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Information on recourses available if a creditor is calling

Mark Cappel
UpdatedSep 19, 2023
Can an individual work out a repayment plan for a collections account?

one question, have a person renting here with a small bill of 400.00, having a creditor calling. I told him to just set up a payment plan, as he just started back to work. Can he set the payment amount and the time frame himself. I always could.

You are right; your friend can contact the creditor and ask for a payment arrangement himself. He should call first, and let them know that he is in financial difficulty. He should offer a repayment schedule that he can and will stick to. For example, if they want $100 a week, and he can only afford $20 to pay them, then he should say so. Then if things get better he can send more money.

The agents on the phone will most likely not be allowed to agree to such a deal, and may even sound hostile. In that case, one should not get angry, just thank them for listening, and end the call. Make sure to follow up this information in writing by sending the company a letter stating the facts of the case. This shows intent to make good on the debt.

Finally, he had better make the payments as promised! Breaking a promise to pay will have the collector calling even more than before.

You can read more about debt help options at http://www.bills.com/debt-help/.

I hope the information has helped you Find. Learn. Save.

Best,

Bill

www.bills.com

Dealing with debt

Mortgages, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, and auto loans are common types of debts. According to the NY Federal Reserve total household debt as of Q2 2023 was $17.06 trillion. Housing debt totaled $12.354 trillion and non-housing debt was $4.709 trillion.

A significant percentage of people in the US are struggling with monthly payments and about 26% of households in the United States have debt in collections. According to data gathered by Urban.org from a sample of credit reports, the median debt in collections is $1,739. Credit card debt is prevalent and 3% have delinquent or derogatory card debt. The median debt in collections is $422.

Each state has its rate of delinquency and share of debts in collections. For example, in Delaware credit card delinquency rate was 4%, and the median credit card debt was $365.

To maintain an excellent credit score it is vital to make timely payments. However, there are many circumstances that lead to late payments or debt in collections. The good news is that there are a lot of ways to deal with debt including debt consolidation and debt relief solutions.

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2 Comments

BBill, Mar, 2009
I am not familiar with that statute, so you may want to contact an attorney to be sure.I'm not totally sure why you would have a preference, but there is a great and easy way to figure out if you can... just call your bank and tell them that you are in collections but you would prefer to repay them directly.I'd be surprised if they did not accomodate you. Good luck Dale and report back on how it goes.
ddale, Feb, 2009
i was told that texas has a law that says that you can request to pay the original debtor nstead of a collection agency is this true and how does it work thank you