'Tis The Season, Those Damn Bill Collectors!

AHHHHHHHHHHHH, the time of year when bill collectors have no problem calling and hammering you for money!  Times are tough enough as it is and now they want to put you in the vice! HO, HO, HO! Merry Christmas right?  Well after all it is year end, the creditors want to close out or get as much money in as they can and Mr. & Mrs. Bill Collector often have increased incentives for the month of December for a year end bonus. Collectors will use all sorts of scare tactics and tell you they can not be flexible with you anymore.  Do not let them scare you, often times you will see a big change in their attitude after the first of the year.  I'm NOT telling you not to pay your debt if you owe it, what I'm telling you is to challenge them in what they can really do and what they can take.  If you want to send them money, or make a deal I stress to you to challenge them.  Your credit is already beat up, it can get worse but not right away.  If they tell you, "we're going to send you to an attorney firm and they will place a judgement against you!"  They can send it to an attorney and the attorney can file a judgement and garnish your wages and capture some of your bank account.  However this process isn't instant.  The process takes time, they have to go to court and you will be given a summons.  You will also be given another chance to settle before going to court, you will also be given 20 days to respond to the attorney.  In those 20 days you can respond to them on your own, or you can consult with an attorney.  If you ignore everything and give no response, then yes life can get even tougher.  Point is, try and get debts settled but don't let them hold you hostage.  You have rights, have some courage to go along with it.  Take the emotion out of it and treat it like another business transaction.  My statements our opinions backed up by years of experience in this subject.  Budgets, self control and being proactive are the a few great ways to avoid these types of situations all together.  Rise Every Day and face your credit challenges head on friends!  Ignoring the problems won't make them go away, it will make them worse.