debt management program

DEMSA respond to concerns over fee charging debt management companies

A statement released by the Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA) has addressed recent fears expressed in a report over fee charging debt management companies.

DEMSA is an organisation that works to improve standards in the debt management sector, by ensuring the interests of the public are protected as well as the lenders.

The report commissioned by Lloyds Banking Group and the Money Advice Trust criticized the practices of certain fee charging debt management companies. DEMSA has responded by reassuring the public that a protocol will be put in place.

Michael Land, Chairman of DEMSA, said: “DEMSA has been working closely with the Government and other stakeholders for some time to develop a Protocol to ensure strong consumer safeguards across the debt management sector.”

“Customers have long been accustomed to having an open choice of providers in the services they receive, what is important is that there is a robust framework in place to ensure common standards across all providers.”

Debt Management In Glasgow

Here, expert debt advisor Leanne King tells you about our debt management services in Glasgow.

A debt management guide can help those lost in debt

The economic difficulties threatening many countries have created the perfect climate for individual debt to grow. If you have lost your job, or your partner has, and if all your bills are rising, you may notice your finances becoming tangled. When your debts seem to have developed a life of their own so that they are sending out leafy tendrils in all directions, threatening to overwhelm your life, you need to pick up a machete and begin to hack your way out. Many people in this situation decide that they need a guide, something or someone to help them find a path through their troubles.

Debt guides can be found in all kinds of places. Written guides exist in books or on websites, while human guides may work for organisations which provide debt advice. A written guide cannot allow for everyone’s circumstances but, if you feel confident that your money problems are not too complex, you might follow one and achieve success. When things are a bit more complicated, or you just cannot face up to them on your own, human guides have the advantage that they can provide support and tailor debt management plans to suit the individual.

A simple guide to managing debt might advise you to study your budget, in order to raise your income and cut bills where possible. Credit cards can be a problem. You may need to put some of them out of action to avoid building up any further debt. Some people freeze their cards but you could merely hide them somewhere inaccessible. People are often advised to pay off the debts with highest interest rates first, as these are effectively more expensive. If, after looking at the state of your finances, you feel lost in the wilderness, then a human debt management guide may be needed to take you in the right direction.

Debt management plans can alleviate stress

When you contact a company that offers professional debt advice, your advisor will explain to you how the process works and the different kinds of debt consolidation loans available. Additionally, there are a range of debt management plans which will suit all circumstances and your personal situation will be discussed and empahised with

For example, if you have several credit cards with high interest charges, it may work out cheaper for you to pay them off with either a debt consolidation loan or debt management plans which you will manage to secure at significantly lower interest; however, a debt already secured at a lower interest rate might be better paid through a different method.

As is always the case with outstanding debt, the sooner you act the better – and please remember that there is no need whatsoever for you to be nervous or embarrassed when discussing your financial situation. Professional debt advisors are not there to judge and will do everything they can to help.

When considering debt consolidation, remember to take into account that, although debt consolidation loans can reduce your monthly outgoings by allowing you to make smaller payments, such payments may run over a long period of time.

Best debt management advice

There are good and bad companies in any area of business. This is the same when it comes to debt management programs as well. Money is obviously very important so it’s crucial that you choose a program that has a great reputation for success. Reviewing the top debt management programs is a good place to start when choosing the company that is right for you.

Certified – Something that all the best debt management programs have are credit councillors who are certified by the NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counselling). This will ensure that any counsellor you work with on managing your debt will have been through extensive training and have successfully completed six certification tests to get accredited. It’s essential that anyone who deals with your money should be a professional.

Non Profit Work – Another positive that many great debt management programs have is taking on non-profit work. These programs seem to be amongst the top ones as they are only concerned with your best interests. Companies that tend not to do this will get you to close any credit card accounts and after this they tend to end things there until you need them again. Ideally what you need is a debt management company that doesn’t want you as a returning customer.

Confidentiality – An essential part of any best debt management program is that they ensure your information is kept confidential. This is crucial for two main reasons; security and privacy. People don’t want their visit to a debt management company to be common knowledge so this should be kept private. Information given at these meetings can be quite sensitive so make sure you can trust the company you choose.

If you do happen to find you’re in need of assistance with your debts, remember these points to look out for when looking for the best debt management company for you.

Debt management companies maybe best answer to your financial woes

When debt management companies help you with a consolidation arrangement, an affordable payment is negotiated for you so that you are only paying back what you can afford. This means that you are less likely to develop further debt problems. Consolidated debts also usually have a much lower interest rate than most credit cards or unsecured loans so longer term, you are paying back a much smaller amount overall. This can essentially save you many hundreds or thousands of pounds every year.

Help with debt consolidation solutions is available for most people who have a reasonably good credit rating but unfortunately may not be an option for those with a poorer credit score. By consolidating your debt, you can live a life once more, without stress, and sleeping easy in your bed once again, without the dread of what tomorrow will bring.

Debt management monthly plans explained

If you owe money to more than one creditor, then the monthly payments can easily get out of control. This could be because you end up with more repayments than you can manage, or perhaps because repayment is called for at different times of the month, making your money much harder to manage.

If you are struggling to keep up with your payments, or keep enough money aside at the right time of the month, then the problem may be exacerbated by bank charges when creditors ask for money you don’t have. If your debts are getting out of hand then it might be time to consider debt management. Monthly plans are an option to help you manage your money by paying less per month and repaying the total sum owed over a longer period of time.

Debt management providers are available to speak to your creditors on your behalf in order to negotiate a new monthly payment plan which you pay directly to the provider once a month. This monthly amount consolidates some or all of your outstanding payments, meaning you don’t need to juggle so many different debts. Your total monthly repayments are also lower as a result of the plan, reducing the stress of out of control debt.

A debt management plan shows you are willing to repay the debt, and creditors may allow a concessionary interest freeze to help you manage.

Debt management is a realistic solution for people whose debts are relatively low (under £12,000), and whose disposable income is high enough to repay all the debts covered by the plan within a reasonable time. A reasonable time is generally considered to be around 10 years. It is therefore a good idea to seek advice from an independent financial advisor to see if monthly plans are the right solution for you.

Urgent need for debt management in Southampton as bankruptcy statistics rise above national average

With income unable to keep pace with the rising cost of living, levels of personal debt in the UK rose by 48% in the last year. The good news is that a growing number of people are seeking advice on debt management in Southampton – and finding solutions that work.

Research has shown that bankruptcy in the Southampton area is above the national average. Yet serious debts don’t suddenly happen; they accrue over time. It has become too easy to use credit to bridge the shortfall between income and expenditure. Lower income households frequently take out high interest, short-term loans simply to cover their subsistence needs. However, those on higher incomes are equally at risk, with increased mortgage repayments forcing them into credit situations they can’t afford. However overwhelming your money troubles seem, they can be addressed through a sensible plan of debt management.

Southampton residents frequently feel bankruptcy is the only option – but this should only ever be seen as a last resort. In fact, there are several options open to you, based on your level of income and the amount you owe – a debt management councillor will help find the best solution. For example, a debt management plan is a good way forward for those on regular incomes, with unsecured debts of less than £12,000.

A Debt Relief Order, or DRO, is another type of debt management for Southampton residents who have little surplus income and don’t own their own homes. The order, which is arranged by a skilled intermediary through the Insolvency Service, lasts for 12 months, during which time creditors are unable to take action without the permission of the courts. After this period, any outstanding debts are written off. Those with unsecured debts of £15,000 or more can apply for an IVA, or Individual Involuntary Arrangement, which also protects you from your creditors.

Remember – however dire your financial situation, there are specialists in debt management in Southampton ready to help you.

What is a Debt Management Plan?

Debt consultant Leanne King answers the question: “What is a debt management plan?”

Debt Management Review, Mr C Noakes, Bramford, 12.06.11


“People I owed at the banks did not want to help me; they just wanted my money.

When I phoned this debt management company and spoke to William, a helpful debt adviser, he put my mind at rest actually he really was great.

Everyone whose been involved with my account at The Debt People have helped me so much, you really have all been great – a big thank you from my heart!”

PLEASE NOTE
All our testimonials are completely genuine – you could even make an appointment to come to our offices to see them if you like! We do, however, hide the identity of our clients on our website for legal and privacy reasons.

Debt Management Review: Ms M Harrison, Skegness, 11.10.11

“I faced uncertainty in the future and was fearing nasty letters or that dreaded knock on the door from bailiffs.

Whilst searching for a solution, I found the friendliness and helpfulness of this company’s staff amazing in a very awkward situation for me.

As I understand it the company do 99% of all contact with the creditors on behalf of their customers and there is a friendly voice at the end of the phone whenever you need.

It’s embarrassing to have let things get so bad, but it’s people like yourselves that offer the real help that is desperately needed by people like me.

A truly outstanding service! Thank you so much.”

PLEASE NOTE
All our testimonials are completely genuine – you could even make an appointment to come to our offices to see them if you like! We do, however, hide the identity of our clients on our website for legal and privacy reasons.

Debt Management Review: Mrs M Rae, Bromley, 12.09.11

“I had the stress of not knowing how I would cope with mounting debt and I literally had nobody to turn to.

When I saw the advert on TV I phoned and within minutes I felt the heavy pressure start to lift.

The operators were really nice to me and so helpful putting me at ease; there is no way I could have got through the nightmare of mounting debt problems without your help.”

PLEASE NOTE
All our testimonials are completely genuine – you could even make an appointment to come to our offices to see them if you like! We do, however, hide the identity of our clients on our website for legal and privacy reasons.

Debt Management Review: Mr G Baywater, Cardiff, 27.08.11

“My life was out of control.

I was not earning enough to pay my creditors after losing my job before getting another on much less wages.

I had sleepless nights, lost weight and felt suicidal, I needed professional help.

I cannot recommend this debt management business highly enough not least for their help, efficiency and understanding. Taking the negotiations away from me with my creditors they were able to agree a satisfactory and affordable monthly plan with TSB Bank (previously were very stroppy with me).

This is a debt management company who can give you all the advice and help needed with very positive results!”

PLEASE NOTE
All our testimonials are completely genuine – you could even make an appointment to come to our offices to see them if you like! We do, however, hide the identity of our clients on our website for legal and privacy reasons.

Debt Management Review: Mrs J Dawson, Paisley, 14.11.11


“I contacted you with the heavy financial worries I had because I was struggling with making regular payments to my debtors. Absolutely all your staff showed me great understanding, kindness and efficiency; in fact the whole service was efficient. I breathed a huge sigh of relief after receiving great debt management help and then realising that my financial burdens and struggles to make unaffordable payments had now gone.”

PLEASE NOTE
All our testimonials are completely genuine – you could even make an appointment to come to our offices to see them if you like! We do, however, hide the identity of our clients on our website for legal and privacy reasons.

Debt Management Review: Ms E. Richardson, Manchester, 19.09.11

“I dreaded the phone ringing, the postman arriving with threatening letters, the sleepless nights and the feeling of despair it all brought on.

My first contact with this debt management company was with a man named William, he called me by my first name, told me not to worry and that my situation would be resolved – he put me at ease right from the start. I would definitely recommend this company to anybody in my situation as they take all of the pressure off you.

I just can’t talk highly enough about the staff and everyone involved has been fantastic.”

PLEASE NOTE
All our testimonials are completely genuine – you could even make an appointment to come to our offices to see them if you like! We do, however, hide the identity of our clients on our website for legal and privacy reasons.

Testimonial

The Debt People put my mind at ease, took away all my worries and stress and made me afford to get my life back on track.

A Harrison, Uxbridge, 16/03/2011

Testimonial

You are an excellent company to deal with and you always strive to get the best deal possible from creditors.

N Lines, Basingstoke, 28/06/2011

Recent Debt Management clients