There are few worse feelings that being called repeatedly by creditors insisting on immediate repayment of the loans or credit card debts that you have accumulated when you just do not have the money to pay them. While this is often a situation that we do not discuss openly, you are by no means alone in this predicament, as many thousands of people find themselves in debt for all sorts of reasons. It can happen to anyone and is not at all unusual. It is only too easy to find yourself in altered circumstances due to job loss, illness, or a host of other things that can lead to a sudden decrease in income or increase in costs. That is why debt management companies exist. They are there to help you when you find yourself in over your head. A debt management co can help you get out of debt and back on track.

A debt management co will set up a specialist to work with you and your creditors. The specialist can usually manage to persuade the credit card companies to drop any late fees and overdraft charges in most cases. He will work with the credit companies to reduce interest rates and lower the monthly payments. The negotiator is highly skilled at dealing with creditors and will work hard to find ways to change the terms of how you pay back your money. The result will be that the amount you pay out each month should be considerably less, but you will still be repaying everything that you owe. You just make a single payment to the company each month instead of paying all your creditors and it is up to them to share it out among your creditors. As well as costing you less each month it is also far easier to manage.

Sometimes a debt advisor may feel that consolidating your bills into one loan is the best route. It is fair to say that this is not usually the most cost effective option, but there are circumstances when it actually works out best for you. In this situation they will work with you and the financial institutions to get you a consolidated loan. By getting one low interest loan and doing away with several high interest loans or credit cards you can save a considerable amount of money.

What Does a Debt Management Co Expect In Return?

Debt relief organizations are not charities so one way of another their services need to be paid for. This fee will differ depending on the company you deal with and what services are rendered, but usually they will take a modest commission out of the monthly payments you make. Any organization should be totally up front about what fees they take and how they will be paid. Most debt management companies will also insist that you take some lessons in budgeting and dealing with your finances. They will want you to learn how to budget your money and how to figure interest rates. These are important for your financial future.

A debt management company will also expect you to give up all your credit cards and to promise that you will not get any more in the future. Credit cards are the main reason people end up in debt and cannot get out.

Up to this point all agreements with the debt management co have been informal. You can walk away from the company at anytime. If you need an IVA you are talking about a formal agreement with the debt management company in which you will be using them throughout the process. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement or IVA allows you write off a large part of your debts. The creditors agree to accept a smaller payment to get things settled. Once the agreement is in place the creditors cannot back out. They must stick to the agreement. You will pay one low monthly payment. This route is only an option in the UK, so for more serious debt situation in the US you may need to consider debt settlement.

Author's Bio: 

Find recommendations for debt counselors on the author's debt help website, which offers free, unbiased advice on a range of debt related issues including a list of the best debt companies and help with debt settlement, IVAs, budgeting, bankruptcy and using an effective debt programme.