Things You Need To Know If You Are Considering Debt Settlement

The average American household has over $15,000 of credit card debt. Many of these families are struggling to make the minimum monthly payments,and some are using plastic to cover daily living expenses such as groceries,transportation costs,and medical co-pays. Despite improving economic conditions,more and more credit card users are receiving phone calls and letters from creditors that their payments are past due.

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If you have too much debt and stress,now is the time to stop this destructive cycle and get the help you need from a debt reduction program. This article teaches you the principles of debt settlement,one of the most popular forms of debt relief.

What is debt settlement?

Debt settlement–also known as debt arbitration,debt negotiation,or credit settlement–is a debt relief approach where negotiators communicate with creditors on your behalf to settle your debts to reduced and agreed-to amounts. Only unsecured debt-credit cards,medical bills,and personal loans-can be negotiated. You cannot settle mortgages,rent,utility bills,cell phone and cable charges,insurance premiums,car loans,student loans,alimony,child support,taxes,or criminal fines.

Once you enroll in a debt settlement program,your negotiation team opens a trust account for you. You must deposit up to 50% of your unsecured debt into the account over a period of 24-60 months. This money is used to settle your debts with creditors. Because the average debt settlement firm is for-profit,you must also pay the company a 15-25% service charge. This fee is based on the original amount of your unsecured debt or the amount negotiated,depending on the debt settlement company.

Most debt arbitration companies use a third-party escrow service to “warehouse” the money that they will later use to fund the settlements they negotiate for you. The most common escrow company is Global Client Solutions. Sending money to your trust account is generally done through ACH on the same day each month. If your checking account is with a bank where you also have a past-due loan or credit card balance,it is suggested that you use a different bank for your debt settlement program.

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Here are three things that a debt arbitration company must tell you before you enroll in their program:

1. You must be given an “upfront estimate” in writing of all costs associated with settling your debts to reduced and agreed-to amounts.

2. You must be given an “estimated timeframe” to reduce your debt.

3. You must be told that debt settlement can adversely affect your credit score.

Here are some examples of what a debt settlement company cannot tell you:

“We can eliminate 50-70% of your debt.”

“We can settle your debt to pennies on the dollar.”

“We can cut your debt in half.”

“Debt settlement will not affect your credit score.”

“Calls and letters from creditors will stop once you enroll in a debt settlement program.”

“Debt settlement does not affect your taxable income.”

“Once you join a debt settlement program,you will no longer have to communicate with your creditors.”

If you are considering debt settlement,here is what you need to know first:

1. Debt settlement will not solve your careless spending and savings habits. The only way that you will ever achieve lasting financial freedom is to apply the dynamic laws of financial recovery to your everyday life. These smart-money principles will help you to establish spending and savings habits that are built on solid bedrock. They are discussed in a separate article entitled “The Dynamic Laws of a Successful Financial Makeover.”

2. Debt settlement should not be confused with bill consolidation,another form of debt reduction. Bill consolidation-also known as interest-rate arbitration-takes your high-interest credit cards and loans and consolidates them into one,low-interest loan that you can afford. In other words,you’re taking out one loan to pay off many others. Bill consolidation does not reduce the outstanding balances that you owe to creditors. It only lowers your interest rates.

3. One of the primary reasons that people choose debt arbitration is to avoid filing for bankruptcy protection. Here are five reasons why the consequences of bankruptcy can be overwhelming:

Bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years and adversely affects your credit score.

Bankruptcy will follow you for the rest of your life. For example,many loan,credit card,and job applications ask if you have ever filed for bankruptcy protection.

Bankruptcy cannot eliminate alimony and child support obligations as well as criminal fines.

Except in very limited circumstances,bankruptcy cannot wipe out student loans.

Bankruptcy cannot prevent a “secured creditor” from repossessing property. According to Nolo.com: “A bankruptcy discharge eliminates debts,but it does not eliminate liens. So,if you have a secured debt (a debt where the creditor has a lien on your property and can repossess it if you don’t pay the debt),bankruptcy can eliminate the debt,but it does not prevent the creditor from repossessing the property.”

4. If your unsecured debt is $10,000 or more,debt arbitration could save you more time and money than bill consolidation. Here is why: With debt settlement,your unsecured debt is reduced by up to 50% and you will not have to pay added interest on the remaining balance. This is not the case with bill consolidation,where is there is only a reduction in interest rates. As a result,a debt settlement program can have a shorter repayment term than a bill consolidation one.

5. There is no public record that you have ever settled your debts.

6. With debt arbitration,reduced balances appear as “paid in full” or “paid as settled” on your credit report.

7. Debt settlement adversely affects your credit score.

8. Never let a debt settlement company pressure into joining their program.

9. Don’t hire a company that has no interest in your specific financial needs.

10. Before you enroll in a debt negotiation program,review your budget carefully and make sure that you can afford the monthly payments. Don’t be surprised if you have to eliminate certain nonessential expenses.

11. During the debt settlement process,calls and letters from creditors might continue. Enrolling in a debt settlement program does not automatically stop “lawful collection activities.”

12. Debt arbitration can be a gamble because some creditors might refuse to negotiate. In such cases,you are responsible for paying the outstanding balance on the creditor’s terms.

13. As we mentioned above,only unsecured debts such as credit cards and personal loans can be negotiated to reduced amounts. You cannot settle mortgages,rent,utilities,cell phone and cable bills,insurance premiums,car and student loans,alimony,child support,taxes,or criminal fines.

14. You might suffer tax consequences. For example,if you owe $25,000 and settle for $15,000,the $10,000 difference is considered taxable income. The creditor must send you a 1099-MISC reporting a “discharge of indebtedness income.”

15. A debt settlement company cannot represent you in court unless it is also a law firm.

16. Debt arbitration cannot prevent the foreclosure of your house or the repossession of your car.

17. Despite warnings from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),some debt settlement companies still engage in unfair business practices. The Federal Trade Commission advises: “Before you enroll in a debt settlement program,do your homework. You’re making a big decision that involves spending a lot of your money that could go toward paying down your debt. Enter the name of the company name with the word ‘complaints’ into a search engine. Read what others have said about the companies you’re considering,including whether they are involved in a lawsuit with any state or federal regulators for engaging in deceptive or unfair practices.”

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Here are some factors to consider when choosing a debt settlement company:

1. How long has the company been in business? How much consumer and business debt does the company manage each year? How many individuals,families,and businesses does the company counsel each year?

2. Are you assigned to an experienced financial counselor to ensure that your debt settlement program flows smoothly from start to finish?

3. Is the debt arbitration company a member of the Online Business Bureau as well as their local BBB? What are their ratings with both bureaus? What kinds of complaints have been made about their services?

4. Is the company an active member of TASC,(The Association of Settlement Companies). TASC requires that all of its members maintain a stringent set of standards in doing business with consumers and businesses.

5. Is the debt arbitration company a member of Dun & Bradstreet,the world’s source authority for business insight?

Importance of purchasing land {that is not affected by pollution

There are many important factors to take into account prior to making any kind of land or property aquisition,and environmental pollution plays a major part. In the very worst scenario,environmental contamination can present hazards,to users and or residents of the site. This is one of the reasons environmental risk reports are such an important aspect of due diligence for any land or property aquisition.

Types of environmental pollutants

There are several different types of environmental pollutants that can cause dangers to the people who occupy land. In many cases these are associated with previous industrial use of land,although this is not always true as natural pollutants can also be a hazard.

There are many types of contaminants,these contaminants can include dust or gas pollutants which can be inhaled or pollutants in soils which can be transmitted to foods grown on the land and any grazing animals,and can also impact on the health of anybody working the soil.

Other contaminants can also damage property or leach out of the soil due to effects of groundwater or any river,stream or pond in the area. Some of these contaminants are corrosive and could even cause fires or explosions.

Examples of contaminants include:

– Lead or other heavy metals such as cadmium or arsenic
– Tar and oil
– Asbestos
– Radioactive materials
– Chemical substances and solvents
– Gas

You can discover more about contaminated land on the UK government website.

What isthe definition ofcontaminated land?

If you want to find out more about contaminated land or read technical guides on dealing with special sites on the website of the Environment Agency.

The legal definition of ‘contaminated land’ relates to land which contains substances which can cause:

– Very significant damage to property,people or protected species
– Harm due to radioactivity
– Pollution to surface waters,such as lakes or rivers,or groundwater

In many cases the contamination has been caused by previous use of the land by:

– Factories
– For mining
– Steel milling
– Refining
– Landfill sites

Contaminated land may also fall into a ‘special sites’ category. These sites could:

– Cause serious effects to any drinking water,or surface or groundwater
– Previously have been used for activities such as oil refining or making explosives
– Have previously been regulated under permits relating to integrated pollution controls or prevention
– Previously have been used for disposal of acid tars
– Have been used by the MOD
– Previously been used in connection with the nuclear industry or be contaminated with radioactivity

What about brownfield sites?

It’s long been government policy to bring what’s termed brownfield land back into use in order to help preserve the greenfield sites and land within rural areas. This land regeneration often causes concerns,however. The majority of larger towns and cities contain areas and sites that are not in use and due to demand,development of these brownfield sites and derelict buildings is becoming increasingly common.

In the past minimal regulations were in place to check on the re-use of brownfield sites or any possible environmental hazards thus presented. This is no longer the case,however, it has to be said most brownfield site developments are perfectly safe for residential purposes. Selling homes in these neighbourhoods can present some conveyancing issues,though.

If you have any concerns about environmental pollutants which could impact on your property purchase,give the experts at www.argyllenvironmental.co.uk a call to discuss your worries.

What Should You Look for in a New York Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeons treat all aspects of the muscular-skeletal system. Typically,orthopedic surgeons treat complicated issues that specifically involve the bones,muscles,tendons,ligaments,and soft tissues. Some specialize in specific areas like the foot and ankle,or the knee,hip,spine,elbow,as well as the hand and shoulder.

What Exactly Do Foot and Ankle Surgeons Do?

Orthopedic surgeons specializing in treating foot and ankle problems provide comprehensive medical,as well as surgical,care for a variety of foot and ankle conditions. These treatments range from simple to complex disorders and injuries. An New York orthopedic foot and ankle surgeondeals with people of all ages and is in a unique position to detect early signs of disease that manifest in the lower extremities.

Diseases like diabetes,arthritis,and cardiovascular disease often exhibit warning signs in the lower extremities,especially the feet. These specialists also manage foot conditions that pose an ongoing threat to a patient’s health.

Standard Orthopedic Procedures

Orthopedic surgeons also perform a number of procedures that include:

  • Arthroscopy – Uses a camera to see inside a joint.
  • Fusion – Uses rods to fuse bones together.
  • Internal Fixation – Holds broken bones together with plates,screws,or pins.
  • Osteotomy – Corrects a bone deformity by cutting and repositioning said bone.
  • Joint Replacement – Removes a damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint.
  • Soft Tissue Repair – Repairs tendons and/or ligaments.

If you need an orthopedic surgeon for your foot or ankle,look for an Orthopedic surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgeries in New York. A good foot and ankle surgeon will provide the expertise to perform any relevant procedure giving you confidence,peace of mind,and improved health.

Mexican copper bathtubs A combination of quality and trust

Love to have an exquisite bathing experience in a hot,copper bathtub? Surely,you would love such a stunning moment of pleasure. And if it’s a Mexican hand hammered copper bath tub,you’d even overwhelmed with happiness. They are such fine products that almost all the buyers love to select them from among the sea of other brands of copper bath tubs. Why do many people prefer copper bath tubs to ceramic or stainless-steel ones? We found a few copper bathubs designs on Fine Crafts Imports website or its Facebook page

Well,copper is an environment-friendly metal that hardly goes bad. And also,it’s a recyclable metal. Most of all,it’s a killer of bacteria. So,you’ll have less skin problems,if you bathe in a copper bath tub. It’s a solution for the hair removal problem too. People believe that it has a mysterious healing power. So,using a copper bath tub seems to be advantageous in several ways. Most hotels and spas use Mexican hammered copper tubs since they have kept the confidence of thousands of customers throughout the world. Due to the medicinal value in the copper metal,many people believe every bath taken in a copper bath tub to be a medicated one.

Usually,Mexican copper bath tubs are admired by everybody since their quality always go even beyond your expectations. Hard work and dedication of the copper experts in Santa Clara Del Cobre,a small town in Central Mexico,give these copper bath tubs an excellent finish. They make tubs all by hand using their age-old,traditional methods. It has grown to be a family business in Mexico. You can find more info about copper bathtubs here.

Mexican copper bath tubs come in different models and sizes. You can select one that goes with your liking and individual needs. There are large 72″ copper bath tubs and smaller ones too. Their shapes vary a lot. There are round-shaped,oval-shaped and boat-like ones. Some are embossed with beautiful floral designs whereas most others stay plain. Whatever the shape and size,all of them are finely finished,almost royal- like ones. Their extraordinary appearance transforms your simple bathroom into a majestic looking one.

However,no other brand can surpass the quality,trust and exquisite craftsmanship of the veteran Mexican copper smiths. And consequently,Mexican hand hammered copper bath tubs have become the world’s best.

Debt Relief And The Importance Of Understanding The Collection Agencies

Do you find yourself maxed out with credit cards and monthly expenses? Americans are in debt now more than ever,today with the increase in foreclosures and inflation seems to be on the rise,it seems impossible to get ahead. The more you get in debt the greater chance you will get that call all of us do not want to get from the Collection Agency telling us that we are very late on making our payment and they want their money now.https://www.floridadebtreliefhelp.com/tampa-fl/

It is important to understand that Collection Agencies are there for one purpose,”Collect Money.” These agencies are paid based on how much they can get from you,remember they are not your friend and they are not looking out for your best interest. If you get a call on a debt that you think is not yours you need to call the reporting bureau to get it corrected,the collection agency will not help you with that and frankly they do not care as long as they collect money from you.

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It is important to understand that these agencies will stop at nothing to get your money,they will threaten you on the phone,send you threatening letters,even in some extreme cases will intimidate you to the point that they will have you believing that you will be arrested if you do not do what they say. These tactics of collecting debt are illegal for them to use and you need to be aware of this. It is important that when you are trying to get Debt Relief you do not need to go along with whatever they say.

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You have rights in the debt relief and collection world,do not just take what others tell you to be fact. Make sure you do your research and it will save you a lot of sleepless nights.

Chicagoland Finally Set To Get First City Works Location In Schaumburg Next To Business Apartments

will feature hearty American dishes with chef-driven spins,according to the group. City Works is no stranger to the food scene in American – the Schaumburg location is their eighth location.

According to a press release that the management group put out earlier this year,the space features a 5,300 square-foot patio with an indoor and outdoor bar,a jumbo 130″ HDTV,a bocce court,and 9,200 square feet interior part of the restaurant with seating for 158,bar seating for 23,11 65″ and four 110″ HDTVs. But that’s not all! If you’re looking for a place to host a private event,City Works in Schaumburg is the place to do it. The restaurant will have a private event space with a 110″ HDTV that can accommodate up to 50 people and 36 for a seated event.

Just because this is the Chicagoland’s first location doesn’t mean that the beer menu will be featuring all out-of-state beers. Bottleneck notes that more than 40 percent of the beers on their list will be brewed by Chicagoland brewers. And if you’re not a beer drinker,don’t worry – the Bloody Mary is perfect for someone like you. The drink features a spicy house Bloody Mary mix and Tito’s Handmade Vodka,crowned with grilled shrimp and a skewer loaded with cubed pepper jack cheese,cornichon,cherry tomato,Gibson cocktail onion,and a Slim Jim stir stick,according to the release.

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