Free Credit Counseling

Tidbits Of Knowledge To Stay Debt Free

I am going to take a slightly different approach in this newsletter edition. Instead of giving you a lot of information about one subject, I am going to provide multiple tidbits of information you generally will not get anywhere else.

Are Banks The New Pay Day Loan Providers?

Consumer reports released an online report showing how Banks are taking in billions of dollars in new income from new much higher overdraft fees on Debit cards. Thanks to the way Washington offers consumer protection, recently passed legislation requires that banks notify you and ask if you want overdraft protection, rather than automatically enrolling you, and charges have increased from 5.00 per covered transaction to 35.00 dollars per transaction. Yes, that means every time they pay a Debit card charge against uncleared funds of even one dollar, they can chrge you 35.00 additional. Since a vast majority of consumers opted for the protection, the banks brought in an additional 32 Billion dollars just last year, (2011). You can frankly borrow money at a payday loan company cheaper. Want to avoid getting ripped off? Here are three ways to do it: 1-Simply decline overdraft protection. (Make sure you monitor carefully if you do this). 2-Try linking your bank accounts, so you can quickly transfer money. Just be sure you know how much they are going to charge you per transfer. 3-Sign up for "Alerts" so you always have enough cash in the account.

Do Not Let A Short Sale Ruin Your Credit

Previously, if you were under water on your mortgage, or owed more than the house was worth, and you got the bank to agree to a short sale, your credit would be ruined. However, thanks to a new piece of legislation, if you need to do a short sale and the bank agrees, if you have been making all your payments on time, then your credit will not be effected. Important: This only applies if all your payments have been made on time.

Thanks for reading, this FREE Credit Counseling Newsletter is brought to you by American Debt Enders where their is never a charge for Credit Counseling on ways to relieve debt.

Written By
Steven Ciantro
American Debt Enders
Credit Counselor
Talkshoe Radio Host
Help@americandebtenders.com
Gail Kasper Official Debt Expert
877-766-2465

Free Credit Counseling-Real Ways To Earn Extra Cash

OK, so it is a bit off topic, but for good reason. Isn't everyone in need of extra cash sources that are not a scam or just absolutely looking to take your money? While doing research for this article, I discovered that people have actually paid down very large debt by using some of these techniques. So, why not you. Consider this my Christmas gift to all of you.

I have found the ultimate, legitimate website for those of you ready to put in just a little time and effort, and start earning extra cash. This site will not make you rich. But, it can definitely make you a few hundred extra dollars per month.

So, rather than overload you with 101 ways to get cash, or Ways to get cash fast, I have found what I believe to be a very focused site, that is easy to use and will definitely help you to make extra cash.

The site is self explanatory, so without further adue, here it is: EARN EXTRA CASH.

If you enjoyed this article and are not currently a subscriber to this FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER, please click the aforementioned link and simply leave your email address. We never share your information, and it is a free subscription that will help you to become self empowered.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
877-766-2465
Help@americandebtenders.com

American Debt Enders Begins Talkshoe Radio Broadcasts

Hello loyal readers. We would like to announce that we have begun public Talkshoe broadcasts. For those of you not familiar, each episode features one specific topic of Debt Relief in an in depth manner. Each episode will be available for listening at The Debt Freedom Show.

The firt two episodes have already been completed and posted for listening. Some of the broadcasts are and will be posted on the American Debt Enders website on the web page that deals with that broadcasts particular issue. Each of the episodes is hosted by myself, Steven Ciantro. on behalf of American Debt Enders. The first episode covers an introduction to American Debt Enders, who we are, and why we are different. Episode 2, also completed covers everything you need to know about a Personal Debt Management and non-profit credit counseling.

At some point in the near future we will be scheduling shows in advance and sending invitations out, and posting the show calendar on the website so those interested can call in and chat live with me.

You can also subscribe, by visiting Talkshoe and typing in TalkShoe Radio and type in the search bar American Debt Enders.

If you know anyone who might benefit from these broadcasts please feel free to pass this on to them.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
American Debt Enders
Certified Credit Counselor
877-766-2465
help@americandebtenders.com

American Debt Enders Now Offering Unique Debt Relief Consolidation Loans On Website

It seems recently we have been flooded with telephone inquiries from people who are trapped by multiple Pay Day Loans, looking desperately for relief. Unfortunately, the standard non-profit credit counseling program, and debt settlements programs are simply not well suited to provide the relief needed.

As a company that prides itself on providing self empowering solutions for debt relief, our team went to work to find a solution for the pay day loan problem. We have found an outstanding program that fits the model of our corporate and personal philosophies of "people helping people", and here it is: Prosper Loans. Simply click on the link, or visit the ADE website at Debt Relief Consolidation Loans.

The basis of this company, which provides debt consolidation personal loans up to 25,000 dollars, is that the loans originate from consumers who are looking for a better way to earn money on their money. So, each investor, funds part of your requested loan at a set interest rate, and receives a much better return on their money then they can get elsewhere. Because the loans are funded by more than one investor, no single person is totally exposed to loss, and they can feel that they are helping another person, while profiting themselves.

While they make a great many loans for the purpose of debt consolidation, you can apply for a loan for other reasons, such as, an upcoming wedding.

While the original application process does require things like, credit score, proof of income etc., Prosper uses its own rating system to evaluate your credit worthiness, and once you have successfully received and paid back one loan, continuing to do business with them, becomes much easier.

Well, there you have it, short and sweet. If you enjoyed this article, and are not currently a subscriber to this newsletter, you may do so by visiting: FREE Credit Counseling Newsletter scrolling down the page and leaving your email address. We do not ever share your information.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

Free Credit Counseling-The future Of The Housing Market, What You Need To Know

If you have been a subscriber to this FREE Credit Counseling Newsletter for any period of time, and I must say it is a bargain, then you know that from time to time we offer our prognostications regarding things economic, and how they will effect you where you live. If you look back at earlier articles, you will see that any time we have made a forecast, we have not been wrong, not a single time.

So, we came across this article about housing entitled 20% Drop In Housing To Cause Recession In 2012, Says Gary Shilling. You can read the entire rticle and view the video simply by clicking on the link. The future for real estate is very bleak. I hope that is direct enough to get your attention. I personally know individuals who think they are financial geniuses and are investing and buying real estate thinking that they are going to make a killing when this market turns around. I feel sorry for them. If you are buying real estate because you can rent it and get a cash flow, that is one thing. If you are buying because you believe their is going to be a huge turnaround coming, I urge you not to do it.

Lets just look at this from a common sense vantage point. If you ever just kept your eyes open in recent past years, their was a time when a property that was foreclosed on was scooped up in a lightening flash. Try this same exercise now, just notice the next time you see a for sale sign on a foreclosed home, how long it just sits their with nothing happening. Whether or not the property is in a good neighborhood or not makes little difference. It still just sits their. This was absolutely unheard of in recent years. The norm was for people to trip over themselves making offer after counter offer to try to purchase it. Is this not true?

Interest rates are extremely low now. I mention this because if you have good credit, you could purchase one of these foreclosed properties with attractive financing , and use it as a rental. Even that's not happening.

I feel I can safely say that what is coming economically, is going to make the past few years look like a boy scout jamboree. We have completely incompetent leaders, and are in large part a society that has completely lost its moral compass.

Do I have an answer? The point of this article is not to provide an answer, like all the talking heads out their. I can however offer advice to you. This is no time to allow yourself to be saddled with debt.

If you are living with debt it is high time to get rid of it. You have options. If you are motivated you can even do it without enrolling in a structured Credit Card Consolidation, or Debt Settlements program. But, you must be disciplined. If you would like to discuss your options visit Personal Debt Management.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

FREE CREDIT COUNSELING-Here Is A Free Gift To All Of Our Readers

OK, so it's summer. and I am sure no one feels like reading anything heavy. So, we thought it might be nice to give all our loyal subscribers a well deserved free gift, t let you know how much we appreciate you.

Here it is: A Free, No Strings Attached, No Gimmicks, 3 Day, 2 Night Vacation Voucher for two, to any one of 30 locations, at top flight hotels only. This promotion is done through Veretekk and The Travel Channel. You just need to fill out the form, select a location, and you can print the Voucher. It will only take you 30 seconds to answer the survey questions, no one will call you, the information only comes to us, and you might receive some interesting emails as a result of filling out the form, which you can opt out of at any time. Your information will not be shared with anyone, we promise.

So, go ahead and visit FREE VACATION VOUCHER and fill out the form, and enjoy the get away. Yes, it is really that simple.

Remember, if you need FREE CREDIT COUNSELING feel free to call us at: 877-766-2465

Have A Great Summer!

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
877-766-2465

FREE CREDIT COUNSELING-What Constitutes A Violation Of The "FDCPA"? and what can you do about it.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act may be one of the best consumer protection laws ever written. Passed in 1977, the reason for passage may surprise you though, it was due to a dramatic increase of Bankruptcies, filed by consumers who saw no other way to stop creditor harassment. So much for altruism. Regardless, the law still protects many consumers from collection harassment today.

So, here is the big question. What exactly constitutes creditor harassment under the law, and what specific things would an Attorney look for, if he or she was going to file a suit against a collector for violations of the act?

To keep it simple I will provide the list and follow each item by a brief explanation. Here is the list:
- Discussed my debt situation with someone besides me.
This is a big no no. The law states that a collector may call someone he or she believes may know your whereabouts only 1 time. They may not under any circumstances say why they are asking for your whereabouts, period. That means they cannot say things like, Do you know where your dead beat neighbor is? -

Called before 8am or after 9pm.
This one is pretty self explanatory. -

Called me at work.
This one requires further clarification. If the debt collector calls you at work, they may not say why they are calling to anyone else. If you tell the collector, that you cannot receive these calls at work, then if they still call you their, then they have violated the act. If the collector sends you something in the mail at work, it must be narked personal and confidential, it must not say "this is an attempt to collect a debt". -

Harassment, abuse, profanity, threat of violence
Believe it or not, their are still some individuals out their who will use threats, and profanity,and intimidation tactics to get you to write a check to them. Any type of what I would call heavy handed tactics are against the law. These include but are not limited to, we will report you to the police, have you arrested, are sending the Sharif over, and plenty more, just use your imagination. -

Claimed to be an attorney or represent an attorney
This one is interesting because I am sure, some of you have received collection letters that read like they are from an Attorneys office, or an actual Attorney. Then, somewhere in small print say that no attorney has reviewed the case or matter. This is because a debt collector, someone who may have purchased your debt, is trying to collect, no real Attorney is involved, at that point. If they do not put the disclaimer on, then you can go after them. -

Claimed to represent a state or federal agency.
Yes, some collectors still do this. -

Threatened me with arrest or imprisonment for non-payment
This violation usually comes from a waco who has been hired by a debt collector on some type of commission structure, and is really just an out and out despicable person. It is definitely a violation. -

Threatened to take illegal action.
This one is pretty much covered above. -

Accused me of committing a crime for not paying my debt
It is not a crime to not be able to pay your debts. Things happen, that even the best intentioned individuals cannot avoid. -

Accepted post dated checks.
This is an old boiler room tactic. They put pressure on you, then give you an out, by getting you to write post dated checks. The proper approach would be for them to draft an agreement with you, in which you agree to pay x dollars per whatever period, then if you default they are back to square one. Acceptance of post dated checks is against the FDCPA, and considered an abusive practice.

Sorry this post is so lengthy but you need the facts. Here is the the bottom line. If you believe you have been a victim of these violations by a Debt Collector, then you absolutely, should take them to court. You do not need a lawyer, you will just need the best documentation you can muster. You can bring suit for each violation, of 1000.00 dollars per occurrence.

As a final note, their is a Debt Settlements program that actually provides an expert FDCPA Attorney to sue on your behalf, for the above violations, while you are in the Settlements program. And, if they recover damages, you get half the money.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to subscribe to our FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER.

As a final note, I have to let you know that I am not an Attorney, nor do I play one on TV. This article is for Legal Information Only.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
877-766-2465
help@americandebtenders.com

Free Credit Counseling|So You Like Being In Debt After All.

If I showed you a way, Yes you, If I showed you the debt ridden consumer a way to lower your current credit card interest rates to single digits, and pay off that 40,000 dollars of credit card debt, in five years or less, and improve your credit at the same time, you of course would just jump at it, right? Well, apparently wrong!

Recent studies by the National Foundation For Credit Counseling show that despite a phone number being printed on all 500 million credit card statements that were received by consumers in the past two years, very few indeed, have ever called a credit counseling agency, to reduce interest and pay off the debt, or seek any type of debt help.

How do I know this is true? Lets use a real life example. Very recently, I was contacted by a person in debt, to the tune of 40,000 dollars, Double digit interest, etc. for a Free Credit Counseling Session After listening to her rave and rant about how criminal the banks are, I calmly explained that a Personal debt management program with the most highly rated non-profit program in the country, would save her a not so small fortune, by giving her an actual quote.

After seeing the quote, she had plenty of questions. She wanted to know why the interest rates dropped to 10.25% average, and not single digit. Mind you, that was from 15%. One of her accounts was with a credit union. Credit Unions are non-profit themselves, and generally, will not give even lower interest than the person already has. She insisted, that I send her the official policy about this, in writing! Saving, tens of thousands of dollars, was not enough for her, because this would take away her ability to rave and rant about the big bad banks.

After taking an hour of my time, and having all her questions answered, she did not even have the courtesy to get back to me and explain why she was not going to do the program.

So, is it any wonder that people are not calling for debt help, until it is almost to late, and they are choking on their own debt, and the only solution winds up being either Bankruptcy, or Debt Settlements.

So, for those of you, who might be reading this, and realize how foolish this all sounds, and you are ready to dump your debt, do by all means feel free to call us, for a free consultation to see what can be done.

To the rest of you, enjoy your debt.

Written By
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

FreeCredit Counseling| What To Expect From A Debt Settlement Program

For the millions of consumers who will enroll in a Debt Settlement program at some point after reading this article, I am about to give you the best explanation you will ever get about what to expect, and how to get the most out of the program.

First, and this is important, you do not belong in a debt settlement program unless you cannot pay the minimum payments on your credit cards. You should always try a non-profit credit card consolidation program first, to see if your payments will go down to an affordable level.The odds are
your interest rates will go down, but not your payments, unfortunately, this is just the way it is.

Once you have received a quote from a credit counselor, and determined that it will not work for you, then by all means move ahead with the settlement program, look at a bankruptcy. Since this article is about debt settlement, we will speak about bankruptcy in  another article.

In October of 2011, the FTC changed the debt settlement rules to better protect consumers from rip off companies. Now, their is whats called no upfront fee debt settlement, which is where no one gets paid fees until each settlement is completed. If you drop out of the program before any settlements have been made then you get your money back. You should also be aware that if you hire an actual debt settlement attorney, and meet face to face with him, he is allowed to charge fees as an attorney, while he is working on your settlements.

OK, so, lets say you have selected a debt settlement company, and your program has started. You should have been made aware of some critical facts, by the counselor who enrolled you.
One, your creditors are not getting paid each month, and are not going to be happy. You will continue to receive negatives on your credit report, and the robot auto dialer calls from the equally robotic commissioned debt collectors will continue. So, take a deep breath,and know this is the norm for this type of program. While the calls are very annoying, you are under no legal obligation to speak with a debt collector. If you are represented by a debt settlement attorney, then he may be able to slow the calls, or even stop them.

How long it will take until your debts are settled, depends in large portion how long your settlement program is. Always, the shorter the better, in other words, a two year program is better than a three year program, etc. While you are in the program, be very careful who you take advice from. Generally, you do not want to listen to what I call, the "talking TV heads", of finance. They generally know absolutely nothing about any of the realities of these programs.

Now,what follows is very important for you to understand. I am not suggesting that you intentionally ran out and spent fifty thousand dollars on a credit card,</b> then went out and enrolled in a settlement program. But, just think how easy it is to take five credit cards, each with a total of ten thousand dollars of credit available, and spend to the max in, lets say, seven days. Yes, very easy, and wow, so much fun. The point is, it is very easy to get into debt. It is, however, not easy getting out. It
takes very hard work, and a new attitude. Unfortunately, we live in an instant society and I am not talking about coffee. We have an attitude problem, everything should be pain free. Well, using a structured debt settlement program is not easy, neither is any other debt relief program. These programs can be extremely beneficial, but will not work unless you know what you are in for at the outset.

Hopefully, once you have achieved debt freedom, the pain will have been well worth it.
As you will never want or allow yourself to be put in that situation again. You will have gained a new attitude and self empowerment that will serve you well in all areas of your life. Oh, yes, and one last thing, you should start rebuilding your credit, while the settlement program is going on. Yes, it actually is possible to do this. I will tell you how. You can purchase a pre paid credit card for twenty nine dollars that actually reports repeat monthly payments to all three credit bureaus. WOW! This is a new item, and has not been available previously. So, if you use the card to pay your monthly debt settlement payment and your cable bill, etc, you will be gaining unlimited new positive trade lines, so that by the time your settlements program is almost finished, you will be good to go.

If you are not currently subscriber to this  FREE credit counseling newsletter feed, simply leave your email address, and you will be subscribed. This article maybe reproduced in full, provided you include all the links and authors name and contact information. Also, please feel free to comment or contact the author,we love comments.

 

 

Written By
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

Free Credit Counseling-Make Debt Settlements And Improve Credit At Same Time With This!

One of the big knocks against entering any Debt Settlements program is the fact that the creditors do not immediately get paid. Of course, usually people entering debt settlements are already in default, and have damaged credit. However, putting this aside for the moment their is actually a way to start to improve your credit while entering a debt settlements program.

Yes, that is correct, and up until now, has really not been possible. So exactly, how is this possible you ask. Their is a brand new Pre paid credit card available at PRE PAID CREDIT CARD that actually reports payments to the credit bureaus! WOW! So exactly what payments? Any payment that repeats on a monthly basis, such as, cable bill, utility bill, phone bill, etc. So has the light gone on yet? What this means is that every one of these repeating payments creates it's own new trade line on your credit report, so using it to make the monthly no-fee debt settlements program payments, is creating an additional very powerful trade line on your credit report, while your settlement program is progressing.

Of course, you should also use the card while paying your other recurring monthly bills, for maximum effect. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time something this powerful has been available. The card is not expensive, and well worth every penny.

If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact: FREE CREDIT COUNSELING, and speak to a counselor.

If you enjoyed this article and are not currently a subscriber to this FREE Credit Counseling Newsletter, simply visit the previous link and leave your email address. We never share your information..

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Certified Credit Counselor
American Debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465