Debt Consolidation Services Agreement
The debt management agreement ... the questions you need to ask.
Debt consolidation agencies will provide a Debt Management Agreement prior to negotiating with your creditors. You need to carefully review the DMA. This is very important because you may have little recourse later if a dispute arises. Here are some questions to consider prior to signing the Debt Management Agreement:
Is there a fee to enter the debt management program?
- how much is it
- is it paid separately or part of the monthly debt payment
- when is it due
- how is it calculated
What are the legal consequences if you can't maintain payments under the contract, or terminate the agreement?Most reputable agencies charge a signup fee of less than $40; due on signing or with your first month's payment. Monthly fees are usually calculated based on either the number of accounts you have under the DMA, or as a percentage of total debt in the DMA, in either event the monthly fee should be a very small portion of the monthly payment you make to CCCS.
- will CCCS sue you?
- will the creditors still work with you outside of the debt consolidation program?
What are the debt repayment terms?Reputable agencies merely terminate the agreement. You lose the benefit of having one monthly payment, reduced interest and service fees, and having the Agency deal with creditors on your behalf. Plus, if you fail to maintain the pre-negotiation minimum monthly payments to the creditors, you will be subject to collection actions as well. Creditors may work with you, but the credibility you had within the DMA is lost and you may find it hard to obtain good terms for debt repayment.
- monthly amount
- final payment date
Do you have to cut up all your credit cards?Your monthly payment amount should be approximately 30% to 50% less than what you were paying on the same debts before you entered into the DMA. The final payment is usually based on a five year repayment plan. Considering that the minimum monthly payments, before the DMA, could have taken you 10, 20 or 30 years to repay, this is a very short term repayment.
What other services do they offer?No, you don't have to cut up your credit cards, but you may not be able to use them. Creditors will be unlikely to extend further credit until they are sure you are maintaining your part of the DMA, and are able to manage your credit successfully.
What fees are charged for other services?Money management counseling, budgeting help, and financial counseling are commonly offered by Credit Counseling Agencies who adhere to the standards of AICCCA.
Nominal fees are charged for extra services that take into consideration the amount you can afford, and the recommendations of your financial counselor.
Do Counseling & Consolidation Services Meet Expectations?
It's a win-win situation for you and your creditors when you successfully complete a debt consolidation program and fulfill your Debt Management Agreement. The creditor receives payment and you learn to manage your budget, credit and debt resources.If you are absolutely overwhelmed with credit card debt, then you need to check out debt consolidation/settlement. For a free consultation, click here.We highly recommend reputable Service or Consumer Credit Counseling Services because they don't just work to help you get out of debt, they teach you sound money management that helps you protect your financial future.
What If They Can't Help Me?
If your debt payments cannot be reduced enough to get you out of debt within the time and budget guidelines your consolidation service negotiates, you will be notified. They may suggest alternatives that include revising budget estimates and monthly payments. If these won't work for you, it's time to check out personal bankruptcy.Return to the top of Debt Consolidation Services Agreement
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