Discover Debt
Handling Solutions
by Robert Sawtelle
Sometimes debt can seem overwhelming. In those
instances, or even before things get that far out of hand, get back to basics
and try some of these debt handling solutions.
BASICS Lower insurance
deductibles for your homeowners, renters and vehicles
policies where appropriate and save money. Don't take
chances on bouncing checks; instead get covered with
overdraft protection and pay about the same as what it would
cost for one bounced check to cover our account for an
entire year. Ask your banker about packaged account
services. Many offer free savings and checking accounts with
free overdraft protection and checks, free online bill
paying and more. When you shop, check your receipts, even
for groceries. Many times items ring up at incorrect prices.
Sometimes store policy allows for no errors, meaning you get
the items free if it wrings up wrong. So carry along a
handheld calculator or pencil with small notepad to tally up
your charges.
 REACH
OUT- If you have medical debt, the first thing healthcare
offices try to do is get you to charge the bills or
refinance your home, etc. STOP. Before you take such a
drastic step, check with legal counsel. There are often
other steps to take first. For example, notify the billing
parties and tell them you need to apply for financial aid.
Many have forms to complete, and although they may be
lengthy, remember they're for free money to pay your bills.
Reach out, take forms and fill them out. Then set up minimum
payment arrangements for the remaining balances, even if its
just $10 a month for 30 years. Healthcare bills are not like
credit card debt and do not need to be reported to the
credit bureau in the same manner.
Also reach out with merchandise and return any recently
purchased items that you can for a refund. Credit cards and
mail order companies generally allow you 30 days to inspect
your purchase. Return any you can for refunds. If purchases
are beyond the 30 days and for various reasons don't hold up
to their end of the bargain; i.e. they broke already or
never worked right to begin with, get on a letter writing
campaign pronto. Write the place of purchase and copy the
manufacturer, the distributor, the Better Business Bureau
and your state Attorney Generals Office. State the reasons
our product is faulty and that you want a refund. Its often
rewarding to get help with other entities like these. No
need to go it alone!
So before your debt gets out of hand, take charge and get
back to basics. Put some of these debt handling solutions
into practice and make the most out of what you have.
 About
the Author: Robert Sawtelle is an author, teacher, and researcher. If you would
like more information for DEBT RELIEF send for his FREE newsletter at the top of
this page. You may contact Robert at
RobertSawtelle@digitaldataplease.com
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