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Using "Do It Yourself Debt Settlement"

Things to consider before you try to do it yourself

Can you negotiate your own settlements? The short answer is yes.  But, before you start calling your creditors asking for settlements, consider the following:

1.  Debt collectors are a manipulative bunch.  They can be stubborn, aggressive, and very convincing.  They have a lot of tactics and tricks and will have you sending payments just to keep them from disrupting your life.  They can be very intimidating and make you feel like you are the scum of the earth for not being able to pay them.

2.  They play games.  On one of my accounts, they called my parents and after a brief conversation, asked them to convey a message to me and said "he will know what it's about".  How slimy is that?  Obviously my parents had no idea that I was in financial trouble and I want it kept that way.  I explained it was simple misunderstanding.  This is a common tactic, but it is against the law for them to disclose the nature of the call.

3.  You will need to know the finer points of negotiation.  Credit card companies and other creditors simply will not give you a substantial amount off your balance by you just asking.  There will be hard questions to answer and you will not get the best settlement possible right away.  It takes skill to negotiate a win-win agreement.  

4.  Each creditor has it's own way of handling delinquent accounts.  Some will accept a 30% settlement, while some will accept no lower than 65% of the balance owed.  Others will not even talk to you if you offer to settle until your account has gone to a collection agency.   Do you take the first offer? or maybe the second one?  Will there be a second one?  Should I hold out another few months, or will it be too late and will it be heading to the courts? How long should I play the back and forth game? 

If you are considering trying to do it yourself, you will have to find out the answers as you go along.  Getting a satisfactory settlement is not impossible, but it is difficult, aggravating, and time-consuming.
 

 

I simply did not have the time nor the expertise to deal with these questions.  Plus, I wanted the maximum discount possible.  So after careful research I chose to hire someone to do this for me.

 

Hiring a reliable debt settlement company is an easy step, but an extremely important one.  Get all the tips and information you need here.

Hoffman, Brinker & Roberts is an experienced and professional debt resolution company specializing in debt settlement services for individuals and businesses.  They are highly personal and have an lengthy track record of obtaining excellent settlements for their customers.  They offer free in-depth consultations.  I highly recommend this company based on my own positive personal experience.

Related Resources

Answering the Critics of Debt Settlement
The critics of debt settlement will only tell you half the story. Get the real answers to common myths that some of the "experts" try to push on you.

Will Debt Settlement Affect My Credit Score?
Learn the real truth - you will be pleasantly surprised - and probably relieved!

The Truth about Debt Settlement and Tax Liability on Cancelled Debt
Most people who settle their debt will not have to pay tax on the forgiven amount. Learn why here.

About Debt Settlement
Learn more about the benefits of debt settlement, how it works, and how it may help you avoid bankruptcy and get out of debt, as well as reducing your stress level!

My Settlements
Look here to see how much I saved by avoiding bankruptcy and using debt settlement.

Find a Reliable Debt Settlement Company
Get recommendations  and learn how to identify how a good settlement company works and a look at why hiring a professional might help.

Debt Settlement vs Debt Consolidation
Learn the differences and how to choose the right solution.

Debt Settlement Process
The settlement process can be tricky, but it's all explained here.  Learn what types of debt qualify for settlement and how and when your creditors will cut you some slack and free you from a big chunk of your debt.

Do It Yourself Debt Settlement
Information on how to handle your delinquent accounts with your creditors by yourself.

Dangers of Do It Yourself Debt Settlement
There are a few things to be aware of when you attempt to settle your debts yourself.  Educate yourself before you make the call.

Debt Settlement Frequently Asked Questions
Here you'll find a bunch of answers to your questions on debt settlement.  Answers about fees, taxes and credit score implications to tips on hiring the right settlement firm, they're all answered here.

Why I Chose Debt Settlement
These are the reasons that it was my choice to kick off my journey out of debt.

Benefits of Hiring a Debt Settlement Company
Skilled negotiators at settlement companies can save you time and the hassle of negotiating settlements and can often land you much better settlements that you can do yourself.

Debt Settlement vs Bankruptcy
Learn the differences and why debt settlement is a better choice.

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