Negotiate Your Student Loan Debt

Consolidation versus Negotiation

by Alexandria Donaldson

Outstanding student loan debt is a substantial problem for a great many graduates. Although not an enviable situation, it is possible to negotiate with your creditors and perhaps reduce or even eliminate your student loan debt. If you're uncomfortable with the negotiations yourself, it is possible to hire a third party to negotiate with creditors on your behalf. However, if you intend and have the ability to payback your debt, it's commonly better to liase with your creditors yourself. If you're situation is such that where you can no longer manage the repayments, it's critical that you contact your creditors as soon as possible and explain your state of affairs.

It will be to your advantage if you choose to contact your creditors before they come knocking. Professional debt negotiating programs offer you plans, they deal with your creditors on your behalf to debt consolidation services: They deal with your creditors as long as you have saved the minimum balance to deal with the debt. Before signing on with a debt negotiation or consolidation service, you might want to check and ensure your creditors are willing to work with the agency you plan to choose. Consider using agencies that offer actual counseling and education, instead of merely enrolling all clients in a debt management program.

Debt negotiation is a process where you negotiate with your creditors to pay off your debts at a reduced amount. For example, if your student loan was for $16,500, you can negotiate a payoff of $7,500. Creditors will report accounts that have been reduced, and it will stay on your credit history for seven years. Note that creditors have no obligation to negotiate with you or anyone else and that they can be difficult at the commencement of the negotiation process.

Despite the status of your finances, there are positive solutions for both you and your creditors. Explain to them right up front what your situation is and how you believe that things can be worked out so that everyone will benefit.

The fact that that you have appointed a debt negotiator to speak for you is a sign that you are a poor risk. The majority of creditors will settle for payment, rather waiting for the balance over the next 9 years or so. Steer clear of debt elimination scams that say consumers are not under obligation to repay their debts because creditors charge illegal interest rates. This is patently untrue.

By promptly taking matters into your own hands, your creditors will recognize that you mean business and are attempting to seek remedy. That's right, asking your creditors to eradicate some of your debt is maybe one option and is a good jumping off point when negotiating your student loan. Don't expect your creditors to take it lying down, however! But it does show them that you expect some action.

Consolidation versus Forgiveness

Debt consolidation is the superior of the two as it pertains to influencing your credit score. If you choose a debt consolidation company, your creditors may report delayed payment.

Once your monthly bills become too much for you to address, consider debt consolidation or debt negotiation for resolving debt and credit troubles. If bills and other punishing payments are bogging you down, take action sooner rather than later to ascertain solutions to your situation. Persistent financial strain and burden can waste everything in it's path, not to mention the detrimental impact on your credit report. If a student loan is at the bottom of the problem, debt negotiation and/or consolidation can aid in getting you back on track and clear of debt.

About the Author

Alexandria Donaldson is a financial services expert and a staff writer for http://www.winwin-negotiation.com .

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