Archive for the ‘Debt Managment’ Category

Christian Debt Management Companies that Work

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

If you have done any research into Christian debt management companies, you may have been disappointed to find that many are no different from secular debt management companies.  It is true that many companies just use the word Christian to play to your faith, and really do not employ any specific Christian principals.  However, Crown Financial Ministries and Family Life Resources are two companies that can be trusted to give you the best in Christian debt management services.

Both organizations are 501(c)-3 non-profits and both have mission statements and visions that are centered on the Bible and the Christian Faith.  Crown Financial Ministries focuses more on education, and most of their services are free.  In fact, although they are based in Georgia, they try to operate locally through churches and local field offices located around the United States and the world.  Their volunteers train local church staff members to administer their programs, which include youth and adult finance-based Bible study groups, money management seminars, individual budget coaching and video series.  For those looking for immediate resources, their website has a whole host of tools, including article, Bible search tools, money management assessments, and career and personality assessments.

Family Life Resources employs certified credit counselors and has several debt relief programs that help clients get out of debt.  They offer credit report reviews and credit audits to help clients find mistakes on their report or repair poor credit.  They also offer a Debt Freedom Program functions like a debt management program.  Their website is extremely informative and contains detailed information on each of the programs they offer, a welcome change from companies that expect you to sign up before you know what you are getting into.  Although they will offer help and guidance to people from all over the country, many of their programs are only available to Florida residents.

If you are looking for truly Christian-based Christian debt management companies, then turn to Crown Financial Ministries and Family Life Resources.

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How To Find Help for Debt Problems

Monday, January 18th, 2010

If you have decided that your debt problem is overwhelming and more than you can manage on your own, there is a lot of places you can go for help with debt problems. Sometimes choosing someone to help you get out of debt can seem as overwhelming as the debt itself. Look for a legitimate company that offers the services you want and need for your individual financial situation.

There are many debt relief firms with numerous different services and programs. However, some of them are not interested in helping you get out of debt in the way that works best for you. Avoid companies that pay their employees commissions or bonuses to push you into certain programs even if they are not a good choice for you.

Do not consider any firm that has a lot of unresolved complaints or a record of poor customer service. Chances are you will experience the same problems if you work with them that others have complained of. There are also scams out there. Be wary of outrageous promises that are hard to believe. They may just be saying anything to get your money and then will not deliver on those promises. You can check online rating websites and with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and reviews. Ideally, try to get personal referrals – that’s the best way to choose a reputable company with a history of good customer service.

After you’ve settled on a few companies you think you would like to work with, call them and see if they have the programs and services you are interested in. It is a good sign if they are interested in learning more about the details of your situation and offer options to for a plan tailored to your needs. You will be better off with an individualized approach than a one-size-fits-all plan.

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Online Debt Consolidation Quote – How the Right Preparation Leads to the Most Accurate Quote

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Getting a free debt consolidation quote is a good step in the direction of consolidating your unsecured debt and having more manageable monthly payments.  However, before you begin calling companies, there are several things you should prepare to ensure that you get the most accurate information.

First, you need to decide if your consolidation loan will be secured or unsecured.  With a secured loan, your debt is consolidated into a loan that is backed by the equity in your home, vehicle, or some other form of collateral.  These loans tend to have lower interest rates than unsecured loans, but they do require good credit.  If you opt for an unsecured loan, then a debt consolidation company purchases your loans at a discounted rate and then develops a new loan for you with lower monthly payments and a lower or fixed interest rate.  To determine which loan you prefer, you will need to check your credit score and the value of the property or vehicle you can use as collateral.

Next, collect the following information on each of your loans: current interest rate, total balance due, and current monthly payment.  Then, develop a budget that includes each of your unsecured loans, plus all other expenses, including house and car payments, utilities, food, transportation, etc.  With your budget, try to determine the monthly payment you are shooting for with a consolidation loan.  Then, examine your budget to figure out which loans are top priority for a consolidation loan – these may include those with the largest balance, highest interest rate, or highest monthly minimum payment.

Finally, begin researching companies to figure out which ones to call.  You may want to begin with the bank that holds your home or auto loan.  Choose companies that are well-established and have been in business for several years.

With careful preparation, you can ensure that each debt consolidation quote you receive is based on the most accurate information.

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Christian Credit Debt Counseling, What is it and How it Works?

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Although Christian credit debt counseling provides the same basic benefits as secular debt counseling, there are several things that set it apart as specifically Christian in nature.  Understanding those things will help you find an organization that truly shares your faith and has a commitment to helping you become financially sound.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, a truly Christian organization will offer many of its services for free. At the very least, your consultation, and/or first counseling session will be free, and often times the organization will also offer unlimited free budget and credit coaching.  When fees are involved, such as is the case with a debt management plan, the Christian organizations will almost always reduce or waive the fees if they are more than you can manage.  Their goal is to help you become debt free – not to put you further into debt.

Prayer is another component that sets Christian organizations apart from the secular ones.  Your credit counselor may begin a counseling session with a prayer and will often offer to include you in his or her prayers.  The organization may even offer to list your prayer needs on the organizational website so that the entire community can pray for you.

The Bible is featured prominently in most counseling sessions.  The credit counselors may provide Biblical references to money issues to give you a better context for your commitment.  This is something that you will likely never see in a secular credit counseling company.

When you are in a difficult financial situation that tries your faith, it can be a great comfort to work with an organization that is knowledgeable not only in matters of finance, but also in matters of the spirit.  A Christian credit debt counseling service is just that type of organization.

Also see christian consolidation counseling debt

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An Overview of Debt Consolidation

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

A debt consolidation firm can help you determine what type of consolidation is right for your level of debt and financial situation. Debt consolidation is combining several debts into one monthly payment. This is achieved through one of two general ways: loans or debt management programs.

A debt consolidation loan is used to pay off the multiple outstanding debts and then it is in turn paid off in monthly payments. This provides a set interest rate that is usually lower than the interest rates of the multiple debts. One monthly payment instead of several with different due dates is more easy to manage and more convenient. Home owners can get refinance loans or home equity loans, but run the risk of foreclosure and losing their home if they default on the loan. It is also possible to get an unsecured personal loan, but it typically takes a good credit history and requires loan processing fees.

A debt management program is created by a debt consolidation firm or credit-counseling service. You make one monthly payment to the company who then divides it up among the creditors or holds it in an account until there is enough money to pay off a debt completely at one time. Some creditors will agree to decrease interest rates, accept less money if they get it in just one or two installments or waive other fees during the negotiates of repayment. While it may take a few years (typically three to five), you can pay off your debt sooner than doing it on your own and typically pay less working with a firm that is trained to negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

Whatever you think is the best path for you to become debt-free, working with a debt consolidation firm will make sure you understand all your options and help you better understand your financial situation so you can take control of it now and in the future.

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Find Financial Freedom With Christian Credit Card Debt Relief

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Christian credit card debt relief can teach you how to handle your finances and use of credit so that you can not only pay off your current debts but also not find yourself in the same situation in the future. Mounting debts and high interest rates on multiple cards can make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, affecting nearly every aspect of your life. Financial freedom lets you take back control of your money and your life.

Using one of numerous Christian debt relief programs, you are given a re-payment plan to help you pay off your debts at a pace you can manage. It typically takes a few years to be debt-free, but it depends on your financial situation including current debt amount and money available to pay down debt. In tailoring a program just for you, your debts will be simplified into one easy-to-remember monthly payment. Either you’ll get a consolidation loan at a lower interest rate than credit cards, use it to pay off all your credit cards and then make monthly payments toward that new loan. Or you’ll send monthly payments to the company you’re working with and they’ll send the agreed amounts to each creditor. Either way you will no longer have to remember several due dates and worry about late fees or penalties. The lower interest rates will save you money and sometimes the company can even settle your debt for less than the total amount due if the creditor is willing to do that.

As you make your monthly payments, you will also participate in credit counseling and financial education, teaching you what things to do to avoid excessive debt in the future. With Christian debt relief, you’ll not only pay off your debts but enjoy greater financial freedom in the future as well.

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Finding Great Debit Consolidation Companies

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

You know you want to consolidate your debt, but there are so many debit consolidation companies that you don’t know which one to use. Picking one depends entirely on what you need and what you want the company to do for you.

First, make sure that any company you are considering working with is legitimate and reputable. Ask around to see if anyone will share recommendations or bad experiences. This is usually the most reliable way to locate the best ones to work with. Also check with the Better Business Bureau. Too many unresolved complaints can be a red-flag. The internet provides a wealth of information and has reviews on companies and their programs.

Second, find out about the different types of debit consolidation programs they offer and what they entail. Some require counseling and may ask you to cut up your credit cards and/or not apply for any additional credit while you are in the program. Some receive your monthly payment and divide it up among the creditors you owe. Others provide a loan that pays off all your debt in the beginning and then you just make monthly payments on that new loan. Some decrease your interest rate(s) but not your monthly payments while others do both. A good company will walk you through all your options and help you determine what is best for you.

Third, ask about possible additional fees or penalties. Some companies charge an extra fee for their services that may or may not be included in the monthly payments you make. Some loans include a pre-payment penalty, something you want to avoid so you can pay it off early without paying anything extra. There are several free debit consolidation options out there, so you should be able to find one that will work well for you without having to pay any extra fees.

Once you have found a good company to work with and a debit consolidation program you like, be sure to read everything before you sign so you know that it is what they said it would be. Remember, a good consolidation program will make your life easier and less stressful.

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Negotiating Credit Card Debt without the cost of Debt Negotiation Services

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Negotiating credit card debt has become a popular alternative to bankruptcy, but it can be expensive when done through a debt negotiation company. If you are considering this option, you may want to try negotiating directly with your creditors first.

When you negotiate credit card debt, your goal is to end up paying only a percentage of your total balance, once you get agreement from your creditor.  Credit card companies typically only want to settle if you are behind on payments, usually by at least three months.  At that point, they are willing to negotiate debt because they fear that you may file bankruptcy, in which case they would lose all of their money, rather than just a portion thereof.  Creditors are also willing to work with you because you make your settlement payment in one lump sum – this is not a reduced or changed payment plan – so they are guaranteed to get that quantity of money.

Negotiating with your credit card company is as easy as making a phone call to the customer service department.  However, you will need to do a little preparation before you do so.  Begin with figuring out how much you can afford to pay as your settlement.  It should probably be at least %25 of your balance due if you are going to get a positive response from your creditor. Then make sure you have a clear picture of your financial situation – this will make it easier to explain over the phone.

When you do call, speak politely and concisely.  Explain calmly that you wish to pay off your debt and avoid bankruptcy but that you cannot afford to pay the total balance.  As part of your debt negotiation, ask that your account be reported as “paid in full”, or better yet, that your account history is deleted upon receipt of payment. Any other status reported will negatively affect your credit score.

Negotiating your credit card debt yourself can save you money, save your credit score, and get you out of debt.

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Get the most out of Freedom Debt Management

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Getting a debt management plan through Freedom Debt Management is a great step toward becoming debt free.  Freedom Debt Management is a non-profit credit counseling company that will help you consolidate your unsecured debt and pay it off within five years.  Although their credit counselors are there to help you, you will need to put in some preparation and commitment to make the debt management plan successful.

Before your consultation with your credit counselor, you will need to gather several items.  Call all of your creditors and find out your current balance, current interest rate, any outstanding fees, and whether or not your account is delinquent.  You should also know your current household income, the amounts of other loans, such as home and auto loans, and estimates of your other household expenses.

Once at your consultation, be sure to be open and honest with the credit counselor.  Although debt can be embarrassing, withholding information may impact the outcome of your debt management plan and may hinder its success.

Once the debt management plan (DMP) has been initiated, it is up to you to make regular, timely payments each month.  Even if your creditors have previously waived late fees, they will likely be either unwilling or unable to do so once you are on a DMP.  Be sure to check your statements each month to ensure that each creditor is being paid. If you notice that a payment has not been made, immediately contact your credit counselor.  Even if the mistake is not yours, you are still held responsible for those payments.  If you find out that your credit company closes or goes out of business while your DMP is still open, make sure that you contact your creditors as soon as possible, and begin making payments directly to them.  Most will not excuse late payments, even if it is because your credit counseling company has closed.

As long as you prepare well and remain vigilant, Freedom Debt Management can help you become debt free.

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Residential Window Cleaning, Another Great Way to Make Money.

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Residential Window Cleaning:  How to make Easy Money.

If your interested in learning how to make easy money today, we think an easy way for you to make money is window cleaning.  Recently, we wrote about gutter cleaning; cleaning windows is every bit as easy.  We will show you how to get started, what to charge and how to make it a success.
Most window washers make $20 to $50 dollars an hour.  These are the going rates for window washers in my area.

Exterior Windows are $2 to $3.5 per pane.  A regular window has 2 pane, but some have one and some have three or for.  The average house will have 30 to 50 window panes.
Interior Windows are a lot faster and easier to clean.  We typically charge $1 to $2 per pane for interior windows.

There are also some extra services you can add
Window Screen Cleaning, $1 per screen
Chandelier and light cleaning, price depends on size of lights
Skylight cleaning.

Depending on what extras you add to the service, most of your jobs will range in price from $80 to $180 and will take between 3 and 6 hours.  The nice part about this job is that nearly everything you make is profit.

What do you need to get the job done right?
Window Squeegee
Towels
Spray bottles
Cleaning solution
A frame ladder
24 to 28 ft extension ladder
Total cost of materials to start this business: $200 to 240
*You may also need a roof rake

How to advertise?  You can check out small newspapers and put in a cheap add or two. Also you may want to print and run 2,000 flyers door to door.  (Once you get work you can pay others to do this.)

Two other relater services you can advertise on the same flier are gutter cleaning and pressure washing.

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