If you have ever tried to check and/or improve your credit score, you know it can be pretty confusing.  Here are some tips on how you can improve your credit score.

You've probably seen an ad or had a "pop-up" appear on your computer by a so-called "Credit Repair" company offering to increase your credit scores almost "over night"!

My advice...RUN!  You've heard the old saying:

"If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true."

Although there are many legitimate companies that will help you improve your credit over time by correcting errors and helping you maintain a disciplined approach to using your credit, there is just no "quick fix" when it comes to improving a bad credit history and therefore a poor credit score.

I have been have been helping people settle and manage outstanding credit debt for over ten years now and I believe that one of the most helpful sites you can use can be found at:

www.MyFico.com

While you cannot improve your score quickly,  YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE over time, by following the following tips:

If you haven't done so already, get a FREE copy of your Credit Report.

We all can get a free copy once a year, so take advantage of this by annually checking your credit report...and it's FREE!

According to Fair Issac or FICO, there are 5 areas that affect your credit score the most:

Paying your bills on time is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a good credit score.  Being just a few days late will hurt you score.

If you have had accounts go to a collection agency, then that obviously will hurt you score.  By-the-way, if you pay off or settle an account with a collection agency, it will remain on your credit report for up to seven years, but the fact that you paid the debt will ultimately help  your credit score.

Using a Debt Management Company to help you get control of your debt can be very helpful.

No, your credit score will not be affected by using or not using a Debt Management Company, but in the long run, the professional help and guidance will help reduce or pay off all of your debt and therefore, improve you credit score.

Next, notice that at least 30% of your credit score is determined by the AMOUNT OF DEBT you owe.

A lot of people think that just because they have never been late on a payment they should always have a great score.  But, if they have a very large amount of debt in relation to their income and total available debt, they will be disappointed with their score.

Here's basically why:

Let's say that you are a credit card company and are considering offering or issuing credit to these two prospects:

Prospect #1 has a good job and employment history.  She in never late on making her payments for her mortgage, car and all of her credit accounts.  But, even though she is earning a "better-than-average" income, she has accumulated over $30,000 of unsecured debt in addition to her mortgage and auto payments!

She would need to be making minimum payments of $750-$850 per month on her unsecured debts (credit cards, store cards, etc.) and that equates to about 25% of her net monthly take-home income just for these unsecured debts.  When you add in a $1200 mortgage and a $400 car payment, that's about $2,400 per month going out to service her DEBT!

Even with her "better-than-average" job and income at say, $75,000 annually, when you take out 30% for taxes and other deductions, that gives her a net monthly income of about $4,375.  With $2400 going out to just meet the minimum payments on all of her debt, that equates to almost 55% of her net income!

One "hick-up" such as long illness, loss of job, or any other hardship would make it almost impossible for her to meet your debt payment obligations.  If you were a credit card company, would you loan her more money?  Hence her credit score is not as high as she though it would be.

How about Prospect # 2:

He had a good job and earns about $4,000 per month.  Not that much really, but he is doing OK.  He isn't buying a home and so is paying about $800 per month in rent.

His old truck (not too old...maybe 8-10 years) is paid for.  Although it doesn't get great gas mileage, at least he doesn't have a big payment each month.

He has a good credit history and although maybe late a couple of times in the past, he has maintained a steady, on-time history for several years now.

He has about $10,000 on 3 credit cards which demands that he makes at least a minimum payment of $215 each month, which he does and sometimes adds a little more than the minimum.

Another VERY IMPORTANT PART OF DETERMINING YOUR CREDIT "WORTHINESS":

The ratio of credit being used to the availability of credit to you.

He has paid off several accounts in the past and actually has about $40,000 of available credit (credit limits on all of his accounts) that he could use if need be.

He is only using $10,000 of the available $40,000 or only 25%.  This is considered a good use of available credit and so he would be viewed as a better credit risk.

Are you starting to get the idea?  It's not just about paying your accounts on time (although that is certainly important), but more about USING AND MAINTAINING YOUR CREDIT WISELY!

You will notice that the LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY makes up at least 10% of your credit score.  If you are just starting out and have not established much of a credit history, DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF OPEINING A LOT OF ACCOUNTS IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME!

Opening too many accounts too fast doesn't look good to the credit bureaus.  In fact, it could do more harm than good!  Just open an account or two, make some small charges and pay them off promptly.

How long will this take?  It depends on some and/or all of the other factors we've been talking about.  The point is that establishing good credit doesn't happen quickly.

One more thing...

Closing accounts doesn't help improve your score!  In fact, it will probably hurt your score.

Why?

Again, you want to show that you are a responsible user of credit over a long period of time.  If you close too many accounts (assuming a $0 balance on them), you are reducing your "credit-use-ratio" as we discussed before.

Pay off and/or settle old accounts the best you can.  Sometimes it makes sense to seek the help of a professional Debt Management Company to settle old debts that have been around for a long time.

Sometimes these can be removed (using the proper procedure) from you credit report if they have gone past your state's statute of limitations.

Debt Settlement can help if you are in over your head!

To summarize, the best way to improve your credit is too:

• Manage your credit wisely...not too much...too fast!
• Make your payments on time.  Being a day late hurts more than you know.  Try using "auto-payments".
• Check that Credit Report for errors!  All three credit bureaus will let you go on line to dispute errors.  You don't have to pay someone else if you will take a little initiative.
• Finally, although I don't suggest closing credit card accounts, I do believe that you should only use one card for emergencies only!  Pay cash or don't buy! Saw this sign in the parking lot of a major retailer the other day and it really says it all:

The best way to improve your credit score????  Use credit wisely.

Photo credit:  http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/WhatsInYourScore.aspx

If you have ever had to deal with a deal collector, you know how frustrating and stressful it can be!

• First you get the letters from the debt collector.
• Then, you get the phone calls.
• From then, you get a combination of angry and sometimes threatening letters and calls!
• If you chose to ignore all of this, you may get a knock on your door and be served a summons!

Yes, very stressful and frustrating.

But, here are some tips to make this process somewhat bearable:

You must understand the basics of the DEBT COLLECTION PROCESS:

Let's say you have several (unsecured for the sake of this blog) accounts including:

• Credit Cards
• Store Cards
• Medical Bills
• Private Student Loan
• Personal Bank Loan

Not that unusual for the average person to have $7,000 - $15,000 of unsecured debt these days.  As long as you are making at least the minimum payments, everyone (your creditors) are happy.

But, miss a payment or two and the DEBT COLLECTION PROCESS starts.

Once your account gets a couple of months behind, it will most likely be transferred to  the "collection or recovery" department within the company.  They send letters and start making calls.

By-the-way...here's a link to show you how to stop collection calls from DEBT COLLECTORS.

But, as annoying as the calls are, as long as the account is with the the original creditor (not transferred to a debt collector), they have the legal right to call you.  Now, once that account is transferred, sold, written off, etc. and lands with a Debt Collector, you can request/demand that they stop calling.

If your account is still with the original creditor, you may be able to get a settlement (reduction in the total you owe), but most likely they are going to offer you some sort of HARDSHIP PROGRAM...but, BE CAREFUL!

In most "hardship programs", the original creditor offers to let you lower your monthly payment for 6 months or so and then "reconsider".  While this may cut your overall payments, inevitably, you will have to go back to making the larger payments.

So now you are late on your payments, the calls and letters are still coming, but there's not a lot you can do about it due to your financial circumstances.  What happens to your debt now?

In most cases, the creditor will hire a Debt Collection Company to try and get as much money from you as possible.

Dealing with debt collectors can be very intimidating for the average person.  They call several times a day and leave messages (for anyone and everyone to hear) that says that you need to return their call right away.

So, you call them back, and here is where it gets frustrating.  Debt collectors are trained to do one thing...GET AS MUCH MONEY OUT OF YOU IN THE SHORTEST PERIOD OF TIME they can!

You try and explain your situation, thinking that the debt collector will actually "care".  While it is true that not all debt collectors are bad people, it has been my experience over the last decade of dealing with them for my clients that the average debt collector has just gotten (for lack of a better word) "calloused".

You owe their client (the creditor) money...their job is to get it....period.

The debt collector will tell you that you must pay this much in this period of time and there is nothing else available.  But, that is usually not true.  In most cases, some sort of settlement can be negotiated.

The problem with trying to negotiate on your own for your own debts, is that you are (obviously) emotionally involved, stressed out, frustrated and scarred of what the debt collector can and cannot do to you!

If you are going to try and negotiate and/or work out agreements with debt collectors, I strongly advise you to learn about what your rights are as a consumer in dealing with them.

The Federal Trade Commission has some very good information on their sight that you should investigate. 

                    Go to: Consumer Information about Debt Collection.

The more prepared you are, the better your chances are that you can negotiate a good settlement or repayment plan.

If you are unsuccessful in coming to a mutually agreeable settlement, the debt collector may take the final drastic step and file a complaint against you.

They will hire an attorney who is licensed in your state to file a claim in your county's courthouse.  Next, you will be served a summons.  A lot of people try to avoid accepting the summons, but eventually you will be served.

unfortunately, a lot of people who are served a summons choose to ignore the summons.

                   BAD MISTAKE!  Please, DO NOT IGNORE A SUMMONS. 

                    Check out a recent blog on this that will be very helpful.

The goal of the claim and summons is to either:

• Scare you into sending them money
• Being awarded a "default judgment" so they can pursue wage garnishment.

But, the are EXCEPTIONS!  Basically, only W-2 wages can be garnished and each state has it's own variation of how much, etc.

The basic guideline for garnishment is 25% of your net take-home pay!  Wow!  Suppose you are bringing home a modest $2500 per month.  At 25%, that's $625 they can get and there's little to nothing you can do about it.  That is why you can't ignore a summons.!

Debt collection in Texas is a little different in that there is no wage garnishment for residents of Texas! However, your bank account could be garnished or better, levied in Texas, so be careful.

Their are more protections and/or exemptions that would prevent a debt collector form being awarded a wage or even a bank garnishment.  Again, if you are going to try and go it alone with debt collectors, you have to know what type of income is and is not available for garnishment!

I live in Oregon, and debt collection in Oregon can be very, very stressful and frustrating!  It seems that the smaller debt collection companies are tougher to work with than the larger ones.  Some debt collections companies are actually attorneys who only deal with debt colletion.  However, they can and will work out settlements, depending on your various circumstances.

Finally, if you decide to DIY and deal with the debt collectors on your own...good luck!

It is a frustrating and stressful situation to be in.

• Know your rights
• Know the debt collectors rights
• Know the process

Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/kitby/4883787012/

If you have debts that are delinquent, you may get a summons.  Do you have to respond to a summons?

The simple answer is "no", but that doesn't mean you should ignore a summons!

If you have so much debt that you cannot keep up with the payments, at some point, some or all of these debts will become "past due", "delinquent", or "charged off" for non payment.

In some cases, the original creditor or the debt collector or debt buyer may decide to retain an attorney to file a claim against you.

Here's what usually happens:

When you miss a payment or two, you start to get the phone calls and letters.  This is the original creditor trying to get you to start making the payments again.  During the first 60-90 days, the account most likely stays with the original creditor as they continually try to get you to start making payments.

As annoying as the phone calls are, you cannot legally stop the calls as long as the account is still with the original creditor.  You can, however, choose to ignore the calls, but this is not your best tactic.

You can answer the phone and try to explain your situation, but this is usually a waste of time.  It would be better for you to write the original creditor and briefly explain your financial circumstances and that you fully intend to repay this debt, but cannot do anything at this time.

This may or may not buy you some time.  Most likely, the original creditor will offer you some kind of HARDSHIP PLAN, but BEWARE!  Most Hardship Plan offers only delay the inevitable...you will have to repay 100% of this debt plus interest, late fees, annual fees and possibly over-the-limit penalties!

If the original Creditor is unsuccessful in getting you to start paying, they may decide to place the account with a DEBT COLLECTOR.  Here where things are starting to get really serious.

At first, you'll receive some letters, telling you what you already know...

                                  THIS ACCOUNT IS PAST DUE!

It will explain that you must bring you account up to date or face serious consequences (or something like that).

Then, the phone calls start!  Although the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act has helped stop many ruthless and harassing debt collectors, they are still out there!

According to the FDCPA, you have the legal right to make them stop calling you!

Click below:

But now that the calls have stopped, the original creditor, the debt collector or debt purchaser may decide to take legal action.

A word about DEBT BUYERS:

When a debt goes unpaid for a long time and a debt collector (or several debt collectors) are unsuccessful collecting the debt, it normally will be charged off as "uncollectable".  There are thousands upon thousands of these debts out there and there is are companies who will buy large groups or lots of debt at pennies on the dollar, planning on getting paid on enough to make a profit.

So, if they decide to have a claim filed, they would retain an attorney (licensed in your state) to file a COMPLAINT in your county courthouse.

By-the-way...

It's not always logical when or why a debt collector or debt buyer decides to file a claim.

Back to the process:

The court will prepare a SUMMONS, and it will SERVED or delivered to you.  This is usually done by a sheriff or company paid to serve the summons.  Some people think that they can avoid receiving the summons by not answering the door or by lying to the person or sheriff trying to serve the summons.

I don't advocate this tactic, as you could face legal charges for not telling the truth, and eventually, you will be served.  You may be able to "buy some time".

If you can come up with a lump sum of approximately 50%-75% of the amount of the claim, they may accept that as a settlement.  The amount they are willing to accept will depend on several factors, specifically your financial situation:

• employed (W-2 or self employed)
• unemployed
• retired
• disabled
• buying or renting

If you are exempt from wage or bank levy, but are a home owner (or have significant equity in your home), you may want to get this account settled to avoid a lien being placed on your property.

If you do not have funds available to offer a lump sum settlement, in most cases, you will be able to arrange a repayment of the debt by making monthly payments.  Sometimes, this will be called a STIPULATED AGREEMENT before or after a judgment.  As long as you complete the terms of the agreement, no further legal action will happen.

On the other hand, if you start such an agreement and miss a payment, they may deem the agreement "VOID", and start the legal process again!

BOTTOM LINE...

It is not in your best interest to ignore a summons! 

In fact, if you are in a stressful financial situation, take action before your account(s) go this far!  Your chances of successful negotiation are much better if you can get something worked out BEFORE a judgment is awarded!

Photo credit: Kevin B 3

Kevin B 3

If you are living with the stress of too much debt, I have a question...what would you feel like if you were DEBT FREE?.  Regardless of your financial circumstances, you can be DEBT FREE...     How would that feel?

If you were to do a search about the average family debt in America, you would get statistics all over the board.  But, if you were to average them out, here is a basic picture of the average American family's debt:

• Total debt per family                       $ 17,500
• Credit card debt                              $   7,500

Now let's think about that for a minute.  If these are the averages, that means that some households have much lower over-all debt and therefore lower credit card debt. 

But on the other hand, that means that some households have much higher over-all debt and therefore much higher credit card debt!  After helping people solve their debt issues for over 10 years, I have found that our average client has credit card debt that totals about $25,000!

Big question...

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU WERE DEBT FREE ? ? ?

Have you ever thought about it?

I'm not talking about dreaming about winning the   lottery, but finally paying off everything and everybody you owe!

No debt...zero...nada !

• No more waking up in the middle of the night worrying about the bills!
• No more standing at the check out counter and praying the card is not declined!
• No more making excuses because you really can't afford to go with your friends!
• No more dreading the end of the month,knowing there is not enough to pay all the bills!
• Get the idea???  NO MORE ! ! !

I was talking to a good friend of mine about this and he said that to him, being DEBT FREE is better than about anything you could imagine!  I think he's right!

When you under the burden, pressure and stress of DEBT, you really can't enjoy life. 

I mean, what good is driving a new car if you know you really can't afford it?  Sure, you have a nice big home, but the truth is, you can barely keep up with the payments, much less pay for any maintenance or additional "trimmings". 

OK...I think I've made my point.  Are you ready be Debt Free?

Or...are you ready to...FEEL WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE

DEBT FREE?

STEP ONE

It's time to get down to business...financial responsibility.  (Really...has it come to that?)  Financial responsibility starts with an honest accounting for every dollar that comes in, but most important, that goes out.

Yep, the old BASIC HOUSEHOLD BUDGET.

List everything you are spending money on.  Not just the big items like rent or mortgage, car payment, groceries and utilities... I said you have to be honest!

What about:

• Daily latte at Starbucks?  Really?  At $4 -$5 per day?
• Health club membership you rarely use?  Seriously?
• Buying lunch out instead of making a sandwich?
• OK...I know I may be over stepping, but what about that smoking habit?  At $5/pack?
• And yes, you better address all the other little "things" that can really add up!

It's time...and you know it. 

STEP TWO

Now that you've found a few (or several) extra dollars from getting rid of some, if not all, of your "wasteful spending habits", you can start down the road to financial freedom!

Depending on your individual financial circumstances, you most likely will be a candidate for one of the following programs:

• Debt "Roll-Up" or Snowball Plan
• Debt Settlement
• and if none of the above works...Bankruptcy

A DEBT "ROLL-UP" OR Snowball Plan

If you have found an extra $100 or more from making cuts from you "out-go" in the budget and, you have the self discipline to follow through with the program, this might just work for you.

Basically, you are going to list all of your unsecured debt (you can do all debts, but for now let's just tackle the unsecured ones).

List from the smallest balance to the largest balance.  Don't worry about interest rates now.

Le't say the smallest balance requires a $50/month minimum payment and you have an extra $200 (from all of the $ you were wasting).  You are going to pay $250 towards this balance until it is paid off.

After it is paid off, you are going to start on the next balance.  Let's say you have been making $100/month as a minimum payment on this one.  Now, you are going to add the $250 from paying off the first balance to the normal $100 for a total of $350 going after this second balance.

Once it's paid off, you're going to add $350 to whatever the minimum payment is on the next balance...and so on...and so on.

Guess what?  You're going to have all of these unsecured debts paid off before you know it!

HOW'S THAT GONNA FEEL???

Oh yeah, baby!!!

And since this worked so well on the unsecured debts, what about adding the extra money you now have from paying all of them off to your mortgage or student loans?  Wow!

Need some help with this?

If you don't have any extra money or if it seems a little "overwhelming", then you should consider a DEBT SETTLEMENT PLAN.

Debt Settlement is for people who, because of circumstances beyond their control, find themsleves in serious debt.  If you can't afford the minimum payments on all of your unsecured debts and/or some have been turned over to a debt collector, you would profit from a Debt Settlement Plan.

Debt collectors are usually willing to accept less than the balance due because of your financial hardship.  This can be 50% or more, again, depending on several factors.

Once the balance has been negotiated and the debt settlement agreement is paid per the debt settlement agreemenet, this account will be noted on your credit report as "paid-in-full" or "paid-as-agreed" or even "settled at less than the balance due". Regardless, the balance is ZERO....$0.

Let me ask you again...

HOW'S IT GONNA FEEL TO BE DEBT FREE!!!

OK, let's say that things are so bad you can't take advantage of the Debt "Roll-UP" Plan or even the Debt Settlement Plan, then you should consider Bankruptcy.

You will need to find a compentent bankruptcy attorney, but be careful!  You should interview two or three in your area and get some references.

You should not have to pay too much up-front for their services and you should not have to pay anything for the initial consultation.

But even if you have no choice but to file for bankruptcy, life is not over!  The bankruptcy process is not as bad as you imagine.  In fact, once it is completed, not only will you be DEBT FREE once again, you will be able to rebuild your credit a lot quicker than you think.

Sit back, close your eyes...one more time, let me ask you...

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOU WERE DEBT FREE?

Then do something about it...

Photos by eric731

If you live in Texas, you have special protection under the law concerning debt collection.  Debt Settlement in Texas has advantages!

 When a debt collector decides that they cannot collect on a delinquent debt, they may decide to FILE A CLAIM and a SUMMONS will be issued to the DEFENDENT, the person who owes the debt.

In most cases, the DEFENDENT (you), owes the debt, so there is no need file an ANSWER or to appear in court.

An "ANSWER", is a legal statement that you do not owe the debt and why the CLAIM is invalid.  Sure, you object to the outrageous interest, fees and penalities tacked on the original balance, but you agreed to that when you signed that credit card application...sorry!

So, if you don't do anything about the SUMMONS, and I certainly DO NOT ADVOCATE THAT, then the PLAINTIFF (the filer of the claim and owner of the debt), will be awarded a JUDGMENT.

NOW WHAT?????

If an agreement (SETTLEMENT or STIPULATTED AGREEMENT) cannot be negotiated, then the PLAINTIFF most likely will apply for a WRIT OF GARNISHMENT.  In most states, this will force an employer to send 25% of your net "take-home-pay" (after any state, federal or other withholdings have been deducted from your paycheck).

While this is true in most states, the good news for all of you Texans is that Texas has laws that prohibits most creditors from any wage garnishment!

Notice I said "most creditors" and not "all creditors. 

Texas does allow for wage garnishment for debts such as:

• Unpaid income taxes
• court ordered alimony and child support
• defaulted student loans

One more thing, if you earn wages from an "out-of-state" employer, these wages most likely WILL NOT be exempt from wage garnishment.

For more information about Texas Law and Wage Garnishment, visit:

                                Debt Collection in Texas

So now you understand that for most unsecured debts, Texas will not allow wage garnishment.

                       WHAT ABOUT A BANK LEVY IN TEXAS?

In other words, can a debt collector levy (get the bank to send them your money!) your bank account for unpaid debts???

YES!

Just because a creditor who has been awarded a judgment cannot apply for a writ of WAGE GARNISHMENT, doesn't mean that they cannot (and most likely will) apply for WRIT OF LEVY from your bank!!!

Therefore, you should be making every attempt NOT TO HAVE A JUDGMENT GRANTED in favor of you creditor (or debt collection agency)!

How can you do that?

Contact your creditor(s) as soon as you are having a problem keeping up with your payments.  They may help you get caught up or arrange for you to lower your payments for a while until you get back on your feet financially.

If you know that because of loss of employment or some other catastrophic financial issue that you not only cannot keep up with your payments and it is unlikely that you'll be able to make any payments for a long time, then you need to try and negotiate a SETTLEMENT.

DEBT SETTLEMENT is a method whereby you and the creditor agree on an amount (usually much less than the balance that you owe) that will be paid either in a lump sum or in payments.

DEBT SETTLEMENT is possible to do on your own, but after helping people for over 10 years now, it is very TIME CONSUMING and can be EMOTIONALLY AND PYSICALLY EXHAUSTING!

Please download our FREE e book below:

If after reading the basics about DEBT SETTLEMENT, you feel that you could use some help, just let us know.  We'll be glad to talk with you to see if you qualify for the DEBT SETTLEMENT PROGRAM, and this consultation is...

FREE, with NO OBLIGATION WHATSOEVER!

To summarize:

• Your wages are exempt from garnishment in Texas
• Other debts, such as, income taxes, alimony, child support and Federal Student Loans are not
• You BANK account IS NOT EXEMPT from LEVY after a JUDGEMENT has been awarded, but,
• YOU CAN AND DO HAVE OPTIONS

photo by Tiffany

You need to understand what a debt collector CAN and CANNOT DO!

Make no mistake, it is a scary time when someone knocks on your door and says something like, "Are you....You've been served!"

Sometimes, the delivery person is a police officer and that even makes it worse!

Someone has said that FEAR is:

• False
• Evidence, that
• Appears
• Real

So true!  We often get "freaked-out" because we think something is what is not.

Let me try and help you get over the fear of receiving a summons!

I/we've been helping people with DEBT, basically UNSECURED DEBTS, for many years.

When you have too much debt to keep up with the payments due, they may be charged off by the original creditor or placed with a collection agency in an effort to collect on the delinquent debt.

If you've ever been in that situation, you know that you get letters and calls and calls and calls.  By the way...hears how to put a stop to collection calls:

If the collector cannot get you to pay the debt, they may decide to FILE A COMPLAINT. This is a legal technique whereby an attorney, licensed in your state, is hired by the debt collector or creditor to file an official complaint with your county court.

Next, you will receive a SUMMONS.  And this is when it gets scary!

We're located in Portland, Oregon and in the County of Multnomah.  A client recently sent us a SUMMONS and this is what it said (you can understand why they were upset!):

"YOU ARE HEREBY required to appear and defend the complaint filed against you in the above-entitled action within thirty (30) days from the date of service of this summons to you.  In case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, Plaintiff will apply to court for the relief demanded in the complaint."

"You must "appear" in this case or the other side will win automatically.  To "appear" you must file with the court a legal paper called a "motion" or "answer".  The"motion" or "answer" must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days along with the required filing fee.  It must be in the proper form and have proof of service on the Plaintiff's attorney or, if the Plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the Plaintiff.  If you have any questions, you should see an attorney immediately."

       WOW, NO WONDER PEOPLE GET SCARRED!!!

OK, let's calm down and look closely at the SUMMONS.

First, in the case of UNSECURED DEBTS (Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, Store Cards, private student loans, etc.), the Plaintiff (this is the creditor or who you owe the money to) cannot:

• Put you in jail
• Take other belongings
• Cause you any harm, etc.

In fact, there are limits and protection for consumers by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that you should be aware of.

Next, the SUMMONS seems to say that you are going to have to GO TO COURT!

NO IT DOESN'T!  (Remember, FEAR...False Evidence that Appears Real?)

If you don't believe you owe the DEBT=CLAIM, then you must file an "Answer", which not only costs (about $165 last I heard in Multnomah County) but it must be in the proper, legal format which may require an attorney to prepare...more costs!

BUT, since you owe the debt (not the time to talk about the outrageous fees and interest tacked on), then you won't be filing an ANSWER.

SO NOW WHAT???

You should contact the attorney for the Plaintiff (creditor) and try to work out a repayment plan.

If you are employed (receive W-2 income), then you are not going to have very much leverage at this point.  But, you should be able to negotiate a reduced settlement (if you have a large sum of funds to offer) or a repayment plan of the entire debt balance.

If the Plaintiff is awarded a judgment (which most likely they will win), then they can file a WRIT OF GARNISHMENT and your employer would have no choice but to deduct 25% of your net income (most states) and send it to the Plaintiff until the entire balance is paid!

Think about that for a minute.  Let's say that you usual bring home pay (after taxes are withheld) is $2,500/month.  At 25%, that's an additional $625 per month that would be deducted, leaving you with only $1875 to pay bills!  Ouch!

Remember when you ignored those letters and calls?  Well, this is one of the results that can happen.  It is always better to try and negotiate with the creditor or collection agency than let the account go to this.

If you are self employed, you may have a little more leverage in that your "salary" may be low enough (if you are using a good accountant) to be exempt from garnishment.  To see what this exemption amount is, check with your state's attorney general's website.

In Oregon, go to: State of Oregon Garnishment Forms.

If you are retired and are living solely on Retirement or Social Security, then those funds are protected from Garnishment or even a Bank Levy.

If you are SELF EMPLOYED or RETIRED, or receiving only DISABILITY INCOME, you should be able to negotiate a pretty decent settlement at 50% or less of the balance.

We've prepared a very good booklet that will explain how Debt Settlement can work:

 OK, I hope you are starting to understand that just because you receive a SUMMONS, you are still going to be OK, BUT YOU HAVE TO TAKE ACTION...AND I MEAN IMMEDIATELY!!!

If you are not sure you can deal with debt collectors or the attorney for the Plaintiff, we can help:

Photo credit:  Kevin B3 at www.milwaukieemakerspace.org/2012/fear/

Want to learn a method to become DEBT FREE?  Here's a recap of a real life success story you don't want to miss!

I had to comment on an article I read in the 4/2/14 edition of The Oregonian newspaper.

The title was:

           "Couple put strategy into action, paid off $127,000 in debt"

Here's a recap of what they did:

Had over $127,000 of debt:

• Student Loans
• Credit Card debt
• Auto loans
• Personal debt

It took them a little over 4 years, but they were able to pay off all of their debts and are now living DEBT FREE!

            HOW'D THEY DO IT (HOW YOU CAN TOO):

Find ways to save money/increase net funds. Here are some things you can do:

1. Adjusting your tax withholding.

If you are getting back a large TAX REFUND each year, consider changing the number of dependents/withholdings.  This alone generated about $100/month extra to put towards debts.

2.  Cut your household budget by trimming unnecessary "luxuries" (you can add them after you are DEBT FREE!)

Using grocery coupons. Become a "coupon expert".  This alone could help save you 20%-30% off your grocery bill each month!

Do you really have to have a "Starbucks" coffee each morning?  At an average of $4-$5 per day, that adds up to $100 -$150 each month!

Take a hard look at additional monthly expenses that you could "live without"...

• Gym membership (you rarely use)
• Magazine subscriptions
• Too many "premium cable channels"
• Going out-to-eat several times a week

I know...but think about this...

As hard as giving some of those things up seems,

HOW GOOD WOULD IT FEEL TO BE 100% DEBT FREE?

OK, you get the idea.  So now you've found an extra $100 -$200 per month.

3.  What now?

List all of your debts showing:

• Account
• Balance
• Interest Rate (not as important as you think at this point)
• Minimum payment

Sort by the smallest balance first (don't worry about interest rates).

You are going to make all of the minimum payments, but you are going to add the extra (let's say $150/month) you found by making sacrifices, etc. to the smallest balance.

Once that one is paid off, you are going to add the extra $150 plus the minimum payment required on that smallest balance and add that to the minimum payment you are required to make on the second smallest balance.

For example:

Let's say you had several cards, but the Visa Balance was $1000 and the Discover Balance was $2500.

The minimum payment for the Visa was $30/month and the Discover was $65.

You are going to make a payment of $30 plus $150 to Visa until it is paid off.  At the same time, you are making the $65 to Discover as well as all of the other minimum payments required.

Once the Visa is paid off, you are going to take the $180 ($30 + $150) and add that to the $65 due on Discover.  Now you ar making $245/month to Discover (and all of the other minimums as well). 

Once the Discover card is paid off, you take that $245 and add it to the mimium on card # 3.

Get the idea?

Can you imagine how excited you will be when you start seeing those balances down to $0!

Yes, it won't happen over night, but before you know it, you are going to be 100% DEBT FREE!

This is not a new idea.  This is a Snowball Debt Reduction Plan.

If you are serious as this couple was, get your Snow Ball Calculator today!

This all sounds great, you say, but what if you can't keep up with the minimum payments despite making cuts trying to find extra funds, etc.?????

That is a very real problem that anyone that has had:

• Loss of employment
• Death in the family
• Illness or Disability
• Divorce

...can attest to.

If you cannot afford a Snow Ball Debt Reduction Plan, then you should consider a...

               DEBT SETTLEMENT PROGRAM

Debt Settlement is for those who are doing and trying everything they can to keep from seeking bankruptcy protection.

Basically, funds are deposited in a bank account until there are sufficient funds available to begin negotiations with your creditors/debt collectors.

Depending on several factors, your debts may be settled for 50% or less.

Regardless of your financial circumstances, there is a solution! 

For more information about the couple who paid off the $127,000, visit their website at:

                 QueenOfFree.comQueenOfFree.com

Photo credit:

www.lendingmemo.com

Are you a victim of the "Credit Card Trap"?  Too much debt?  No end in sight?  If you are, here are some ways to free yourself.

I've been helping people become Debt Free for over 10 years.  The average person that seeks help for getting out from under too much debt,  got into trouble by falling victim to the traps set by the credit card industry!

I saw this sign (above) yesterday in the parking lot of a major retailer and took a picture.

"Shop now, pay later"...pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

Years ago (many,many years ago), a credit card was not easy to get.  You had to have excellent credit, above average income and employment history...basically, you didn't really need one.

The idea of using a credit card was for convenience.  Rather than having to carry a lot of cash or write a check, you could just whip out the credit card.  Then, when the statement came, you paid it off...100%.

The credit card industry charged a reasonable interest rate, demanded a minimum payment of around 3% or more, and made zillions of dollars.

One day, someone in the credit card industry looked at the numbers (profits) generated by these cards and realized that they actually made more profit from fees, such as:

• Annual fees
• Late fees
• Over-the-Limit fees

...than they did by the interest rates they charged!!!

Again, years ago, most credit card account holders paid off the account each month.  Then, someone got the bright idea that if an account got paid off, then there would not be little, if any, profit from interest rates and fees.

                                    What to do????

They came up with the idea to only charge a very small monthly minimum payment so that more and more people could charge their accounts to the limit and only have to pay 2% or so each month based on the balance.

Let's say you had an account with a $5,000 credit limit and so far, your balance is only $2,000.  $2,000 x 2% = $40, but you send in the $50.

Before I get into the details of how much this will cost you over time, let's talk about the really dangerous CREDIT CARD TRAP....

Have you ever thought (or done):

"Since I have a limit of $5,000 and I only owe $2,000 with a $50 a month payment, I'll charge another $1,000 and my payment will only go up $25 or so."

This is where most people start getting into real trouble.  Before you increase your debt, check out what your credit card company is really charging you:

OK, let's say you didn't increase the balance.  Next month, you get your bill and as you start trying to understand it (right!), you notice that there was an interest charge of $35!!! How can that be?

You also notice that the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is 21%.  Although there are various methods different companies use to calculate the interest due, for simplicities sake:

        $2,000 balance x 21% = $420 (annual interest based on $2,000)

        For this month, you divide $420 by 12 (months) = $35

        Now you see the account summary and notice:

        Previous Balance                 $2,000

        Interest charge                    $    35

        Payment                             ($   50)

        New Balance                       $1,985

     That's right, your balance was only reduce by $15!   

Now, you don't have to be a genius to figure out that at that rate, you are going to be paying on that debt for a long, long time to pay off that credit card.

Think about that for a minute... 

When you finally pay off that debt (at the small minimum monthly payment), you will have paid at least 2 to 3 times as much as the original balance!

And, don't forget about those fees!

                         THERE IS A BETTER WAY!

Depending on several factors such as:

• Your employment (self or W-2)
• Income
• Marital status
• Health (disabled?)
• Age (retired?

...you would most likely qualify for one of the following programs:

• Debt Management

• Debt Settlement

• Snowball Pay-off plan

Rather than get into each plan, I've attached links (above) to previous blogs or more information you can access for FREE.

Credit Cards are a very dangerous trap and should be avoided and/or managed at all costs!  Please proceed with caution!

Looking for Debt Relief in Portland, Oregon?

Dealing with the stress of too much debt can be overwhelming.  

But, GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVE OPTIONS that can help you become DEBT FREE once again!

DEBT MANAGEMENT

If you have accumulated too much credit card debt or other unsecured debts such as:

• STORE CARDS
• PERSONAL BANK LOAN
• PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
• REPOSSION DEFICITE JUDGMENT
• MEDICAL BILLS

In a Debt Management Program, a Debt Management Company will contact each of your creditors and set up agreements to repay your entire balance. In most cases, your interest rate will be lowered or eliminated and late fees and over-the-limit fees will be stopped or forgiven.

You will have ONE MONTHLY PAYMENT which will be distributed to  each creditor according to the agreements.  This payment is approximately 2.5% - 2.7% of the total balances of all of your accounts.

For example, let's say you have a total of $20,000 of unsecured debts.  Your monthly payment in a Debt Management Program would be approximately $500 - $540.  This includes the monthly Debt Management Program fee.

Not everyone can handle this payment.  If this is your case, them you should check out and investigate a:

DEBT SETTLEMENT PROGRAM

Debt Settlement is for people who have had a serious financial setback due to a number of factors including:

• UNEMPLOYMENT
• ILLNESS
• DISABILITY
• DIVORCE
• DEATH OF SPOUSE OR PARTNER

There are several factors to consider before enrolling in a Debt Settlement Program, but see if some of these describes you:

• Missing or unable to make all of the minimum monthly payments required by your creditor.
• Taking cash advances to be able to pay basic monthly bills.
• Some or all of your accounts are 60 -90 days past due.
• Some or all of your accounts have been charged off and placed with Debt Collectors.
• You are getting numerous DEBT COLLECTION CALLS!
• You have received a SUMMONS.

BANKRUPTCY

 Photo by:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/89463094@N02/

If you have had a debt settled for less than the total balance, you may receive a 1099-C.  You may or may not have to pay any additional tax.

When you settle a debt for less than the full balance due, and this is for $600 or more, the creditor or debt collector may report this to the Internal Revenue Service.  I say "may report" because they don't always report a settled or "forgiven" debt. 

Over the past decade that we have been helping people get out of debt, it seems that in the last year or so, more and more creditors and/or debt collectors are reporting settled or forgiven debt.

I have to start out by stating that I am not a CPA or licensed professional tax consultant, so any advice here should only be used to help point you in the right direction.  If you do receive a 1099-C, please seek the help of a professional tax consultant!

So what should you do if you receive a 1099-C?

                             DON'T IGNORE IT!!!!

Let's say that you had a Credit Card that had a balance of $10,000 and because of circumstances beyond your control, you just couldn't make the minimum payments.

Most likely, this account was sent to a collection agency after the original creditor made numerous attempts, such as annoying and often harassing phone calls and many collection letters.

The debt collector may have sent you an offer to settle for less than the full amount due or perhaps you or a Debt Settlement Company were able to negotiate a good settlement.

Using our $10,000 example, let's say that the settlement was for $4,000.  The debt collector was willing to "forgive" (in IRS lingo) $6,000.  The debt collector reports this to the IRS in order to write that amount off as a loss and you are sent an IRS form 1099-C.

At first glance, it may look like you owe $6,000 of additional tax, but this is not so!

You will need to file the proper forms with your tax return to have the settled or forgiven amount EXCLUDED from being added back in as additional taxable income.

As usual, the IRS seems to have complicated the process, but in reality, it is not that difficult to file properly.

The basic and most important question that you must answer and prove to the IRS is:

"At the time of the settlement or forgiveness of the debt, were you insolvent?"

What is "insolvent"?

If, AT THE TIME OF THE SETTLEMENT, you had more debt than you had in assets, then you were insolvent. (Sounds terrible, but that's just their terminology.)

So, how do you find out or prove if you were insolvent or not?

It is really not difficult.  Take a piece of paper (or use your computer if you want) and one side list all of your assets, such as:

• Net equity of your home (Current value less amount you owe = net equity)
• Cash or money in the bank
• Net DEPRECIATED value of things such as furniture, appliances, tools, etc.  remember, even though you paid $2,000 for that refrigerator a few years ago, today it probably would sell for only $200-$300!
• Net value of your autos, boats, campers, etc.  Same thing, NET, DEPRECIATED VALUE!

Total all of these up.

On the other side of your sheet, list all of your DEBTS OR LIABILITIES, such as:

Since you've used the NET VALUE (Depreciated Value less Balance still due) on the ASSET SIDE, were probably talking about:

• Credit cards
• Store cards
• Student loans
• Medical Bills
• Personal loans
• Possibly Home Equity loan or 2nd you forgot to list before!

Add all of these up.

Subtract the total of all of your LIABILITIES (DEBTS) from your NET ASSETS. Which is greater?  If your Liabilities are greater than your Net Assets, you were insolvent at the time of settlement and therefore, the amount forgiven WILL NOT be included as taxable income.

The next part seems a little difficult, but it's not.

You are going to complete:

• IRS Form 982
• A copy of your ASSETS VS. LIABILITIES worksheet
• A copy of the 1099-C

You are going include these along with your normal tax return.  By the way, don't be surprised if your tax preparer seems a little confused as to how to handle a 1099-C.  I've had clients pay tax that they didn't need to because the tax preparer didn't file the proper forms.

We have prepared a FREE 1099-C PACKET that you can download and use. 

It includes:

• Instructions
• Examples
• IRS Forms

Get yours by clicking on the button below:

You are going to need the help of a qualified, tax consultant or preparer.  You still should be able to exclude a large percentage of the forgiven debt, but there may be other ramifications, so I advise you to get help.

Photo credit: www.lendingmemo.com