Quick Answer: Overwhelming debt requires a strategic approach rather than panic solutions, and there are no direct government debt relief programs available. The expert recommends consulting with debt coach Damon Day to create a personalized plan based on individual circumstances rather than rushing into consolidation companies.
Question:
Dear Steve,
I’m drowning in credit card debt and a personal loan. Like others, living costs are almost impossible, and I haven’t been able to pay minimum balances.
No doubt I get like 30 calls a day and mail. I’m going insane. My score took a plunge, so I can’t get one loan to pay for everything.
The Daily Money Brief — Free, at 10 AM
Money you may be owed, scams to dodge, and the fine print decoded — the consumer money news that affects your wallet, every weekday.
Are there real government programs/loans for people like me? Do you trust consolidation companies, or can a Lawyer help?
Thinking of reaching out to a law firm that deals with debt.
Thank you!
Stacey
Answer:
Dear Stacey,
I hear you. I’ve been there before. It sucks.
Below are some podcasts that can help you find the right mindset to face this battle.
There are no government programs. Well, kind of. Some laws protect you and can eliminate your debt. So, in a way, that could be thought of as being a government program.
The key to beating back your debt is first to get some clarity before you panic to try to eliminate it.
What do I mean by that?
Read How Do I Get Out of Debt Quickly? Change Your Mindset and How to Get Out of Debt. The Honest and Unvarnished Truth.
The best step you can take is to talk to my Debt Coach friend Damon Day. Here is why. Damon will listen to your situation and create an overall plan to deal with your debt based on your circumstances. He has years of experience in understanding debt is not about the debt. More importantly, it is about what steps must be taken to improve your financial future. Unfortunately, when people react to a debt crisis, they are often focused on trying to repair the past, which does more harm than good.
Damon, myself, and everyone else here has got you. So lean on us, and the future will be better.
There is hope. There is help. You are on the right path by coming here.
Know Your Rights: If a debt collector is contacting you, you have legal protections. See the complete list of FDCPA violations collectors commit most often. Use the free Debt Validation Letter Generator to demand proof of the debt, or check this collector’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Dealing With Debt? Before you pay a collector, understand all your debt relief options — including ones the collector won’t tell you about. If the debt feels unmanageable, take the 2-minute bankruptcy quiz to see if the math favors a fresh start. Federal Reserve research shows filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
Is there hope for me to get out of debt?
Stacey, I just answered your question. There is hope.