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debt relief

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Debt settlement hurts your credit score. In other news: Weekly mortgage rates fall, but existing home sales sag, DOJ files antitrust suit against Live Nation/Ticketmaster, and why the disconnect between economic strength and sentiment matters.

Is Debt Settlement a Good Idea?
Debt settlement hurts your credit score, and there’s no guarantee of success. Consider other debt relief options first.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Fall, But Existing Home Sales Sag
In what should be a reassuring display of good timing, mortgage rates fell for the third week in a row — right at the start of homebuying season.

DOJ Files Antitrust Suit Against Live Nation/Ticketmaster
A ticketing debacle in 2022 before Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour sparked federal investigations.

Why the Disconnect Between Economic Strength and Sentiment Matters
Over the past several years, the economy has been remarkable, in a literal sense; there has been a lot to talk about.

Q&A: Lenders were supposed to tell you about pandemic debt relief. What if yours didn’t?

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Dear Liz: I had a problem last year and had no income so I couldn’t pay my bills for three months. I explained the situation to my creditors, but they still put the late payments on my credit reports. I called and sent letters, but it was no good: My credit score dropped to the mid-500s. How can I get the late payments taken off?

Answer: Last year, many lenders offered various kinds of hardship programs because of the pandemic. If you were approved for forbearance, the payments you missed should not have been reported as late. You could dispute the errors at the three credit bureaus (start at www.annualcreditreport.com) and ask the lenders to correct the record.

Unfortunately, lenders don’t always tell customers that forbearance or other hardship programs are available. If you weren’t given the option to enroll when you called to explain your problem, contact your lenders again, in writing, to point that out and request that the late payments be removed from your credit reports.

If a lender refuses to cooperate, consider making a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Q&A: Debt relief offers aren’t all equal. Is bankruptcy a good option?

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Dear Liz: There seems to be an abundance of companies offering debt reduction, debt settlement and debt consolidation programs now. Are there any differences in these programs? Some of these companies offer a program whereby high credit card balances and loans are combined and substantially reduced, and the debtor would make a single payment to said company. What are the pros and cons of this type of program? What would be the effect on the credit history of the debtor?

Answer: If a company is promising to help reduce the total amount you owe, that’s known as debt settlement. Typically, you stop paying your debts and instead make payments to the debt settlement company, which tries to negotiate a deal with your creditors.

Debt settlement can have a substantial negative impact on your credit scores, and you may be sued by creditors that are unwilling to settle. The process can take several years and you may have to pay taxes on any amount of debt that is forgiven, because that’s considered taxable income to you. Once you add in the company’s fees, the amount you save through debt settlement may be less than you expect.

If you’re considering debt settlement, first consult with a bankruptcy attorney (the National Assn. of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys offers referrals), because bankruptcy is often a faster, cheaper and safer way to erase overwhelming debt. The most common type of bankruptcy, Chapter 7 liquidation, typically takes three or four months, stops collection actions, legally erases many types of debt and allows you to begin rebuilding your credit immediately.

If a company is promising to lend you money to pay off your loans and credit cards in full, that’s known as debt consolidation. Debt consolidation can make sense if you can get a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying, the payments are affordable and the loan allows you to get out of debt faster. However, you’ll need to beware of debt consolidation companies that charge large upfront fees or that charge high interest rates. If you have bad credit, you probably would be better off consulting with a nonprofit credit counseling agency than paying high rates for a debt consolidation loan.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: When debt relief does more harm than good. Also in the news: New ways to get more money for your old car, back-to-school tips for avoiding child identity theft, and the top sacrifices made by ‘super savers’.

When Debt Relief Does More Harm Than Good
The behavior has to change, too.

New ways to get more for your old car.
Online buyers make offers in minutes — a safety net for car shoppers wondering what their trade-in is really worth.

Back-to-School Tips for Avoiding Child Identity Theft
Teaching your kids about internet security.

Here are the top sacrifices made by ‘super savers’
Increase your savings by following these tips.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

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Today’s top story: How first-home shoppers can keep a cool head in a hot market. Also in the news: When debt relief does more harm than good, how to make a debt-free switch to cashless payments, and what to know before using buy now, pay later financing.

How First-Home Shoppers Can Keep a Cool Head in a Hot Market
Know what to expect, stick to your budget and priorities, and don’t let anxiety get the upper hand.

When Debt Relief Does More Harm Than Good
There are risks involved.

How to Make a Debt-Free Switch to Cashless Payments
Tracking your spending, using prepaid cards and setting low credit limits can help you avoid debt when you switch to using more digital payment methods.

What to Know Before Using Buy Now, Pay Later Financing
Look for high interest rates and fees.