Credit Card Debt, Bankruptcy, and Debt Settlement

But bankruptcy is not always a good choice

Bankruptcy must strictly be the consumer's absolute last option, because:

1) It stays on your credit report for 10 years and it is challenging to erase it.

2) The stigma of bankruptcy rarely leaves you. Next time you fill out an application to rent an apartment, buy a house, get a job, etc., one of the questions you need to answer will be, "Have you EVER filed for bankruptcy?" Notice that there is no timeline given.

3) More than 60% of those who enter into a Chapter 13 bankruptcy repayment plan fail to complete the repayment program mandated by the court[i].

4) Bankruptcy is expensive, costing upwards of $4,000 or more to file.

Bankruptcy, however, is far better than committing suicide over credit debt. There have been reported instances where consumers have chosen to end their life, as a means of escaping debt [ii]. If you believe that you may be on the verge of harming yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK.

Debt Settlement Companies, a costly way out

There is, though, an alternative to bankruptcy due to credit card debt, known as debt settlement. This is where a consumer negotiates his/her outstanding debt and pay a fraction of the amount owed as full payment. This is also known as debt arbitration, debt negotiation, or credit settlement. Lenders have been practicing debt settlement for thousands of years. However, the business of debt settlement became prominent in America in the late 1980s and early 1990s when bank de-regulation, which loosened consumer-lending practices, followed by an economic recession placed consumers in financial hardships, as is the case today.

Because of the above, Debt Settlement Companies are popping up everywhere, offering to broker the debt negotiation, between the consumer and their creditors, for a fee. However, consumers must be wary of Debt Settlement Companies. Consumers hear their siren song everywhere, whose calling appeal is hard to resist, "Come. We will help you settle your debts for 50 cents on the dollar..." Many consumers have fallen victims to these companies and are often left in a situation far worse than before getting involved with them.

The fact is, these companies cannot do anything for you which you cannot do yourself. Moreover, if you do use a settlement company you are guaranteeing yourself a most difficult journey out of your debt. Regardless of what they may tell you, settlement companies cannot:
1) Stop the collection calls
2) Protect you against law suits
3) Protect you against judgment
4) Settle your debt better than you can

More over, consumers who join debt settlement companies, quit a debt settlement program with these companies usually after four months, and then file for bankruptcy[i] .

According to an MSNMoney magazine article[i], the laws regulating debt settlement companies varies greatly by state, but it's worth noting that 12 states prohibit for-profit debt management. Those states are Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. If you live in one of these states, it is illegal for debt settlement companies to contact you and work with you, even if they're based in another state. Now, some of these companies call themselves "not for profit", such as the debt settlement company called Christian Debt Services. Stay away from this company, and or any debt settlement company.

Debt Settlement on Your Own, The optimal choice

Due to all the above, the optimal course of action, if bankruptcy is in fact avoidable, is to settle your debts on your own. The fact is, you can easily negotiate your outstanding debt and pay a fraction of the amount owed as full payment. The best part is that you will be in absolute control. There many resources on the net you can turn to for help on debt settlement on your own, such as www.johnceesfreedom.com.

Sources sites:
[i] Aleksandra Todorova.August 6, 2007."Debt settlement: A costly escape". [i] May 2010."Debt deception: How Debt Buyers Abuse Legal Systems to Pray on Lower-Income New Yorkers". [ii] "Severe debt can cause depression and even suicide"; http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/debt-depression-and-suicide-1264.php