Posts Tagged ‘debt relief’


Is it worth consolidating your debts?

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Trying to deal with a wide range of debts can be difficult at the best of times, but in the current financial and economic climate many people are experiencing real difficulties when it comes to keeping on top of debt repayments. Over the past couple of years many people have built up a range of debts, such as overdrafts, credit cards, store cards, personal loans, and more, and this has left them facing real financial problems.

Those that decide to take action to try and address their debts do so in a variety of ways, as there are a number of options that are open to those that need to sort out their debt issues. Some people who have no hope of being able to repay their debts may opt for solutions such as bankruptcy, Individual Voluntary Arrangements, Debt Relief Orders, and debt management plans.

There are also people who have a variety of debts, but do not want or need to take such drastic action as insolvency or debt management solutions, which could ultimately make their financial future difficult in terms of being able to get credit and finance in the future. For many of these people one effective solution is to consolidate their debts in order to reduce costs and minimise on hassle, and without taking any risks with their financial futures.

Consolidation is not the answer for everyone. For example, for those who have poor credit histories and scores the chances of being able to get an affordable consolidation loan – or any consolidation loan – may be slim to none. Also, those that are severely overstretched on their finances may find that the reduction in monthly cost from having a consolidation loan may not actually be of any real help, as their budgets are still overstretched.

For those that feel that they could comfortably continue making repayments if they wrapped up their other debts with a consolidation loan this could be the ideal solution. In addition to possibly cutting the amount paid out on debts each month these loans will enable borrowers to cut the hassle of having to deal with a variety of debts and creditors, giving them the convenience of having just one creditor and repayment to manage.

For those that do decide to opt for a consolidation loan to bundle their various debts into one it is important to remember that the interest rates, repayment periods, and terms can vary from one provider to another, so it is well worth taking the time to compare different loans and lenders before making any decision.

Tags: debt, debt relief, finance, debt consolidation

Those in debt should consider IVA over bankruptcy

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

These days there are many people that are in debt over their heads, and for many of these people repaying the debt is pretty much impossible. In some cases consumers that are unable to meet their financial obligations do not really know the options that are available to them, and some launch straight into the bankruptcy procedure without looking at any alternatives.

However, one industry expert has recently claimed that those with a relatively high level of unsecured debt who cannot make repayments could do far better by considering an IVA, or Individual Voluntary Arrangement, as this could provide a number of benefits over other possible solutions such as bankruptcy or Debt Relief Orders.

The advice came from Pat Boyden, personal insolvency expert at PricewaterhouseCoopers, who said that one of the main reasons why an IVA could prove so beneficial compared to the other options was because this was a plan that provided far more structure for those in debt, enabling them to both improve their own finances over a period of time and return at least some of the money that they owe to creditors.

IVAs are known as a softer alternative to bankruptcy, and should not be entered into lightly or without thought. However, for those that really are struggling with a large amount of unsecured debt with a number of creditors these plans can provide structure and financial relief.

Boyden stated: “A massive 35,682 people entered into personal insolvency in the first three months of 2010, showing that the record number of personal insolvencies reached last year is showing no signs of slowing as the UK economy comes out of recession. The UK consumer continues to struggle with personal debt and will do for some time yet.”

Tags: debt, bankruptcy, finance, debt relief, individual voluntary arrangement, Personal finance

Debt relief orders could make bankruptcy too easy

Saturday, May 10th, 2008

In April of next year the government are introducing Debt Relief Orders, and these orders are a way for low income borrowers with debts to declare themselves bankrupt online without having to go near a bankruptcy court or deal with the traditional hassles of filing for bankruptcy. However, there are concerns amongst some officials that DROs could make it too easy for consumers to escape their debts, and that the system is open to abuse. (more…)

Tags: debt relief, debt

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