According to the Bureau of Labour Statistic data, over 40% of Americans expect the Coronavirus pandemic to affect them more than the 2008 crisis. The statistics explain why more debt relief companies are more open to help people with unmanageable debt to find relief.
Credit relief programs can save you from constant creditors calls and a damaged credit score. The companies are ready to negotiate for lower interests, extended repayment periods, and reduced monthly repayments.
Credit relief programs are effective only if you realize your current financial situation and set a realistic goal towards debt relief. Financial institutions and debt relief companies want to have a clear picture of your current financial status before they commit to help you.
Debt relief is a strategy that allows you to negotiate for manageable loan repayment( personally or through a debt relief company). The plan satisfies the creditor as it guarantees that he will get his money owed back.
When to consider debt relief
Here are some indicators that it is time for you to reach out to enroll in a credit relief program:
- If you spend more than 30% of your credit score consistently
- If your debt exceeds 43% of your gross income
- If you rely on new credit cards to pay off credit card debt
- When the debt puts a strain on your finances and emotions
Influence of debt relief program on your credit score
The credit score is calculated based on timely payments, the amount owed, new credit, types of credit used, and length of credit. When you enroll in a debt relief program, it works positively or negatively when you approach other lenders. Somelenders consider it a positive step towards taking charge of your finances, while the note will put others off.
After joining a debt relief program, your credit score will go down due to late payments and the type of program you enroll.
However, paying off debt and making consistent payment influences 65% of your credit score. Working with debt relief companies helps you to improve these two factors.
Here are some more ways on how joining a debt relief program influences your credit report.
Length of credit history
The length of credit history is the time you have had credit from the same lender. Unfortunately, the credit history is interfered with if the debt relief company asks you to close some accounts.
However, if you have a good credit history with the cardthat remains, it can save your credit report. Use the card to prove that, indeed, you are creditworthy.
Timely payments
The purpose of credit relief programs is to negotiate manageable monthly loan installments. It also equips you with financial habits that help to improve your credit score. At first, your credit score might be negatively affected, depending on the program you choose, but in the end, your credit score will be attractive.
The change is because the credit relief companies encourage you to make on-time payments every month, improving your score. Also, the company negotiates for manageable monthly installments so, paying the debt becomes less burdensome.
Amount owed
Credit card companies discourage their clients from using more than 30% of their available monthly credit: credit utilization. However, if you seek debt relief help, you may end up closing some cards to cut down your spending.
The problem arises if you cannot maintain monthly credit card debt payments. After some time, the debt soars and becomes unmanageable. This messes up with your credit score.
However, as you start working with a credit card relief specialist, you realize the need to cut back on your monthly credit card spending, which lowers your monthly debt. By the time you pay off the credit card debt, you will have a good credit score.
Debt relief plans include:
- Debt management – You work with a debt relief specialist to identify strategies that can help you manage your debt. The strategies include coming up with a plan to pay all your debts within a specific time.
- Debt settlement – A debt relief company negotiate a lower debt for you with your creditor
- Bankruptcy – Here, you involve a bankruptcy lawyer, and you go for court proceedings. If you prove your case, the court forgives you of the existing loans, and creditors cannot ask for the money owed from you.
- Debt consolidation – It involves consolidating all your debts into one debt. You can either take out another loan or use one credit card consolidation loan to pay off the other loans. The program guarantees lower interest rates.
Conclusion
Enrolling in a debt relief program does not affect your credit score but, other aspects of the program affect the score. Closing accounts, changes in utilization rate, timely payments, and reduced debt affect your credit score positively or negatively.
However, the negative influence is for a short time. As long as you make a timely and consistent payment, your credit score will be high by the time you pay off your debt.
