Debt settlement is a process by which you try to settle your debts for a smaller sum than you actually owe. The process involves negotiation with your creditors and so, it is also called debt negotiation. It is better than bankruptcy because its effect on your credit rating will be less damaging. By consolidating your debts, you are incurring a greater debt but debt settlement eliminates your debts by paying less.
Once you are behind your debt repayment schedule, your creditors will employ debt collection agencies to collect the amount due from you. They may threaten you with different consequences unless the debts are paid immediately. This is the time to start negotiating with your creditors. Make them realize the fact that you are not in a position to pay your debts in full but can make partial payments in full settlement of your accounts. Since the creditors know that they may not get anything at all if you choose bankruptcy to get rid of your debts, they will accept whatever you have to offer. Depending upon the effectiveness of your negotiation, your debts can be reduced by 50% or more.
It is always better to employ a third party to negotiate for you. When you are deep in debts, you will be too stressed and won’t be in a stable position to negotiate effectively with your creditors. Professional negotiators will do a better job for you by negotiating with your creditors on your behalf. You have to pay for the services of the professional negotiators but the payment depends on the outcome of their negotiations.