Bankruptcy is a last resort for overwhelming debt, but alternatives exist. This article covers options without bankruptcy like negotiating, repayment plans, and counseling. Consult a bankruptcy attorney if needed.
Contact Creditors Directly
The first option is to contact creditors directly. Call each creditor one by one to explain your financial hardship situation. Ask if they can lower your monthly payments by extending the loan term or providing a temporary reduction or suspension of payments. See if they will waive any late fees. Be sure to get any agreements in writing. Communicating with creditors directly can sometimes lead to modified terms that make the debt more manageable.
Credit Counseling Agencies
Working with a credit counseling agency is another path to explore. Nonprofit credit counseling organizations approved by the NFCC can review your full budget and debt details. They may enroll you in a debt management plan (DMP) where you make a single monthly payment to the agency for distribution to creditors. An advantage is that the agency can negotiate lower interest rates with creditors on your behalf. Completing all DMP payments on time can result in a positive notation on your credit report.
Debt Consolidation Loans
A debt consolidation loan is an option to consider if eligible. A new loan would pay off all your credit cards and other existing loans, often at a lower interest rate than high-cost cards. However, you would still have the debt consolidation loan payment added to your regular monthly expenses. Just one late payment can put you back in the cycle of high-interest credit use. Proper budgeting is important if choosing this path.
Repayment Plans
Working directly with individual creditors to set up customized repayment plans outside of credit counseling is another alternative. Creditors may agree to affordable monthly payment amounts and lower interest rates to make the debt more manageable over months or years. But you must commit to making all payments on time or the agreement could be voided, and a default reported.
Sell Unneeded Assets
Generating a one-time cash influx by selling unneeded assets not essential to daily life, such as vehicles or valuables, is worth considering. The money could be used entirely to pay off specific high-interest debts. However, weigh your attachments to items before selling. Reducing expenses through lower bills and discretionary spending cuts can also help. Every extra dollar saved through lifestyle changes can accelerate debt repayment progress.
Increase Income by Reducing Expenses
Increasing income potential through affordable means like side jobs, self-employment, selling goods, or driving for rideshares on weekends adds repayment power. Boosting current income through overtime, commission opportunities, or asking for a raise at your regular job are also options. Career advancement through low-cost education or certifications may lead to higher earnings in the long term.
Consider Debt Settlement
As a last resort when unable to afford minimum payments, debt settlement firms may be able to negotiate lump sum payouts of 30-50% of total balances owed after proving financial hardship. While negatively impacting your credit, it prevents bankruptcy. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies also offer debt management programs providing structured lower payment terms through interest rate negotiations that can resolve debt over time.
Conclusion
With determination and creativity, alternatives exist without bankruptcy. Consult a bankruptcy attorney if options fail. With effort, debt burdens can be lifted through negotiation and planning instead of filing.
