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Quote of the Day

"We breathe, we think, we conceive of our lives as narratives."

Christopher Lehmann-Haupt








 




 
Featured Debt Articles

Finding a Low Interest Debt Consolidation Loan
If you are in the market for a low interest debt consolidation loan, then you might think that you're out of luck. After all, aren't loans that consolidate your debt into a single monthly payment designed for people who have poor or bad credit? What are ...

Is Debt Elimination One of Your Goals?
Debt elimination should be everyone's goal. But, it is not. Unfortunately, many people live day to day with large debts floating above their heads. Is there any way to get out? The answer is yes. What those who are in debt need to do, though, is to commit ...

Should You Really Give A Sheet About Debt Reduction Worksheets?
Debt reduction worksheets don't just work to reduce your debt effectively...they reduce the time, energy and stress on any debtor trying to figure out their finances, or any other money situation like tax forms that can be mired with legal-ease and other ...




(Debt Negotiation) Companies and Cyberspace: Business & Consumer Pros & Cons
 
The Internet seems to be one of the most dangerous, yet convenient places out there. But, as in real life, there is still more good than we hear about. Amongst the spy ware, pop-up ads, search engine spamming, redirect only sites, phishing scams, and illegitimate business sites out there, there are still trustworthy companies. Research businesses and their background. Don't go by first impressions nor hearsay whether trusting or disregarding a website. Established companies that we pass by in person and would immediately deem as legit make up some of these we see online. It is unfortunate that solely cyberspace-based businesses created to deceive consumers created a stereotype. Debt negotiation companies are meshed into these gray populations even though debt negotiation is a legal service. There is a difference between commercialized, "pennies on the dollar", too good to be true scams that are popping up everywhere online, versus companies that have actual offices, actual representatives/employees (as opposed to cramped call centers full of people recently trained just to be able to work that specific position, without prior field education, nor background/years of hands on experience). There are companies that are different; that don't charge upfront fees, and don't make 100% guarantees on things that can't be said with full certainty.
Scams can be pretty obvious. For instance, asking for money upfront just to get an explanation or potentially begin a service, with a risk of the service not even being completed; some employees don't give additional information, can't answer basic questions, are unable to give background information about the company's history, etc.
As an everyday, hardworking consumer myself, I understand the precaution taken, but it is a different thing when a reliable, caring company's ability to thrive is hindered/hurt simply because it's title category is automatically associated with that negative stereotype. Much of the up sides of stepping onto the web scene are negated.
- Pay attention to what a company offers and or guarantees - Be wary of immediate demands of payment, or a rush in receiving them before service or any additional information - Can they give company background information? - Are they hesitant or unable when asked even basic questions, or for further details? Do they explain risks? - How are you treated? Do they give room, and control? Obligations?
Just as you want to look for warning signs, there are positive signs that tell you a company is good as well. If the product is presented truthfully, wholly, and with confidence and knowledge, before discussing payment, thumbs up, I'd say. If the contact person is personable, courteous, and makes you feel like you are at your service, another 'continue on'. Some businesses do offer free assessments, and give you control and choices. Research. Educate yourself. Continue on unless an uncomfortable scenario is reached. You should always be able to make decisions without penalty-- even if it is not to use the service. Get what you are considering paying for-- never less.
The web can help as much as it can hurt. Just be alert. There are still companies that aren't just companies trying to make millions with appalling quality products and or services! Some are made up of people like you and I, who have been around for years, at the service of the people; our neighbors; our community; or even you!
(The author is an agent for a debt negotiation company (www.Knuckleheaded.Com). The business is attempting to expand onto the webscene, but as other good businesses, there are negatives that come along with this expansion. We all should be aware of the pros and cons when dealing with a resource as powerful as the internet).
About the Author
(The author is an agent for a debt negotiation company (www.Knuckleheaded.Com). The business is attempting to expand onto the webscene, but as other good businesses, there are negatives that come along with this expansion. We all should be aware of the pros and cons when dealing with a resource as powerful as the internet).



Debt News

Red Cross pleads for hurricane donations - Guardian Unlimited
WASHINGTON (AP) - The American Red Cross is borrowing money to cover its costs from Hurricane Gustav and will probably go deeper into debt as it prepares for three additional storms threatening the United States. Red Cross vice president Joseph ...

Paulson Plans to Take Control of Fannie, Freddie (Update1) - Bloomberg
Sept. 6 (Bloomberg) -- Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is preparing to announce plans to bring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under government control, seeking to halt the crisis of confidence in the companies that make up almost half the U.S. mortgage ...

U.S. To Seize Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac - CBS News
(AP) The government is expected to take over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as soon as this weekend in a monumental move designed to protect the mortgage market from the failure of the two companies, which together hold or guarantee half of the nation's ...

Paulson readies the 'bazooka' - CNN Money
NEW YORK (Fortune) -- It took two months, but the bond market called Henry Paulson's bluff: The Treasury Secretary was widely expected this weekend to announce a plan to take Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under government control. News reports say the ...

U.S. to take control of Fannie and Freddie: reports - Reuters
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. government plans to put government sponsored mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under federal control, the New York Times and Washington Post newspapers reported late Friday, in what could ...