Debt Consolidation and Reduction

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 call you at home in the evenings as well. You know that you have to do something, but you're not sure just what. It's so embarrassing having to talk to that kid 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 rush into debt consolidation and reduction loans, take a look at your debts to work out your total debt. Debt is a source of credit lines given to you by creditors who felt that you would repay the sum borrowed or owed. When creditors become aware that you are behind on your repayments, they will often delay a couple of weeks before reporting you to the collection agencies.

During this time, you might want to get in touch with your creditors and ask for 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 really want to antagonize their customers, since they want their customers to do the right thing, pay their debts and eventually continue doing business with them. If you fail to contact your creditors, however they will hand your files over to the collection agencies in the end if they cannot make any headway. These agencies frequently use much more severe methods to recover 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 assistance. Debt consolidation and reduction is a means of eliminating debts, while a loan may or may not be needed.

When you do talk to your creditors, ask them for leniency, so that you can attempt some manner of debt consolidation and reduction by reducing your outgoings. If the creditors agree to debt consolidation and reduction by lowering your payments, terminating it, or else providing you with an extension and you refuse to take advantage of their offer, ie, if you fail to make repayments after the offer is made, then they will not be as friendly the next time you speak with them.

Make sure that you make good your debts as agreed with your creditors to avoid any further 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 recover their money. This will help you in your debt consolidation and reduction. - 31377

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