Debt Settlement Ontario
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Is It Bad to Take a Settlement on Debt
Taking a settlement on debt has both advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on your individual situation. If you need quick cash, some companies will offer you a settlement on your debt that stops the calls for a certain amount of money. This practice is a way to make a deal with a company to pay a fraction of your debt they say you owe. If you are not sure you can pay off your credit card, you can settle the debt for less than the full amount you owe.
If you have bad credit or no credit history at all, settling may be an option for you. You might also consider taking out a loan from one of these companies if you don’t want to take a settlement on your debts. The interest rates on loans like this tend to be higher than what you would get by paying off your own debt. However, there are many benefits to getting a loan instead of a settlement. For example, you won’t have to worry about making payments every month because the loan automatically pays itself off over time. Also, when you apply for a loan, lenders usually give you more information about how much you actually owe before deciding whether or not to approve you for the loan. In addition, most people who borrow money do not end up having their debt settled. Instead, they use the extra funds to help them meet other financial obligations such as rent, bills, groceries, etc.
The Pros Of Settling Your Debts
Pros:
1) Quick Cash – Some companies will allow you to settle your debt in exchange for a lump sum payment. They often require you to sign paperwork agreeing to repay the entire balance within a set period of time. Once you agree to the terms, the company sends you a check for the agreed upon amount.
2) No Interest Payments – When you settle your debt, you stop receiving monthly billings.
3) Less Stress – By avoiding late fees and collection agencies, you avoid stress associated with dealing with creditors.
4) Lower Balance – Since you aren't being charged any additional amounts, you'll likely see your total outstanding balance decrease.
5) More Time To Pay Off – Because you're only required to pay back part of your original debt, you have more time to work towards repaying the rest.
6) Better Credit Score – A lower balance means better scores.
7) Easier Repayment Plan – Many companies will let you choose between different repayment plans based on your income level. These include fixed-rate plans where you pay a specific percentage each month, variable rate plans where you pay a flat fee each month, and graduated plan options which start low and increase gradually until you reach a high point after several years.
8) Avoid Bankruptcy – While bankruptcy isn't always necessary, it's certainly preferable to settling your debt. Most settlements involve a combination of short term financing along with long term repayment plans. With a bankruptcy filing, however, you lose access to future credit altogether.
9) Keeps Creditors From Calling – As mentioned above, once you've taken a settlement, you typically receive fewer phone calls from collectors.
This is especially true if you file for bankruptcy later down the road.
10) Can Be Used On Other Items – If you need cash right away but can wait a few months to make larger purchases, then using a settlement could save you some money.
11) Helps Build Good Financial Habits – One way that you can build good habits is by setting aside a certain portion of your paycheck toward your debt. That way, you know exactly how much you spend without going through the hassle of tracking everything yourself.
12) May Help Save Money Down The Road – Even though you're still responsible for paying off your full balance, you may find that you can afford to buy things sooner rather than later since you now have less debt hanging around.
13) Allows You To Focus On Finances – Settlements generally come with strict rules regarding spending limits. So while you may feel tempted to blow your budget, you should resist those urges. After all, you shouldn't be thinking about finances during the holidays!
14) Doesn't Affect Future Purchases – Unlike a loan, a settlement doesn't affect your ability to purchase items in the future.
15) Is Not Taxable Income – Although you technically earn money when you settle your debt, it's considered taxable income so you won't be able to deduct anything related to it on your taxes.
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What Is Settle Debt Canada
Gord Davis, a mortgage broker, which means that they help people borrow money to pay off debts, purchase real estate, start businesses, buy property, etc. They are also called as Mortgage Brokers or Real Estate Agents.
A mortgage broker helps their clients get loans at competitive rates. This service includes helping them apply for mortgages, refinance existing ones, negotiate interest rates, fees, closing costs, etc.
Mortgage brokers usually charge an upfront commission ranging anywhere from 1% – 6%. However, there are many who offer no up front commissions. Some even provide free services. It’s best to check out reviews online before hiring one.
The most common types of mortgages offered by mortgage brokers are:
1) Fixed Rate Mortgages : In this type of mortgage, borrowers lock themselves into a set payment amount for a specified period of time. For example, a borrower might agree to repay $300 per week over 30 weeks. At the end of the first year, he would owe $3,000; at the end of the second year, he'd owe $4,500; and so forth.
2) Adjustable Rate Mortgages : An ARM allows borrowers to decide whether to keep the initial fixed rate or switch to another higher rate. ARMs often allow borrowers to reduce monthly payments by making extra principal payments.
3) Hybrid Loans: Borrowers use both FRMs and ARMs. When the market value of the home increases, the lender reduces the interest rate on the FRM and raises the interest rate on the ARM. Conversely, when the housing price declines, the reverse occurs.
How Much Does A Mortgage Broker Cost?
There are two main ways to hire a mortgage broker:
1) Paying Up Front Commission: If you choose to go this route, then you will need to pay an upfront fee to cover the cost of processing paperwork, finding lenders, negotiating terms, etc.
2) No-Upfront Fee Option: With this option, you don't need to pay any upfront fees but instead receive a flat fee after completing the process.
If you want to learn more about what a mortgage broker does, read our article here.
Why Should I Hire A Mortgage Broker?
Hiring a mortgage broker could save you thousands of dollars if not tens of thousands of dollars. Here are some reasons why you should consider using one:
1) Lower Interest Rates: Most banks require applicants to complete lengthy applications and submit personal information such as tax returns, credit reports, bank statements, etc. These documents take days to obtain and review. By comparison, a mortgage broker has access to hundreds of preapproved offers within minutes. He/she can contact multiple lenders simultaneously and compare quotes quickly. As a result, you'll likely qualify for better deals.
2) Better Loan Terms: Banks typically give priority to customers who already own homes. But because mortgage brokers work directly with lenders, they can secure lower interest rates and other benefits for buyers who haven't owned a house yet.
3) More Options: Because mortgage brokers have direct relationships with lenders, they're able to find options that aren't available through traditional channels. They may be able to help you finance your purchase in cash rather than taking out a loan. Or perhaps they can arrange financing without requiring a down payment.
4) Save Time & Money: You won't spend hours filling out forms and waiting for approval letters. Instead, you'll simply fill out a short application form and wait for responses. The whole process takes less than half the time it normally requires. And since you've saved money on paperwork, you can afford to buy a bigger place!
5) Get Prequalified Faster: Since mortgage brokers know which lenders are willing to lend to whom, they can start working immediately. That means getting prequalified sooner and saving you valuable time.
6) Avoid Closing Costs: Many people assume that all real estate agents are required to pass along certain closing costs. Not true. While some agents do include these charges in their listing prices, others don't. So if you plan to sell your property yourself, make sure to ask how much is included in the agent's fee.
7) Know Your Rights: Before buying a home, you must understand your rights under federal law. Unfortunately, many consumers don't realize that they have the right to cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
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How Much Can a Debt Be Settled For
If you are unable to pay your debt, you have the option of settling your debt. This means that you are asking the creditor to accept less money than you currently owe. The creditor can either accept or deny your offer.
Debt settlement is a process where a debtor and a creditor come to an agreement. Debt settlements are typically limited to the debt balance, and do not include any fees owing, accrued debt or interest.
The most common types of debts that can be settled are consumer loans, auto loans, student loans, mortgages, medical bills, utility bills, taxes, child support payments, alimony and judgments.
What Are Some Common Types Of Debts That Can Be Sorted Out In A Debt Settlement Process?
Consumer Loans – Consumer loans are usually unsecured loans made by financial institutions like banks, credit unions, payday lending companies, pawn shops, car dealerships, department stores, gas stations, check cashing services, etc. Examples of consumer loans include:
– Credit cards
– Auto loans
– Home equity lines of credit
– Personal loans from family members
– Student loans
Auto Loans – An automobile loan is when someone borrows money against his or her vehicle. It could be used for anything from purchasing a new car to paying off existing debt.
Student Loans – If you took out a student loan while attending college, then chances are good that you will need to settle this type of debt at one point during your life.
Mortgages – Mortgages are loans secured by a borrower’s primary residence. There are two main kinds of mortgages: fixed rate and adjustable rate. Fixed rate mortgages generally last longer than adjustable rate mortgages but both provide borrowers with long term security.
Medical Bills – Medical bills are often referred to as “medical debt”. When you receive treatment for illness or injury, doctors bill insurance providers for those treatments. Insurance pays part of the cost, leaving patients responsible for the rest.
Utility Bill Payments – Utility bills are monthly expenses incurred due to usage of electricity, water, natural gas, telephone service, cable television, internet access, satellite TV, cell phone service, etc. These bills may also include other miscellaneous items such as trash collection, lawn care, pool maintenance, snow removal, etc.
Child Support Payments – Child support refers to court ordered payments made on behalf of children who live with parents who cannot afford them. Most states require custodial parents to contribute financially towards the upbringing of their minor children.
Alimony/Spousal Maintenance – Alimony is paid to help maintain a former spouse after divorce. Spousal maintenance is similar except that it is given to help keep a marriage together.
Judgments – Judgements are legal documents filed by creditors stating that a person owes them money. They are issued by courts of competent jurisdiction. Creditors use judgements to collect unpaid debts.
Taxes – Taxes refer to government imposed levies collected through sales tax, income tax, corporate franchise tax, excise tax, value added tax, etc.
Can I Get My Money Back After Settling With A Collection Agency?
Yes! You should always try to get back what was taken from you. However, there are several things you need to know before doing so.
First, you want to find out whether or not the agency has been sanctioned by the state attorney general. If it hasn’t, then you might still be able to sue the company.
What exactly is Debt Settlement?
Debt settlement, also known as debt negotiation or credit settlement, is when your creditor agrees to accept a reduced payment as full settlement for your debts. It is possible to negotiate a repayment plan with your creditors. But there is a safe way and a not so safe way.
Source: bankruptcy-canada.com
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