Consumer Debt and Today's Economy has crippled the lives of many families and has left us in ruin. Our only hope to bring "complete resolve" is our own CONTROLLED SPENDING.




Tom Bates, CDA
Expert Author


Tom Bates, CEO and Founder is an IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator, he offers years of experience in both the credit and collections industry and has founded Absolute to assist consumers in need of quality debt settlement at a reduced rate. We understand your already faced with mounting debt and want what is best for you.

• Credit Card Interest Rates
  [Finance:Credit]For many individuals, credit card interest rates are going through the roof. It is occurring even though cardholders have never been late on a payment. The rising rates are tied into borrower credit scores. If their scores go down, for any reason, lenders are within their rights to raise interest rates.
  
  
• Co-Signing Loans - Risky Business
  [Finance:Loans]There may come a time in your life when you are asked to co-sign for a loan or credit card. If this is the case, there are several things to consider before making a final decision. Technically, you are putting yourself at risk of damaging your own credit, in the event that the loan goes unpaid.
  
  
• Credit Card Tricks
  [Finance:Credit-Tips]Many credit card companies are not playing fair. Especially when you consider the current state of the economy and the fact that many people are being forced to pay for basic necessities with credit cards. Something they've never had to do before.
  
  
• Avoiding Debt Relief Scams
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]We do not live in stable economic times. Unemployment is rising. The value of the dollar is shrinking. Countless individuals and their families are struggling to survive. The majority are living week to week and barely hanging on. There are predictions that it will get worse, before it gets better.
  
  
• What are Secured Debts?
  [Finance:Debt-Management]In a nutshell, a secured debt can be defined as a debt that is secured by the specific item purchased. In other words, if an individual buys an automobile, on credit, and does not repay the loan, the automobile becomes collateral. Creditors are entitled to take back this collateral when a loan goes unpaid.
  
  
• The Mortgage Crisis and Credit Card Debt
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]It's no secret that the current mortgage crisis, seems to be getting worse instead of better. The foreclosure rate is horrendous, to say the least. Many people believe that it will only get worse, before it gets better.
  
  
• Debt Relief Options
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]The current state of the economy seems to be getting worse instead of better. More and more individuals are finding themselves suddenly unemployed with little or no income. The foreclosure rate is skyrocketing. The same is true for the price of gas, food and many other non-luxury items.
  
  
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
  [Finance:Bankruptcy-Tips-Advice]Chapter 13 bankruptcy is one of several bankruptcy options. It is sometimes referred to as reorganization bankruptcy and differs from Chapter 7 bankruptcy in many ways.
  
  
• Basic Facts About Credit Card Risk
  [Finance:Credit]Taking into consideration the current state of the economy, credit card usage can be risky business. Maybe not for everyone, but for individuals who find it hard to resist using the cards for impulse-type purchases it can lead to financial disaster.
  
  
• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy - Who is Eligible to File
  [Finance:Bankruptcy-Personal]The United States bankruptcy laws were amended, in 2005. Many of the eligibility requirements have changed. If you are considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it is important that you know who is eligible to file and who isn't.
  
  
• What is Debt Settlement?
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]Today's economy seems to be getting worse, not better. With the high unemployment rate, current foreclosure situation and skyrocketing gas prices, many people are finding themselves in the middle of a financial crisis.
  
  
• Today's Economy and Our Public Out Cry
  [Finance:Personal-Finance]Today's economy is getting progressively worse instead of better. People are losing their homes, their jobs and their insurance coverage. More and more people are living from week to week, than ever before.
  
  
• How Does Debt Settlement Work - Debt Settlement
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]Not everyone is in debt because of financial carelessness or living beyond their means. With the current state of the economy, indebtedness can happen to almost anyone. Opting for debt settlement alleviates the need for bankruptcy.
  
  
• Avoiding Bankruptcy
  [Finance:Bankruptcy-Personal]Many individuals who are facing a financial crisis are under the impression that bankruptcy is the only answer. While bankruptcy might be the only solution in some cases, it certainly isn't the case at all of them.
  
  
• Obtaining Credit After Bankruptcy
  [Finance:Bankruptcy-Tips-Advice]Yes, there is life after bankruptcy. It is possible to re-build your credit history and once again be considered credit worthy. The most important thing to remember, throughout the entire process, is control. You must control your spending so that you don't find yourself in financial trouble, a second time.
  
  
• Why Debt Consolidation Isn't Always the Answer
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]If you are currently in the midst of a difficult financial situation, you may have considered debt consolidation as an answer to the problem. Initially, it may seem like an excellent solution, because of the fact that your combined monthly payment will be lower. Although in reality, you are just trading one debt for another.
  
  
• Credit and Today's Children
  [Finance:Personal-Finance]As parents, we must teach our children many things. They count on us to guide them and teach them responsibilities, which will remain with them throughout their lives. One of the most important things we can teach them is how to spend appropriately. It's never too early to start.
  
  
• Avoiding the Credit Trap
  [Finance:Credit-Tips]We live in a 'want it now - own it now' world. Credit is easier to obtain than ever before. The majority of all retailers now offer some type of credit, to their customers.
  
  
• Debt Settlement or Debt Consolidation
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]For years, debt consolidation has been the relief of choice. Debt settlement has clearly paved the way in protecting consumers. For those with mounting unsecured debt, your options for debt elimination can be confusing. Becoming an educated consumer is your best defense in preventing consumer abuse or debt settlement scams.
  
  
• Debt Relief Options 101- What To Do
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]Debt Consolidation is a much easier answer to debt related problems than debt settlement, but is anything that is worth having easy? Debt Consolidation is a short term fix to a long term illness. The theory of borrowing your way out of debt is sold to consumers by the the same banks we owe.
  
  
• Shocking Facts - What Debt Consolidation Loans Don't Give You
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]With most consumers who are looking for the "QUICK FIX' or quick cash from their equity, stay clear of the debt consolidation loans. Although it may seem to be the most passive, and have great short term results, the end facts are clearly not in your favor. If your conducting a refinance to fix your ARM loan that is one thing, but do not take the extra for unsecured credit card debt.
  
  
• Credit Card Debt - Debt Settlement And Negotiations
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]In America every six seconds somebody is told "I Need Help With my Credit Card Debt". The banks hear this hundreds of times a day, yet they keep loaning the money and charging the interest. As adults in the working community, we are doing the same thing our kids do. They ask for more candy and they get sick, we ask for more money and we get sick. Who's fault is it when we give our kids too much candy and they get sick? We are the adults and should know better. The banks are to the experts and should know better. Or do they?
  
  
• Debt Consolidation, Debt Settlement, Debt Relief - Options or Mistakes
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]It all just sounds too good to be true. They tell us no payment for up to 90 days. Save up to 50% of what you owe. Eliminate all your debt fast, reduce your interest.
  
  
• Viable Options To Avoid Bankruptcy in Texas, Debt Settlement & Debt Consolidation
  [Finance:Bankruptcy]In 2003, 88,687 middle-class families in Texas filed for personal bankruptcy, up a stunning 49% from 2000. The fact that this figure calculates out to mean one family every 6 minutes declared personal bankruptcy is chilling.
  
  
• Free Debt Consolidation - Why Double Your Debt When Debt Settlement Could Cut It In Half
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]Let's be real here, your looking at this after spending "perhaps thousands of dollars" on credit cards, you know nothing in this world is free. Debt consolidation, like anything else will cost you. But why, if over 75% of all people that go through debt consolidation end up with double the debt would you "or anybody" consider debt consolidation. In most cases these are the folks that also end up in bankruptcy court.
  
  
• Debt Consolidation - What Was Unsecured Debt Is Now Secured Debt
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]We have all seen the adds on TV that tell us to refinance our home or close 401k's to pay off our unsecured credit card debts to get a lower payments. Or even to transfer to a zero balance to another credit card. First, both options treat symptoms, and are a direct cause of financial disaster for the illness. The illness here is that if you have so much debt your even considering tapping into the equity and or protected assets you need debt relief not more debt through debt consolidation.
  
  
• Debt Advice - Debt Relief
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]As with any important decision you have to make, don't make a decision without being educated. Your finances are no different.
  
  
• Debt Relief - Debt Settlement
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]Debt relief has vast become the leading option through debt settlement in avoiding bankruptcy. Following the direction of an IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator is key. There are many options in debt settlement that may be right for you. Check their Better Business Report and view their guarantee before you sign.
  
  
• Risking Debt Settlement For Debt Freedom - What Is The Real Risk Factor In Debt Settlement
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]As working class adults we are faced with decisions to make every day. Some of these decisions will affect us for the rest of our lives. When looking into debt settlement as an option consider the real risk. Your not going to ever pay anything more than you already owe or what you agreed to pay. Debt Settlement is an viable option that takes time and patience.
  
  
• The Truth Behind Bankruptcy - The Laws Have Changed
  [Finance:Bankruptcy]In Most Cases Bankruptcy can and should be avoided. An option to bring full resolve in a shorter period of time with less paid is Debt Settlement. Debt Settlement is not easy and is an option to avoid Bankruptcy.
  
  
• Debt Settlement Scams
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]Make sure your company of choice is IAPDA Certified. Debt Settlement is in fact a growing industry that requires regulations and full disclosure. If your "Financial Analyst" does not cover all your finances, you both need to move on.
  
  
• Don't Be Surprised When Debt Consolidation Fails To Deliver
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]Over 75 percent of Americans who take out a home equity loan or other type of loan to pay off credit cards end up with the same (if not higher) debt load within two years. Fact is you can't borrow your way out of debt.
  
  
• Shocking Facts - What Your Texas Bankruptcy Attorney Has Failed To Tell You About Your Debt Options
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]As we are plagued with mounting debt, one of the last things we think about are our rights as a Texas consumer. The sleepless nights, and stress this can bring on a family changes who we are people and leaders in both our family and community.
  
  
• Debt Collector Abuse Demands and Lies - Get Help Through IAPDA
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]As consumer debt continues to spiral out of control, debt collectors do the same. When looking for help with your debts, make sure the company you choose has a perfect BBB report, and is IAPDA Certified.
  
  
• When To Choose Debt Settlement
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]As with most consumers, you may find yourself reaching out for financial assistance through one of many options to find stability. While searching for the right option, make sure and understand that your goal must be to learn all your rights and options. Keeping in mind there are end results to each of them. Let's look at these options in detail along with the end results of each.
  
  
• Debt Collector Abuse
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]In most cases the bill collectors only strength is your weakness. Showing concern or fear is like blood to the shark. They will smell it and they will attack "verbally". Stop, you have rights under the FDCPA, and your state laws. Don't run from the shark, hit him head on.
  
  
• Fair Options In Debt Settlement Are Available - Just Do Your Homework First
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]Being an educated consumer is your first step to bringing full resolve. To reach your highest potential in debt settlement you need to start with the company you are doing business with. If they are going to take their money first, Do the have your best interest in mind?
  
  
• How To Choose A Debt Settlement Program
  [Finance:Debt-Consolidation]As the industry of debt settlement continues to grow, there are many debt settlement programs you may consider to be in your best interest and affordable. Just the thought of being debt free brings tears to the family who has been distracted with interest payments for years. It is said that 78% of all income is paid out to debt of some type. The major percent of each payment going to interest. So lets look at your options in debt settlement programs for bringing resolve.
  
  
• Debt Settlement And The Real Truth
  [Finance:Debt-Relief]When looking for a debt settlement company, look to their results and not their affiliations. The BBB in most cities will not allow for debt settlement companies to be members. A trophy on a website does not guarantee results.