Free Credit Counseling

Say No To Debt Slavery-Watch This Video

      Here is something very much needed for all my readers. I often speak
about self empowerment. Of course, in my writings, I focus on how
debt freedom leads to self empowerment, which is, of course true. But,
being truly self empowered also leads to other good things in your life. But,
rather than just my usual article, I thought I would provide a more unique
look at how to attain a proper mindset for achieving all your goals in life.

      Because if you can achieve debt freedom, than you can start achieving
in other areas, and reach the fulfillment of the gifts God gave you. Did you know
the bible speaks about money 2,350 times. Yikes! So, it must be important.
You do not attain financial success by being greedy or cuthroat, nor, will you
achieve debt freedom with any type of negative attitude. So, in keeping with
this idea, I present you with the following video. It is an oldie, but goodie.
The speaker is Napoleon Hill, Author of the classic "Think and Grow Rich".

     Please feel free to pass this along to anyone else you may know that
needs a word of encouragement. If you or they needs debt relief help, we
can be contacted at American Debt Enders, or contact the author directly
using the contact information below.

     If you are not currently a subscriber to this Newsletter, please visit:
Free Credit Counseling Blog, and leave your email. Your information is
never shared. Now, Click Here to start the video.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

This article may be reprinted in its entirety provided the signature line is
included, along with this permission line.

How To Read A Credit Report

           Many people may be aware that they can access a free credit report

annually, but few are able to read it properly. So, in keeping with our

mission of helping to empower people to become debt free, we have added

 a Free Credit Report page to our website.

 

            This free credit report not only contains a link to the only legal

website for retrieving a yearly free credit report, but also, gives some tips on

what to expect from it. Many people are not aware that the free report will not

 provide a credit score. If you want the credit score, you have to pay a fee.

          

        Also, most people are unprepared for the sheer volume of the free credit reports.

You can get a free report from all three of the major credit bureaus, Experian,

Equifax and Trans union, and each may well exceed 20 pages. Just the volume

of the free reports is overwhelming.

            

        To help make the reports useful to individuals, American Debt Enders 
 is now offering to help people read the report.

If you need this help, do not hesitate to call us at: 1-877-766-2465.

The service is absolutely free.

 

Written By:

Steven Ciantro

Member National Association of Credit Counselors

American Debt Enders

Help@americandebtenders.com

 

This article may be reproduced in whole provided that the entire subject line

including this permission line is included.

Banks Putting Squeeze On Credit Card Holders

     Recent tightening of the credit markets has caused banks to start putting the
squeeze on credit card holders. In an attempt to limit defaults by credit card holders
credit limits are being dramatically reduced. It does not matter that you are and have
been paying your bills on time. Banks have indicated that they will be lowering credit
limits and changing terms based on economic changes and conditions. Any generalized
perceivedrisk can lower your limits.

     Why is this a problem? Because a sudden lowering of credit limits will effect your
credit score in a negative manner. It's the debt to available credit ratio that will be
effected. Additionally, because the drop in credit limits is so drastic, for example,
what was once a $5,000.00 limit with a balance of 500.00, is being lowered to $550.00.
And, as you pay it down and lower the balance, you will be subject to additional lowering
on a whim, or just a perceived risk.

     The other problem with this, is, if you are not careful, and do not notice the change,
you may use the card and force yourself unknowingly into an overlimit charge, and get
additional fees added on. Most assuredly, instead of being more willing to work with
consumers, once again, and true to form, the banks are finding more creative ways to
both collect more fees and protect themselves from taking a hit. Additionally, if you go
over the limit, you will be facing considerably higher interest rates on what little available
credit you have left. The banks will be merciless in enforcing these rip off fees. Yes, credit card companies do have to inform you that they are lowering your credit limit, just make sure you read
all your mail.

    How about that emergency card you keep active and open but never use,
because you have it reserved for emergencies. If it is truly inactive, do not be
surprised when the bank cancels it. It costs them money to have it inactive.

   In addition, those pre-approved offers you get in the mail, will be seeing a dramatic decline.
Introductory offers at 0%, will be much harder to find, and if you have sub-par credit you will
find it difficult to find a card at a predatory rate. So far, Chase and Discover still have a few
deals.

Information source for this story was: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/10/14/earlyshow/living/money/main4519914.shtml?source=mostpop_story

Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Credit Counselors
American debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com

Original Creditor Suing After Account Charged Off

    Here it comes, another article on creditor lawsuits. You may be asking yourself
why so many articles on this topic? Well, the answer is that if you are in debt then
you are in a war. The more accurate information available to you the more weapons
you have available to win.

   I have seen a great many posts in chat rooms, and other blogs, that is simply not accurate.
This is not good. One particular topic which has been and continues to written about is whether
or not an original creditor can still retain the right to sue you as the original creditor, after a charge off. For example, lets say Capitol One charged off your credit card account for non-payment
180 days after you made your last payment, and it shows as such on your credit report.
Then, out of the blue you are subpoenaed by a law firm, say, for example, Rubin & Rothman,
listing Capitol One as the plaintiff. A number of articles on the internet say that this is fraud
on the part of Rubin & Rothman, because the account has been charged off by Capitol One.

   This assessment is incorrect. Capitol One, unless they outright sell the account for money
to a debt collector, still retains the rights of the original creditor, and can hire a law firm to
collect the debt.

   So, if you find yourself in this situation, and you have already been served a subpoena,
make sure you answer it. Please visit the Creditor Lawsuit Resource Page  of the American Debt Enders website.

   We like comments, so please feel free to post one.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com

This article may be reproduced in full provided the entire signature line is used, including
this permission line.

Handling Creditor Lawsuits

     People in debt need serious advise and help in this area. While I am not an attorney
and cannot offer legal advice, I can certainly point you to legal resources to help and
empower you as to how to handle a lawsuit brought about because you defaulted on a
credit card.

    Obviously, you defaulted because you did not have the money to repay according to the
original terms you agreed to. And if a lawsuit is instituted against you, it is most likely
because you could not come to terms with the creditor or the creditors attorney's. People like
Rubin & Rothman, Capitol One, and on and on. So, when you are first notified that the debt
is in the hands of a collector, or collectors attorney, and talking to them has failed to resolve
the matter in an affordable manner, you can significantly slow things down by requesting a debt validation. Click here for samples of a debt validation letter. A well written validation letter,
can buy you a great deal of time and maybe even can make the debt go away, if the creditor 
cannot produce the required information.

    If the validation is answered, and you are served a subpoena, then simply answer it.
The civil clerk's office of the courthouse where you were sued, can give you everything you
need to file an answer to a subpoena from a creditor. It is not complicated, and it puts the
ball back in play by you. Once you file an answer, the creditor looses the ability to use heavy
handed scare tactics, because your case will most likely go to mediation. This will take time.
You can during this time, save up some money, if possible, to go to the mediation equipped
to get a fair settlement. If, the amount of the suit is to great, it will give you time to find
a lawyer who specializes in Creditor and consumer lawsuits. This is very important. The attorney you
hire, must be skilled in this area, or, you are waisting your time. These specialists, often do
not charge huge fees, and can work wonders in terms of helping you, because they know the law,
and, are most likely known to the creditors and there attorneys.

   Some additional points. Whatever you do, do not ignore any correspondence you receive
from a creditor, even if it comes registered mail. You are better off dealing with the issue.
Do not let a debt collector intimidate you, document in writing all conversations you have with them.
If possible, record the conversations. If they violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and you
can prove it, you may be able to offset your debt with monetary damages against them.

   It is a sad day when a debtor who has a life crises that does not permit them to adhere
to the original terms of a credit card agreement, cannot find cooperation from the creditor.
The same creditor who is charging you outrageous fees and interest to begin with. Please do not
misunderstand, I am all for personal responsibility. But I am also a believer in morality and ethics.
If your creditor will not do the right thing by cooperating in trying to reach a manageable payment
agreement with you, then by all means, you need to pull out all the stops when defending yourself.
  
  If everyone in this situation fought back hard, I believe we could change the way usurious creditors and there hired guns operate. Think about it, when the banks experienced a monetary crises
they cried like babies for a federal bailout, however, when you experience a legitimate crises,
they look to nail you to a wall, rather then cooperate with you. Arm yourself, and win the battle.

This article does not constitute legal advice and cannot be used as a substitute for same.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
www.AmericanDebtEnders.com
Help@americandebtenders.com

This article may be reproduced in its entirety provided the signature line including this permission line are included.

Free Budgeting Software

      American Debt Enders has been giving away Free Budgeting Software to all subscribers
of our Free Credit Counseling Newsletter. We have found a new one that is truly easy to use,very comprehensive and you can change any of the categories.

      Before I give you the link to make the required very simple download, I would like to
say a few words about our current economic times. If you have been a long time subscriber you know that my prognostications speak for themselves, and the accuracy of my comments can be readily proven by reading some of my past posts. We are headed for even harsher times. I have no desire
to be overly dramatic, however, anyone who thinks any of our leaders are capable of handling any type of global economic crises is dreaming. And, make no mistake, the crises is global.

     Couple the economic problems with the actions of the enemies of freedom around the world
and it's easy to see that we are living in unparalleled times. All this to say that if you are to survive them, and at least minimize the effect on you and your family, you need to get your own financial
house in order. If you need debt settlement, do it, if you need debt management, do it, and if you
are not budgeting so that you know where all your money is going, visit: Budget Now, and download the software by scrolling down to "Free Excel Budget Template". 

    Use it to start tracking where your money is going and get yourself lean and mean in terms
of your finances.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders

This article may be reprinted in full provided that the entire signature line is used including this permission line.