Who Offers Debt Settlement that's Affordable and Really Works?

Are you so far in debt that you're unable to pay it off on your own? Is your recent financial history so bad that you don't qualify for a personal loan to consolidate your bills? Does the thought of filing for bankruptcy keep you up at night?

Then debt settlement may be the answer. With this solution, you don't need good credit.

You don't need to borrow more money.

You don't need to deal with creditors yourself.

And you don't need to file for bankruptcy.

To qualify, all you have to do is meet the criteria of the company providing this service to you. Usually, those requirements are that you have $10,000 or more of debt and that you make a sincere effort to stick to the program. It's that simple.

Here's our top recommended firm.

You can use this program no matter what your circumstances are. It doesn't matter if you are young or old, male or female. It makes no difference where you live, how desperate your situation may seem, or whether you have been turned down for other programs, you can still qualify for this solution.

And you can use this solution for credit card debt, charge cards, overdraft fees, old cell phone bills, veterinary bills, back rent, business debts and a whole host of other debt.

If you're thinking of going with this option, then you'll want to do it in the smartest and most cost-effective way possible. Most important, you want to avoid getting ripped off.

That's what we reveal here with this article. You'll learn who the most trusted names in the industry are, and you'll see how the process works. This will give you a better understanding of what you're getting into and what to expect.

What You Need to Know About Debt Settlement

Every year, thousands of Americans use a debt settlement program to reduce their debt and revitalize their finances. You can do the same.

However, there are some things you need to look out for with this solution. You don't want to get burned because you weren't familiar with how the industry works.

For example, this industry has come under fire because a lot of companies don't deliver on their promises. Many of the dishonest firms promise so much and deliver so little.

That's why the government has cracked down on them in a big way. And since the government crack down, many of these greedy firms have been put out of business.

Some still exist.

But...

The good news is that there are some legitimate firms out there.

The honest providers give you a lower overall amount of debt to pay back after negotiating with your creditors. In addition, they can help you create a smarter budget that fits your lifestyle. But the most important part is that they can help you eliminate most of your debt within 24 to 48 months.

These honest debt settlement companies can do all of this at a reasonable cost to you. And if you are indeed dealing with a legit firm, they can do it without adding to your debt total like consolidation loans do.

But that's only if you're dealing with a valid firm. If you're dealing with a dishonest firm, you can wind up much worse than when you started. That's the sad reality with this solution. Unfortunately, there are just too many shady firms operating in this space.

So if you want to be one of the people that succeed with this solution, the first thing you need to do is find the right company for settling your debt.

Who is the top company?

As we've mentioned earlier, not all companies comply with the rule of law. Some are downright scammers. So avoiding these greedy firms is crucial to your success.

And you can avoid the scammers by sticking with companies that are known for doing the right thing, firms that are known for looking out for there client's best interests.

One such company is National Debt Relief.

While many companies were put out of business by the government crack down on this industry, National has thrived.

The reason is clear... they did right by their customers. Not only did they survive the government crackdown, they also have a stellar record with the Better Business Bureau.

They are a big company within the industry and have thousands of satisfied customers from all over the country that proves their ability to help people reduce debt.

One of the things that separates the best debt settlement companies from the scammers is that the good ones don't charge fees upfront. They know it's against the law and wrong to do.

National Debt Relief doesn't make people pay before any of the work is done. This is why they have a top notch reputation and why they have been so reliable over the years.

It's also why the government has left them alone.

Their costs vary from 20-25% of the total debt you enroll with them. They operate in all states except for Vermont, Oregon, Kansas, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, West Virginia and Georgia. They should be your first choice if settlement programs are something you're really thinking of going with.

The second settlement company you should take a look at is Curadebt.com. They have been around over ten years and also have a good rating with the BBB. They are accredited with the American Fair Credit Counsel.

They don't offer their services in the state of Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Colorado, North Dakota, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Vermont.

So What is Debt Settlement Exactly?

A settlement program enables you to pay off personal loans, utility bills, credit card debt, medical bills and many other unsecured debts at an affordable rate. You will repay a defined percentage of the overall debt and a fee for handling the agreement. If successful, companies are able to eliminate a percentage of the total amount you owe.

Debt settlement programs are a 2-4 year agreement where a pre-agreed sum of money will be paid to the trustee's account. It is considered to be the primary alternative to bankruptcy. However, unlike filing for chapter 7, it is not a legally binding arrangement.

Following a ruling by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in October 2010, all fees must be taken from each monthly payment. Fees cannot be front-loaded.

This ensures that fewer creditors become frustrated because they are last to receive any money. It also gives you the chance to change your mind if you decide that this debt solution is not right for you. The last thing you want is to be saddled with more debt than was originally the case.

Tools for selecting the right services for your needs...

If you are unsure whether a company offers a good service, check the feedback that has been given to the Better Business Bureau.

Many customers choose to share their own experiences - both good and bad - to prevent people from running into the same problems.

However, it is important to remember that people tend to be more willing to share their negative experiences. All companies run into problems at some point.

When trying to find a trustworthy debt settlement company, look for one that has been around for many years. If there are any problems, they are more likely to have been exposed. This is not to say that a new company is not good, but it is harder to find out what they are all about because of their newness.

You may know someone who has had personal dealings with a settlement company.

If this is the case, any advice that they are able to provide could be priceless. If you do not know of anyone, stick to the recommendations above.

Other important considerations that can help...

There are many companies that promise to help you on the path to a debt-free life, but not all of them will deliver. You need to select the right company for your requirements, and the tips above are a good starting point.

Do not delay getting started because the sooner you begin, the sooner you will be free from debt. You just need to make sure that you have considered all of your other options before starting. You also need to look into whether there are any tax obligations that come from debt elimination. This is because the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats debt settlement or negotiation as taxable indebtedness income.

In other words, it is considered to be a source of income unless you are considered to be insolvent. That is why you need to ask about tax advice with the firm that you're dealing with before proceeding with this type of program.

If not, you could end up with a large tax bill just when you think that your personal finances are back under control.

What's the final conclusion about these services?

This program is a good choice if you don't have good credit and you can't reduce debt on your own. You just have to make sure you find the right firm. If you do find the right firm, you'll get a leg up on your creditors. And you'll be on your way to financial harmony.

Imagine being able to reduce your current debt level down to nothing within twenty four to forty eight months. Imagine eliminating all the tension and worry that comes along with high levels of debt. That's what good debt settlement companies give you.

They give you your sanity back.

Achieving success with this option can mean a lot for you, your family and your future. Using the right settlement company can free you from the clutches of your creditors. The right firm can free you forever from the pain and anguish that comes with high levels of debt. It can free you from that torturous feeling of hopelessness.

And the right company can free you from looking at your future with doom and gloom.

Reducing your debt means that you can start having more fun again with family and friends. You can enjoy other people's company without worrying all the time...without feeling like you're the lonely soul in the room.

And you can start saving money, creating the emergency fund that every good budget should have. But starting the process to debt-freedom begins with you.

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