Literally, debt settlement companies are companies that can help us settle our financial obligations. They act as mediators between borrowers and the creditors to whom payment is due. These companies have major roles to play in order for us to be freed from our debt and for us not to settle for choices such as filing for bankruptcy or risking our assets for that matter. What roles do debt settlement companies play in managing our finances? Could they actually help us in our pursuit to clear ourselves of our excess baggage?



The business of settling debts became prominent in the United States in the early 1980's. This was the time when consumers found a hard time settling their debts due to an economic recession. Once debts were written off, collection agencies and department found it necessary to use debt settlement companies or departments to help them recover their losses.

Roles of Debt Settlement Companies

Debt settlement companies act as mediators on our behalf. They negotiate with the creditors and propose that our debts be reduced. In exchange, borrowers would agree to give regular payments. Here are some of the roles that debt settlement companies play:

On the debtor's part. Debt settlement companies give borrowers an advantage when it comes to reducing their debts. They will help us avoid the possibility of filing for bankruptcy and help us reduce our loans to as much as 50% of the amount due.

On the creditor's part. Debt settlement companies are also advantageous to creditors. One of the incentives creditors could get making use of these companies is for them to at least recover the borrower's debt although it would mean risking some amount of money. This prerogative is a wiser choice considering that if the borrower would opt to file for bankruptcy, the companies would not get anything at all. The creditors would at least regain trust that their debtors would intend to pay back their dues.

Evidently, with the above stated facts, debt settlement companies could really help us with our predicaments. However, there are still several objections to their existence.

The Objections to Having Debt Settlement Companies

Despite the advantages laid by the existence of debt settlement companies, there are still objections due to the following reasons:

Creditors sometimes require a lump sum payment rather than a partial payment in order to reduce the debt. While debt settlement companies negotiate on our behalf, they obviously don't pay the total amount due if we only give monthly payments.

Debt settlement may hurt your credit score. Although it is likely that it will be easier to recover from than bankruptcy. Because of the credit standing we gain from our default on payments, it will be difficult for us to obtain another credit line despite the existence of debt settlement companies.

There are tax consequences. The canceled portion of the debt is viewed by the IRS as taxable income.

It is the borrower's decision to find debt settlement companies to work on their behalf. It is just a matter of weighing the pros and cons of the situation. If you feel like that you are in need someone to negotiate things for you then debt settlement companies could be one of the solutions. It is just a matter of trust and of choosing from the list of reputable debt settlement companies.