This article discuses some of the basics of debt management plans and what you should be wary of.
A debt management plan is not always the best choice to help you get out of debt. You have a great deal of options when trying to get out of debt and you should look at all of them before going on a debt management plan. Make sure you seek the advice of a credit counselor and discus all of you options like budgeting and other tactics. A counselor will assess the situation and help you develop a strategy to get a hold of your debt. That said in short a debt management plan is when you sit down with a counselor and work out a schedule to repay your unsecured debt. The plan will require that you make monthly payments to the organization that developed the plan. The organization then makes payments to your creditors for you.
When developing the DMP the counselor contacts your creditors and negotiates a new payment schedule. The counselor might negotiate a lower interest rate or to wave some fees. This can be very helpful as it will reduce your total debt. An important thing to remember about DMPs is that they do not make debt go away. You will still be response able for all of your debt. You will just have a more manageable payment schedule. And hopefully lower interest rates and less fees..
A successful DMP will require you make monthly payments on time. Have a sold schedule that will bring show you how you goal will be met. And importantly be realistic monthly payments. Debt management plans are not a quick fix. They require discipline and payments. You should understand that the process may take years to complete. Make sure that you understand the repayment schedule and that it is acceptable to you.
Not all DMP organizations are reputable. Be aware of false claims. Always contact your creditors to make sure they have actually agreed to the terms of the plan and that payments have been received. That said a debt management plan is for people that have exhausted other options and are serious about raining in there debt. If you have made the choice to go on a DMP here are some questions you should ask the DMP counselor before you enter into the plan.
Is the debt management plan the only solution that the counselor offered?If it is look for another counselor.
Dose the credit counseling organization offer classes or other resources to help me weather or not I go on the plan?If the organization doesn’t offer other help look else ware for a better counselor that will help you with budgeting and money management skills.
How can you make sure the creditors are paid on time and in the right billing cycle?If a debt management plan is right for you make sure that the creditors are paid before the due date and in the right billing cycle.
For more information and resources on managing your debt and improving your financial life visit:
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