of what I owe, including any finance charges that have accumulated and any minimum payments I’ve missed while questioning this bill. If I agree with your findings, you can expect my payment in the amount you say I owe within the 10-day limit allowed under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Sincerely,

Signature
Printed Name

Posted in Credit Letter Sample | 2 Comments

Close Account Letter

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

You have one or more inactive credit accounts with a zero balance that are hurting your credit score!

Open but inactive credit accounts with a zero balance can hurt your credit score. Consider closing inactive accounts with a letter addressed to the creditor requesting the account be closed and the correct status, “closed by consumer” reported to the credit reporting agencies

Free Sample Letter
Closing Inactive Credit Accounts With Zero Balance

Today’s Date

Your Name
Home Address
Phone Number

Attention: {Creditor’s Name}
Creditor’s Address
RE: Account #: {your account number here}

Dear Accounting Department {or Creditor’s Name if you have it}

Please close the above referenced account effective immediately. I spoke with {insert name} on {insert date} at {insert time}, and {he/she} assured me that the “payoff balance” would be no more than $ {insert dollar/cents amount}. I’ve enclosed a check for that exact amount.

Or alternatively… Please close the above referenced account effective immediately. My records indicate the account has a zero balance.

Please send me written confirmation that this account has a zero balance and the date the account was closed . Also, include proof that you’ve complied with section 623(a)(4) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act by reporting this account as “closed by consumer” to the national credit bureaus.

Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions concerning this matter I can be reached at (insert daytime phone number and area code)

Sincerely,

Signature just above printed name
Your Printed Name

Source: http://www.debt-n-credit-letters.com

Posted in Credit Letter Sample | 1 Comment

Amend Debt Payment Letter

Posted on February 13, 2010 by admin

Your financial situation has worsened leaving you no choice but to reduce the amount you can offer your creditors each month.

When circumstances such as a loss of job, divorce, separation even the death of a loved one cause us financial hardships, it’s in our best interest to let our creditors know right away. Use the sample letter below to write your own personal letter informing your creditors of your financial situation and for making a payment offer that you can afford.

Free Sample Letter for
Amending Previous Payment Agreements with Creditors

Today’s Date

Your Name
Home Address
Phone Number

Attention: {name of collector}
Name of Debt Collection
Agency Address

Account Number: {place account or reference number here}

Dear Mr. /Ms. {Creditor}

This letter is to inform you that my financial situation has worsened since our previous payment agreement. Given my significantly reduced income, I have no choice but to request an amendment to our original payment agreement dated {insert date}.

Based on my current income and the number of other creditors I owe money too I promise to pay
$ _________ each month, ( week, every two weeks etc.) until my account is paid in full.

If my financial situation improves and I am able to increase my payment, I will contact you immediately. Please send written confirmation of your acceptance or rejection of this offer to my address outlined above.

As a show of good faith I have enclosed payment in the amount of the lower payment. I thank you for your understanding in this matter and look forward to your favorable consideration. If you have any questions concerning this matter I can be reached at (insert phone number and area code).

Sincerely

Sign above printed name
Your Printed Name

Source: http://www.debt-n-credit-letters.com

Posted in Credit Letter Sample | 1 Comment

What Credit Card Companies Don’t Want You to Know

Posted on January 12, 2010 by admin

Of all the games the credit card companies play that end up costing you thousands of dollars (late fees, over-limit fees, transfer fees, and so on), it’s always been the interest rate game that hurt the most — until now.

There’s a new, completely legal game they’re playing, and it can literally wipe you out financially if you’re not careful.

The Universal Default Clause

If you own a credit card, you know by now that if you’re late with a payment the credit card company will charge you a late fee in addition to raising your interest rate. But did you know that they can raise your interest rate if you’ve made a late payment on any of your other cards, including those issued by other companies?

Not only that, but your interest rates can skyrocket to 30 percent or more if you make a late payment on your car loan, mortgage, or even your phone bill!

“How can that be legal?” you may ask. The answer is found in the fine print of your credit card agreement, and it’s called a universal default clause. According to the Institute of Consumer Financial Education, currently almost 40 percent of credit card issuers apply this policy to their customers.

A Late Payment ‘Trigger’

Generally, a universal default clause states that a creditor reserves the right to penalize you with an increased interest rate if you’re late — that is, in default — of a payment to any other creditor. They justify this practice because, in theory, if you pay any of your creditors late, you pose a greater credit risk and are less likely to pay your debt.

Your creditors also have the right to routinely monitor your credit file. So a creditor with a universal default clause will be watching — and waiting.

Let’s say your Visa card has a universal default clause. Any late payment — whether it’s on your utility bill, home equity loan, or Macy’s credit card — acts as a “default trigger” allowing the bank that issued the Visa card to double or even triple your interest rate overnight. Your all-important credit score will be hurt as well.

According to a study by the nonprofit advocacy and education group Consumer Action, the top three default triggers that cause your interest rates to spike are a decline in credit score, paying your mortgage late, and paying your car loan late.

Other Triggers to Worry About

Under the universal default clause, your interest rates can be increased for several other reasons, including exceeding your credit limit, bouncing a check, having too much debt, having too much credit, getting a new credit card, applying for a car loan, and applying for a mortgage loan.

How does this affect your financial future? Take a look at the numbers. Let’s say you’re an average American household, with $8,000 of credit card debt. Assuming you make no additional purchases on your card, you have a 9 percent interest rate, and you make the minimum monthly payment, it’ll take you 218 months (18 years) to pay off your debt and you’ll end up paying $3,334 in interest.

Now let’s assume that for whatever reason you were late one month with your car payment. This late payment triggers the universal default clause with your credit card issuer, and now your penalty rate gets increased to 24 percent (the average default rate in 2005). It’ll now take you 679 months (56 years) to pay off your credit card debt, and get this — you’ll pay $30,813 in interest.

Staying Ahead of the Clause

Here are six ways to protect yourself from interest rate hike triggers:

1. Stay away from credit cards with a universal default clause.

If you’re looking to open a new credit card account, be sure to choose one without a universal default clause. This means you have to truly read the fine print. If you’re confused by the fine print (as many are), call the credit card company and ask what specific circumstances will affect your interest rate.

I read recently that Capital One cards don’t have a universal default clause (although you should double-check before applying), and Citi has dropped its universal default policy as well. In addition, sites like CardWeb.com, Bankrate.com, and LowerMyBills.com let you compare credit card offers, so visit them before you apply.

2. Know your current obligations.

Check your current statements and credit card agreements to find out your current interest rates, and to identify which cards have a universal default clause that you weren’t aware of until now. Again, if you’re uncertain after reading the fine print, call your credit card company.

Consider transferring your balance from a card that has the universal default clause to one of your cards that doesn’t. But don’t rush to cancel the card altogether, because it could have a negative effect on your credit score.

3. Run your credit report.

Not only do you need to know exactly what your current interest rates are, you also need to know exactly what’s on your credit report. Visit Freecreditreport.com or myFICO to order your credit report and credit score today.

4. Pay your bills on time.

According to the American Bankers Association, late payments for most types of consumer loans were on the rise during the third quarter of 2006. If you’re having trouble with your credit card payments, at the very least strive to make your minimum payment on time.

5. Be proactive — call your lender for relief.

If you’re struggling to make monthly payments on your other bills, like utilities, car payments, or mortgage payments, call your lender to see what options they might be able to offer you. They might be able to adjust your monthly payments so that they’re more manageable.

Your goal is to protect your credit report and credit score with a consistent record of on-time payments.

6. Fight back for your money — write your local legislator.

Right now, there are amendments to the Truth in Lending Act that, if passed, would prohibit many unfair practices within the credit card industry — including the universal default clause.

As a consumer, you can take action by letting Congress know that you want laws to protect your rights. For more information on how you can be heard, visit Consumer Action’s web site.

As I write this, Congress is holding hearings to discuss the abusive and deceptive practices of the credit card industry. Read more about it here.

A Good Night’s Sleep

Obviously, what you don’t know really can hurt you. Check today and see if you have the universal default clause on your credit cards.

If you do, be careful to stay on top of your debt. Better yet, find a credit card that doesn’t have the clause — you’ll sleep better at night.

Posted in Credit Cards | 3 Comments

How does Bad Credit happen?

Posted on January 12, 2010 by admin

Six out of ten Americans suffer from a “bad credit rating.” Bad credit starts with imprudent choices, maxed-out credit cards, exhausted savings, overdue bills … then a letter from a collection agency.

This is followed by more letters and phone calls every day. Now each time you submit an application for credit or even a job, you will be troubled and humiliated by the specter of late payments on your credit rating.

Credit grantors tend to view any kind of collection account, whether paid or not, as negative. These negative entries can stay on your report for seven years and in the case of bankruptcy, ten years.

Here are some scenarios that can put black marks on your credit:
• You go through a divorce and your spouse maxes out your joint credit cards
• An unpaid bill from your college years comes back to haunt you
• A creditor fraudulently places a black mark on your report
• A contractor you employed places a black mark on your credit report because you refused to pay him for incomplete or substandard work
• You were late with your credit card payment.

Things happen in life: layoffs, poor health, unplanned crises that can have consequences on your credit report.

Divorce and separation can also cause bad credit. This does not mean you have to give up on dreams that you may have, such as owning a home. If the bank turns down your mortgage application, many brokers and lenders may consider you an “A” buyer.
Several companies offer mortgage loans to people with less-than-perfect credit ratings, because homes are very secure collateral. The rates and fees might be outrageous, but even people in bankruptcy and foreclosures can apply.

Automotive credit also plays a part in re-establishing your good credit standing because an automobile is an asset that can be repossessed if things go wrong.

There are two ways you can have bad credit: one is where you can’t buy anything on credit, and the other is where you have a bad credit report, but you may still be able to buy on credit. There are also varying degrees of bad credit. Much depends on what you are purchasing and who the creditor is.

If you’ve reached the end of your tether, filing bankruptcy instead of trying to pay your bills in dibs and drabs can also decrease your ability to purchase on credit.

Posted in Articles on Credit Build, Credit Cards | 2 Comments