When the electrical wiring goes on the fritz in my house, I do not try to fix the problem myself. How many problems in our life do we make for ourselves by trying to fix something? So one may assume that if you have a debt problem then you need a professional to help you resolve the issue. This may not exactly be the case. While an electrician must be certified and has gone through an apprenticeship there is no such schooling for a professional credit card negotiator. Why? Anyone can negotiate with collectors if they know what to do. Now, collectors can be intimidating, stressful, insulting, and rude. It seems to be apart of their job. This looks like as good a reason as any to use a counseling service, but when you are in debt should you spend more money to purchase a service that you can do yourself? Let's discuss the basics of talking to collectors and you can decide for yourself.
First, set the tone of the conversation. You must be polite. Understand, also, that you must have boundaries. If a collector starts getting nasty on the phone explain simply that this conversation will cease if the collector does not speak to you in a polite manner. If the collector does not comply, hang up. Don't worry they will call back. When they call back do not talk to them unless they are treating you with respect. If the same collector is calling you everyday, do not pick up the phone. You may tell them that you will speak to them once a week or whenever your situation changes and you have some more money for them. You can set the boundaries so that these phone calls are productive and not harassment. If they call you at work, it is illegal and you can report them.
Secondly, when on the phone discussing your credit card debt or medical debt you can negotiate a settlement yourself. Ask if the company will take the amount that you have available at this time. When settling you will have to have the amount at hand or this will not work. Companies would rather collect something than nothing.
Lastly, when you have reached a settlement do not send them any money till you have received their settlement offer in writing that states that a certain amount of money is payment in full for the debt. When you receive this offer in writing do not lose it because another collector may try to collect on it or the company may conveniently forget that you paid. Also, do not ever give a company electronic access to your account. Send them a check so that you can have a record that they received and accepted the money.
After reading this you may say, I don't want to deal with that. That is fine. Just make sure the person you choose helps you and does not just take your money. Research online who in your area is legitimate.
There are good national networks that are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Remember, sometimes the medicine can be worse then the disease.