Brent's Credit and Debt blog» Settlement http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog Articles, Videos, Books and Advice on Credit, Debt Collection, Paying Down Debt, and Personal Finance Wed, 27 May 2009 06:29:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 How Can I Stop Collection Calls? http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/05/24/how-can-i-stop-collection-calls/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/05/24/how-can-i-stop-collection-calls/#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 21:13:28 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/05/24/how-can-i-stop-collection-calls/ It is a really helpless feeling.  When the collector calls, you feel angry, frustrated, and scared.  The calls seem to come in constantly!  All day, from 8:00 in the morning until 9:00 at night, the phone will ring.

I felt nervous every time I heard that ring tone.  Looking at the caller ID, it was an 800 number or an ‘Unknown ID’.  I knew who it was.  And I chose not to answer.

Finally, I got smart.  There is a law, Called the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, or FDCPA, that regulates how debt collectors are allowed to contact you, including how often, where they can call, and what they can say.

If you are getting calls and want them to stop, you can do that easily.  Answer the phone.  I know, you don’t want to, but answer it.  Get the following information from the person you talk to:

  • The collection company name.
  • The mailing address of the collection agency.
  • A supervisors name.
  • The name of the person calling you.

Also, write down the time and date of the call, and anything you can recall being said.  You don’t need the peoples names, or the time and date, unless they don;t stop calling you.  In that case, if you pursue legal action for a violation of your rights, that information will be critical.

Write a letter to the collection agency.  In your letter, be nice but firm.  Have it say something like this:

To whom it may concern,

You are causing me undue stress by continuing to call me regarding a supposed debt.

Do not contact me by phone any longer at the following number:  (713) 555-2167.

If you wish to contact me, you may write me at the address you have on file.

If you continue to try to contact me by phone, I will be forced to take legal action under the FDCPA.

You have 5 business days to comply with this letter.

Sincerely,

Me

Now, a couple of key points.  It is a ‘supposed’ debt.  Never admit it is your debt.  They can use that to sue you.

If you aren’t allowed to be called at work, say so.

They can’t cause you to feel nervous, so tell them your calls are causing stress.

Send your letter certified mail, return receipt requested, and make sure it is there in at most 3 days.  That way they can set up their auto dialers to stop calling you.

Keep a copy of the letter, and your receipt from the mailing.  If they continue to call, contact your state’s attorney generals office.

I’d like to know, have you had problems with a collector continuing to call?  What do you think of collections in general?  Leave me a comment and let me know.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/05/24/how-can-i-stop-collection-calls/feed/ 10 Do Debt Collectors Have Souls? http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/04/23/do-debt-collectors-have-souls/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/04/23/do-debt-collectors-have-souls/#comments Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:00:20 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/?p=350 They are easy to hate, aren’t they?

They call you and demand money for something you couldn’t pay for in the first place.  They try to help you ‘find’ money by taking out additional loans, or by borrowing from family.  They want you to make payments.  They are even willing to waive the interest they charged you.

They are the few, the mean, the Debt Collectors!

But how could someone do this?  How could they spend their days trying to take your money?  Don’t they have a SOUL?

Well, I’ll tell you, I have worked with collectors.  I was working for a company that managed the debt that collectors go after.  I worked on the computer systems, and they hire only the best and brightest.

To the people working in the background, it is just another job.  They don’t talk to people with debt problems.  They only work on the computer system.

Collectors, though, have a pretty tough work life.  They spend all day on the phone, and 9 out of 10 calls aren’t answered.  Very few people call back.  And about half of the calls that connect have an irate person on the other end of the line who is sick of being harassed.

A really good collector will make a little over $20,000.00 per year.  They are mostly young: college students, people looking for a bit of extra income, or people who are having a tough time finding other work.

They don’t particularly like their jobs.  They hate being yelled at, and they hate trying to trick people into paying money they don;t have.  They have heard every hard case story in the book, they are lied to, and they are often ignored.

Are they mean?  Not really.  They just have a mean job.

Are the natural liars?  No, they are trained to manipulate.

Are they ethical?  Most are, but the ones that aren’t give the entire industry a bad…I mean worse name.

For the most part they are people struggling to get by just as we all are.  They really don’t deserve our hate.  They aren’t malicious, they are just trying to make a buck.  By stealing ours.

But I hate their calls anyway.

If you want to learn what NOT to say to a debt collector, download this article:

The Top 10 Questions a Debt Collector Might Ask You

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/04/23/do-debt-collectors-have-souls/feed/ 0 New Video: Conclusion – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/30/new-video-conclusion-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/30/new-video-conclusion-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/#comments Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:59:28 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/30/new-video-conclusion-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ That’s it.  The Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Credit During Divorce.

Your life is already tough.  Going through a divorce is one of the hardest things you will ever do.  It touches every part of your life, and you need to protect yourself while going through it.

Remember, it is you taking care of yourself now.  You HAVE to stop thinking about things as a member of a couple, and start thinking about things as a single person again.

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Conclusion video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgp3hLf4oiA

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/30/new-video-conclusion-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/feed/ 0 New Video: Tip 01 – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/28/new-video-tip-01-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/28/new-video-tip-01-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/#comments Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:55:50 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/28/new-video-tip-01-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ In Tip 1, I am asking you to start managing your money.  This is critical!  You are starting fresh, and it is very easy right now to damage your credit.

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Tip 1 video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycZ_0limSLg

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/28/new-video-tip-01-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/feed/ 0 New Video: Tip 02 – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/26/new-video-tip-02-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/26/new-video-tip-02-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:09:23 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/26/new-video-tip-02-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ In Tip 2, I discuss the danger in assigning your legal rights to someone else with a power of attorney.

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Tip 2 video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayHvbscHj2I

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/26/new-video-tip-02-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/feed/ 0 New Video: Tip 03 – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/24/new-video-tip-03-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce-2/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/24/new-video-tip-03-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce-2/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:59:11 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/24/new-video-tip-03-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce-2/ In Tip 3, I discuss your financial picture during the divorce process.  If you aren’t awarded enough money to live on, you need to say something.

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Tip 3 video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozpI7th7ZOc

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/24/new-video-tip-03-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce-2/feed/ 0 New Video: Tip 04 – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/20/new-video-tip-04-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/20/new-video-tip-04-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:48:49 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/20/new-video-tip-04-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ In Tip 4, I discuss how taking care of your financial obligations will help you to move ahead after your divorce. .

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Tip 4 video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA08frR4x_8

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/20/new-video-tip-04-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/feed/ 0 New Video: Tip 05 – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/18/new-video-tip-05-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/18/new-video-tip-05-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/#comments Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:37:51 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/16/new-video-tip-05-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ In Tip 5, I discuss how paying off joint accounts may cost you money while letting your spouse off the hook.

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Tip 5 video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkcIoMFEMmY

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/18/new-video-tip-05-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/feed/ 0 New Video: Tip 06 – The Top 10 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Divorce http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/16/new-video-tip-06-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/16/new-video-tip-06-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:33:06 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/16/new-video-tip-06-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/ In Tip 6, I discuss how changing your spending habits now can help you in your new life, especially if your financial status will change.

I have posted a video series to the MyCredEd YouTube channel discussing how you can protect your credit during divorce.  Remember, your divorce will be over soon, but the effects of a credit problem can last years longer!

You can view the Tip 6 video here: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge7aG5iMcf8

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/16/new-video-tip-06-the-top-10-ways-to-protect-your-credit-during-divorce/feed/ 0 New Video – Ask Brent – How Do Collectors Find My Neighbors or Aquainances? http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/15/new-video-ask-brent-how-do-collectors-find-my-neighbors-or-aquainances/ http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/15/new-video-ask-brent-how-do-collectors-find-my-neighbors-or-aquainances/#comments Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:53:56 +0000 admin http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/14/new-video-ask-brent-how-do-collectors-find-my-neighbors-or-aquainances/ Has a debt collector called your neighbor?  How about a relative?

Debt collection companies are serious about finding you.  They pull out the stops to try to make sure they can get your money.

My latest Ask Brent video discusses this.  You can watch it here: httpv://www.youtube.com/user/MyCredEd.

Remember to ask your questions about credit and debt in the form to the right.  I will answer via blog or video as soon as I can!

When you fill out the form, your question goes straight to my email inbox.  I am an email addict, so I will see it quickly.  If I put your question into a video, or answer it in a blog, I will send you and email back to let you know the answer is ready.

]]> http://mycreded.com/wordpress_blog/2009/03/15/new-video-ask-brent-how-do-collectors-find-my-neighbors-or-aquainances/feed/ 0