Being in debt is not a pleasant experience. It’s estimated that most Americans are in debt and that the average American is $90,000 in debt . Unfortunately, some of these people won’t be able to pay their debts in their lifetime, while others can struggle. Being in debt can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of bills with no end in sight. But there is hope. The U.S. government offers several programs to help you get out of debt and back on your feet. Here are five of them:
Debt Consolidation Loans
Suppose you have multiple debts from different creditors. In that case, a debt consolidation loan can help simplify your monthly payments by consolidating all of your debts into one single loan with one monthly payment. The U.S. government offers two types of debt consolidation loans: direct consolidation loans and federal consolidation loans.
Direct Consolidation Loan
A direct consolidation loan allows you to consolidate multiple federal education loans into one single loan with a fixed interest rate. This can help lower your monthly payment by extending the repayment period and allowing you to switch from a variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate.
Federal Consolidation Loan
A federal consolidation loan allows you to consolidate multiple federal and private education loans into one single loan. However, this option does not offer a fixed interest rate, and your monthly payments may be higher than before. The main advantage is that the loans are eligible for income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs.
Debt Settlement
Debt settlement is a process where you negotiate with your creditors to settle your debts for less than the total amount owed. The U.S. government offers a program called the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA ), which protects consumers from unfair or abusive debt collection practices by setting limits on what creditors can do when collecting a debt. Here’s what you need to know about it:
Creditors must verify the debt upon request and cannot make false or misleading statements. Additionally, they are not allowed to threaten or use violence, harass you, or use obscene language when attempting to collect a debt. They are also not allowed to contact you at inconvenient times (before 8 am or after 9 pm) or in inappropriate places (like your workplace, if it’s against company policy)
You have the right to dispute a debt and request proof of its validity within 30 days of receiving notice of the debt. If you feel that a creditor is violating these rights, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy is a legal process that allows you to discharge some or all of your debts and start fresh with a clean slate. There are two types of bankruptcy that consumers can file for: Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In addition, the U.S. government offers a program called the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA ) which helps consumers who are struggling with debt by providing them with information and resources about filing for bankruptcy protection. Here are the five steps you need to know when filing for bankruptcy:
Declaration
The first step in filing for bankruptcy is to declare that you cannot pay off your debts. This allows the court to begin the process and appoint a trustee to oversee your case.
Evaluation
The court will evaluate your financial situation, including your income and assets, to determine if you qualify for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Asset liquidation
If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the court may liquidate some of your assets to repay creditors.
Repayment plan
If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the court will create a repayment plan where you can repay some or all of your debts over a 3-5 year period while still being able to keep your assets.
Discharge
Once you complete the repayment plan or your assets have been liquidated, the court will discharge any remaining eligible debts.
It is important to remember that declaring bankruptcy should be a last resort and can have long-term impacts on your credit and financial stability. It may also limit your ability to take out future loans or lines of credit. Moreover, it’s vital that you get professional help. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can be a big help when filing for bankruptcy. They can guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary documents are filed correctly. Additionally, they can also help advise you with your current position.
Credit Counseling
Credit counseling involves working with a credit counselor to develop a plan to repay your debts. The U.S government offers a program called Credit Counseling and Debt Management Services (CCDMS ), which provides free or low-cost credit counseling services to consumers who are struggling with debt.
Tax Relief
The U.S government offers several tax relief programs that can help you if you’re having trouble paying your taxes. These programs include the Offer in Compromise program, the Installment Agreement program, and the Currently Not Collectible status program.
Conclusion: If you’re struggling with debt, know that you’re not alone—the U.S government offers several programs that can help you get out of debt and back on your feet financially. One final top: Be sure to research any company or organization before working with them, as there are many scams out there purporting to be able to help you consolidate or settle your debts for pennies on the dollar. This can drastically help your current position and help you avoid further debts.