Debt Free

There comes a time in many a debtor’s life when you’ve got to make a decision; if you’re trying to get debt free, is it realistic to think you can get out from under your debt load on your own, or do you need some kind of help? If it’s the latter, what type of credit help should you be looking for. You’ve got several options. You can speak with a law firm that’s a credit repair specialist, or perhaps a non-attorney credit repair specialist would be a better fit. Then again, maybe a money manager would better assist you in eliminating most of your consumer debt and start building a retirement nest egg. There’s always the credit counseling option out there as well. 

Maybe you’re feeling that you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, and you’d just like to declare bankruptcy and start over after a nice vacation in Bermuda for a few weeks. Hell, you could just stay there and do your “Cocktail” impersonation. Sling some drinks, relax for a few years, and stay under the radar. Most, however would rather find a way to get back up on top the financial heap and put away a few bucks at the same time. This is all the more important if you’re responsible for a family. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, with all those responsibilities on your shoulders.

If you decide to forego Bermuda or the Virgin Islands to focus instead on getting your financial house in order, congratulations! You’ll thank yourself for it later. Here are a few of the things you need to keep in mind when making evaluating your credit repair options.
 

1)      Stay close to home – If your credit restoration firm is located in your state (not flustered and anxious), you’ll get two important benefits. The first is that the correspondence will be addressed and postmarked from the same state you live in. Failure to take this precaution can possibly get your correspondence marked as frivolous by the creditor. The second advantage is that you’ll be able to work more closely with them and keep things moving along so your disputes get resolved in a more timely fashion. You know the saying “Out of sight, out of mind.”

2)      Stay Informed – You need to know the tactics they’ll be using in your behalf. Failure in this regard could potentially land you in a bit of hot water with the gendarmes. You don’t want to end up keeping company with a very large man in a very small room for a few months or years. In the eyes of the law, you can be held liable for illegal credit repair tactics used to clear your credit or raise your credit score.

3)      What have you done for me lately? Well, not me, but someone. Get references from the companies you’re considering. Optimally you’ll get references from someone you know, and more importantly, trust. They don’t have to be large firms either. Often you can get fantastic, personalized service with a small company. Some people swear by the small company route. You may not spend the least money in the short run, but in the long run, you could easily come out ahead.

So, make sure you keep the fine points in mind when looking to find debt help.

P.S. - Good job, Serena in your round of 16 win down under!