Confirm Balances
Find out the balance that is owed by asking pertinent questions to confirm the accuracy of the information that you have. It is important to know exactly how much is owed on each account before making settlement offers.
If the balance that the creditor reports differs from yours, you need to find out why. Details such as charges and interest as well as any errors will help you know …show more content…
Starting low is usually recommended because creditors will probably want you to pay a higher amount. This gives you more room for negotiations until a satisfactory percentage of the debt can be collected. Learn about Creditors Relief here.
Monitor Negotiations
Keep records of negotiations and each stage of the process. These records will serve as a reference when you need to contact creditors again or agree on a final settlement. Before you end any settlement talks, ensure that an agreement is in place as well as what it entails. You need to be aware of when the money should be paid.
For new payment plans, factors such as when payments will be due, the amount of each payment and the number of payments should be clarified. All settlements should be confirmed in writing after reaching agreements with creditors.
Financial Assessment
Assess your finances and come up with a budget that is based on your situation, including revenue and expenditure. This helps you determine how much your settlement payments will be and prove that this is what you can afford to pay.