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Should I Do Debt Settlement or Get a Debt Consolidation Loan?

Question: Dear Steve, I’m trying to decide if I should use a debt settlement company for a consolidation loan. If you have an excellent payment history and now you’re deciding to settle those debts, would it be better to consolidate them and pay them off in full or get a settlement company to settle them? …

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I Was a Bait and Switch Debt Relief Sales Person

For years now I’ve written about debt relief companies that have used the personal loan mailers as a way to make the phone ring and then sell them some sort of debt settlement, debt relief, or modification service. Commissioned or otherwise incentivized salespeople get those leads and then attempt to close the sale or manipulate …

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Rapid Reader Questions – Bankruptcy, Collection Agent, IRS, Student Loans

Things will be okay.

Q: What happens if you don’t file bankruptcy but still have credit card debt or loans at the bank? A: You owe them. Q: A collection agency sent my debt to a lawyer with a court date do I have to acknowledge it? A: No, but you will then lose by default. Q: Do I …

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What Are Personal Loans Used For?

Even the savviest budgeter occasionally runs into a circumstance they’re simply unprepared for, which is where a personal loan may come in handy. Common personal loan uses include covering an unexpected medical expense or home repair or even managing existing debt. Borrowing money vs. paying cash isn’t ideal, but if you need cash ASAP and …

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Why Are the Advertised Consolidated Loan Rates Different That the Ad?

Interest Rate

Question: Dear Steve, At the advertised numbers, I would have consolidated. What happened to the advertised rate? Bill Answer: Dear Bill, I’m not sure exactly what advertised numbers you are speaking about, and normally a question so short would not make it to the site to be answered, but you bring up a great teachable …

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I Want to Lower My Overall Interest Rate With a Debt Consolidation Loan

Question: Dear Steve, I have a good credit score and am paying $4k a month in credit card payments (paying over the required amount), with exceedingly high-interest rates. It makes sense to consolidate all cc debt with a lower interest rate. Right now, I feel like I’m throwing away money. I get mailers every day …

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