An interesting development in the world of
consumer credit counseling programs has developed.
Banks are now offering a new “Hardship Program”,
with lower minimum payments to anyone who can
qualify as a legitimate hardship.

In other words,banks have come to realize that
they have been driving away sincere individuals who
had a desire to pay their debt but were unable to because
when they went to a non-profit credit counseling company,
their monthly payments went up, when they tried to enroll
into a debt management program, and were turned away due to
lack of affordability. Remember, the banks control the non
profits.

So, is it that the banks are having a heart?
Please, do not be naive. First of all, you really have
to qualify for the program. Your hardship must be a hardship
in the eyes of the bank, not your credit counselor. The hardship
is determined by computer software, not a sob story.

Next, At the same time the banks are imposing
stiff annual fees on all card holders. Fees are raging from
29.00 per year to 99.00 dollars per year, and oh yes, lets not
forget what they did to your credit score recently, when they
lowered the credit limits of their best cardholders to whatever
the balance was at the time, thereby severely impacting their
credit score, and causing them to borrow money at a much higher
interest rate then they otherwise would have had to. I have verified
this with a number of finance managers, at lending institutions.

So, if you are still employed and are interested in a
Debt Management Program
now may be a good time to explore one bu calling us at 877-766-2465.

If a debt management program is not viable for you,
even wit a hardship, we have two other debt relief programs
available, which can definitely be of help, and none of them
includes bankruptcy, which you need to avoid if possible.

If you enjoyed this article, and would like to subscribe
to this
FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER, and simply leave your email address.

We never ever share your information!
Also-please feel free to pass this newsletter on to anyone
who you may know that this could help. You will be
creating good Karma–”You will reap what you so”.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

OK, loyal readers. This awesome tip comes
to you from one of the subscribers to this
newsletter.

As you know you can easily pull a FREE CREDIT SCORE.

It has been to long that the three major credit bureaus have
had a monopoly on providing credit scores or FICO scores for a price.
Very big business indeed. The geniuses at the above link which is
http://www.creditkarma.com/ have come up with a way of giving
it to you free. In the spirit of free enterprise they support the site
with paid advertising. I say Kudos to them.

There it is. Short and sweet. Please feel free to pass
this article to anyone you think may benefit from it. By so doing,
you will create good Karma for yourself.”We reap what we sow”.
And, if you are not currently a subscriber to this

FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER just visit the aforementioned link
and leave your email address. We never share your information.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

As you know if you are a regular reader of
this newsletter, we are always looking for resources
to self empower you, the reader.

Well, we have noticed that the number of visits to
our American Debt Enders, Creditor Legal Resources Pageare growing
dramatically. Clearly, as a result of rising unemployment, extortionist
tactics being employed by the banks and collection companies, more and
more people are seeking free legal advice, to extricate themselves
from debt and other ensuing problems.

We have located a site that provides Free legal information.
The website address is:
FREE LEGAL INFORMATION.They also publish a FREE Newsletter,
which you can easily subscribe to.

Unfortunately, we live in a time when the average person
finds themselves in positions they never believed they would be in.
You work hard, but somehow you have found yourself beholden
to your creditors, or something worse has happened as a result
of the ensuing stress. If you know someone who is in
this situation, please be kind and forward this email to them.

If you enjoyed this article, and are not a subscriber,
please feel free to visit:
FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER and become one. We absolutely
never share your information. If you have a debt problem, please
feel free to call us using the contact information below.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

A very recent study by noted economics professors
Dr. Bernard L. Weinstein, Ph.D, and Dr. Terry Clower, Ph.D.
entitled
Debt Settlement, Fulfilling The Need For An Economic Middle Ground,
points out the true value of
Debt SettlementPrograms.

I say Bravo to these professorsfor taking an
unbiased look at such a maligned industry and reporting
the truth. As pointed out in the paper,which I highly
recommend anyone considering a debt
settlement program read, Credit Counseling programs,
or operated by non profits do not reduce the overall debt,
nor do they tend to reduce the monthly payments required to
meet minimum payments, and when so many households are
running upside down in their budgets,
this presents a real problem. If the money to
make the minimum payments cannot be found, even after
the most strenuous cuts in expenses, then this option
is no longer viable.

Debt settlement companies can help
consumers avoid a bankruptcy filing, which
can impair credit scores for many years. And
unlike bankruptcy, the consumer does not
have to turn over all of the household’s nonexempt
assets to a bankruptcy trustee.
(Source: taken directly from the Weinstein paper)

Debt Settlement also involves consumer education
regarding creditor rights. To often today consumers
have no idea of what there legal rights are as debtors,
and consequently, come under serious abuse by third
party collectors. Also, debtors are able to make affordable
budgets for the first time in a long time, so that
secured debt payments can be handled. Consumers can
begin to get back on track, as they see a light at the
end of the tunnel. Plainly speaking, an end to debt
slavery.

So, if you are considering a debt settlement
program, I advise you strongly to shop around. There
are bad players in every industry. I recommend you look
for a program that will have attorneys represent you
if you are sued by a creditor during the process. It also,
is better to be in a program where before any settlement
is made on your behalf, the debt is validated legally.
If a creditor cannot VALIDATE
your debt according to State and Federal laws, then you have
defenses.

If you enjoyed reading this article and know someone
in a serious debt situation, by all means forward this
article to them. Also, feel free to subscribe to our

FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER.

Remember, Debt Freedom is Self Empowerment.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

Since banks and credit card companies
continue to put the screws to consumers in terms of
lowering credit limits and raising interest rates,
it has lowered the credit scores of the masses.

While six months ago your credit score may
not have been an issue in terms of seeking auto
financing, today may be a whole new ballgame, and worse,
you did nothing to make the negative change happen.
No, all you did was to continue to pay your bills
on time, the banks took care of the rest while you
were sleeping. And, oh yeah, I almost forgot, the
politicians, also played a significant role.

The politicians, because the passage of
the Credit Card Bill of Rights Act, is not slated to
take effect until 2010. This gave the banks plenty
of time to do their adjusting, so their profits
would not be hurt, and your interest rates could
go to outlandishly usurious levels, totally collapsing
your credit score and costing you a fortune in additional
interest.

So while the banks raked in your tax bail out
dollars, the reality is, that the politicians did nothing
to really protect you.

Sorry for the steam blow off, but it just is almost
to much to take. Back to the main topic. If you find
yourself in a position of having to buy a car and
have had your credit score drop due to the
aforementioned scenario, may I suggest the following
website: BAD CREDIT AUTO LOAN.

please feel free to pass this article on to anyone you
know who may be facing this problem, it just may be a
lifesaver to them.

If you are reading this article and would like to
subscribe to our FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER.
simply leave us your email address. We never share your information.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

Shortly after the passage of the Bankruptcy
Reform Act of 2005, also known as BAPCA, Bankruptcy
filings fell to dramatic lows. Fast forward to the beginning
of 2008 and bankruptcy filings started increasing to record
levels. Business became good again for bankruptcy attorneys.

The problem with the rash of filings which continues
through today, is that for those who qualify for in particular
a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is, in large part, viewed as a
“debt walkaway”, many consumers view a bankruptcy with far
to casual an eye. Please lets get one thing straight. No debt
walkaway is void of consequences.

The idea that a chapter 7 bankruptcy is a fresh start
is not always true. In some cases there can be a liquidation
of some assets to pay back part of the debt. Additionally, in
today’s tight credit markets, the bankruptcy will be cause for
paying much higher interest rates on a credit you may qualify for
for some time to come. Also, you may actually be frozen out of some
credit markets, not to mention, some jobs, as more and more employers
look at credit reports as a screening device. What about housing?
Possibility of being excluded from that dream apartment, especially,
if the competition is significant.

Their is no question that for some, filing a bankruptcy is
the only way out, however, it should in my opinion, always be
the measure of last resort. Seeking the services if a good
credit counselor is good as a first step, but be careful.
Non-profits which are fine, but also very limited in the options
they can point you to, as they are under legal constraints
in terms of what solutions they can offer you. You really want to
seek the advice of a credit counselor who is familiar with many
debt solutions and the advantages and disadvantages of each
potential solution. Non profits can only offer you debt management
and budgeting as a solution. Whereas, a counselor not under these
constraints may be able also to offer you
Debt Settlement, Debt Management, budget counseling, and perhaps
even an Alternative Debt Relief.

The bottom line is that it is possible, in many cases, to
avoid a bankruptcy in a debt crises, and its longer term
consequences. A debt settlement program coupled with a debt
validation program can avoid a bankruptcy and help restore
your credit report at the same time your debts are being
dispensed with.

If you are interested in exploring your additional options,
please feel free to contact us by visiting: American Debt Enders.
or by calling 877-766-2465 for a free consultation.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to subscribe
to our FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

Here is something everyone can easily do
to insure that you are not losing points on your
credit score, unnecessarily.

Creditors can do a very sloppy job when it
comes to reporting information about your accounts.
No surprise here as we have written extensively
on this subject. One problem is that they often
report your present credit card balance as whatever
your highest balance has been on the card.
E.g. If you once had a balance of $5,000.00 on a
particular credit card, and now that balance is
$2500.00, do not be surprised to see the current balance
on the credit report listed as $5000.00.

Here is why this is a problem for you.
A large part of your credit score is made up
of the debt t available credit ratio. Generally,
the lower this number, the higher the score.
Any time the current balance is listed higher
than it actually is, you will be penalized points.

Capitol One actually routinely reports the
highest balance as the current balance. You will want to
check your credit reports and verify that the balances
are reported correctly. If they are not, you need to
write to all three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and
Trans Union and have it corrected.

If you are planning a credit purchase
it is always a good idea to check your credit
report first, anyway.

If you enjoyed this articleplease feel free
to visit:
AMERICAN DEBT ENDERS to subscribe to our
FREE Credit Counseling Newsletter.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

Sometimes I come across an article that I think is
so good and so timely that it is worthy of being reproduced
in its entirety. This is definatly one of those times.

With foreclosures and short sales continuing to
rise nationally consumers need to be more educated than ever
on possible legitimate defenses and protections afforded
them under the law.

If you know someone who is in a foreclosure or short
sale situation, I urge you to pass this article along.

If you are not a subscriber and would like to subscribe
to this Free Newsletter simply visit:
FREE CREDIT COUNSELING NEWSLETTER

Here is the link to the full article:

What Happens When A Lender Cannot Produce The Original Note

Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

The more counseling I do for people who are debt laden
and at least claim to be seeking a solution to their debt problems,
the more convinced I become that the words “Debt” and “
Addiction” go together. Consider my reasoning. Once a
person becomes addicted to anything, whether it be drugs,
alcohol, sex, money, yes, a we can become addicted to almost
anything, no action to alleviate the pain of the addiction will
truly occur, until the pain of the addiction becomes overwhelming,
and the individual hits bottom.

Like all addictions, the debt addiction starts
innocently enough. Perhaps to simply cover a monthly shortfall
in revenue. Not unlike the taking of pain medication until the
body heals, or, we can get to see the doctor. The short term
fix does its job, but without an awareness of the potential negative
effects on how easily it can turn into an addiction, we use it
over and over, so easy to take out a credit card and sign ones
name. Couple this with the fact that the banks and credit
card companies unlike the helpful physician, who monitors our
pain relief use, these overseers are their encouraging our
continued use. Give us a ready supply and even providing
gifts in the form of flight rewards and points for using more.

Without an essential grounding,or financial education
we fall into the trap and find ourselves paying more and more
for the desired drug, until we are almost in ruins. Once we are
hooked the banks just increase the cost of the drug with
higher and higher interest rates.

Once our credit and good name are damaged we
start feeling the pain and start the process of exploring
ways of getting relief. The commercials tell us, we should
go to the dealers for help. The dealers being the card companies
that put us in this situation. Lets see, someone wants you
to believe that your drug dealer is ready and able to help you,
break your addiction. The worse thing is, people have allowed
themselves to become totally brainwashed by the marketing genius
of the pushers, into believing they want to let you out of
debt slavery.

The pushers tell you to stay away from anyone
who really understands how all this works because they really
want to hurt you. Only the non-profit credit counselors can
really help. The tell you this because they, the pushers,
have created the non profit industry and in fact control it!
Granted there are bad players in every area of life, debt
settlement companies being among them, but there are also awesome
debt settlement companies and debt relief programs available
that the banks do not want you to be aware of, so, they go
to great lengths to try to discredit them.

If you are debt addicted and ready to stop the pain,
do not let the pushers stop you. Take control of your own life.
If you want free credit counseling advice in an unpressured
honest manner where you can explore all your options, including,
Debt Management,
Debt Settlement,
or even alternative debt relief information, then by all means
contact us or call us at: 877-766-2465.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465

As most of you know I am Certified by the
National Foundation of Credit Counselors. (NFCC).
In the world of credit Counseling this is considered the
“IT” certification. Posted on their website

NFCC-Questions To Ask When Considering Debt Settlement is
information about debt settlement programs and a list of questions
to ask a debt settlement company before enrolling.
Here is a list of the questions, and following
each question is their question and my comment. I think you will
find it very helpful, especially if you or someone you know
is considering debt settlement to become debt free and
avoid bankruptcy.

· Review the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau
as well as there state Attorney General or Commissioner of Banking.

My Comment: Do not be hung up if the company is not a BBB
member. The BBB logs complaints against all companies,
whether or not they are members. You can also try a google search
like “Complaints against XYZ company”. If you see complaints,
ask the counselor directly about them.

· Select a company that is affiliated with an
industry trade association which holds members accountable
through accreditation.

My Comment:Many Credit Counselors work as small
companies. Affiliation is good, however, realize that,
for example, a membership can be expensive, TASC, which is
the Association of Debt Settlement Companies, costs
250.00 dollars per month. A company can follow TASC
guidelines, without being a member.

· Confirm that the account holding your deposits
is FDIC-insured.

My Comment:This is a good question, but an additional
question might be if funds are held in an attorney escrow account
is that account protected?

Obtain all disclosures in writing, including a
good faith estimate of costs associated with the settlement.

My Comment: This is absolutely essential. You need to
be provided in the agreement itself, a breakdown of exactly
how much money is going to escrow for settlements and how much
for fees. What is the dollar breakdown not just an overall
pecentage.

· Inquire about refunds of any money on deposit should
you wish to drop out of the program.

My Comment: Generally, many good companies will
breakdown how the fees are earned and the pro rated return policy.
All funds held in an escrow account mist be returnable to
the client-since it is your money set aside for settlements,
period. Also, a good settlement company or settlement lawyer
will apply you fees to a bankruptcy proceeding should things
change and you find yourself having to file a bankruptcy after
the program has been underway.

· Be cautious about promises or guarantees that seem
unrealistic.

My Comment: Make sure what you are told is
stated in plain language in the agreement. Very simple.
Most settlement companies will not represent you if you
are sued by a creditor before the account is settled. Make
sure you know how that issue will be handled should it occur.
This is a very important point Do not gloss over it.
You should not have to ask many of these questions, a good
program will give you the answers before you ask.

Have more questions? We have answers. We also
have an extraordinary debt settlement/debt validation program
which may well be the best ever. If you would like to
know more, simply visit:
DEBT SETTLEMENT WITH VALIDATION.
While you are their please feel free to subscribe to
our FREE, Credit Counseling Newsletter.

Written By:
Steven Ciantro
Member National Association of Certified Credit Counselors
American Debt Enders
Help@americandebtenders.com
877-766-2465