Unraveling the Impact of Freedom Debt Relief on Your Credit
In today's fast-paced world, managing finances can be a daunting task for many individuals. With mounting debts and substantial financial stress, people often seek assistance from debt relief programs to find a way out of their financial predicament. One such program that has gained popular attention is Freedom Debt Relief (FDR). However, there is an underlying question that most consumers ask – does Freedom Debt Relief ruin your credit? In this article, we will explore the possible outcomes of enrolling in FDR and how it may affect your credit standing.
Understanding Freedom Debt Relief
Before diving into the impact of FDR on your credit health, we must first have a clear understanding of what the program entails. Freedom Debt Relief is a debt settlement company that helps clients negotiate with creditors to reduce their outstanding balances. This process involves stopping payments to creditors and redirecting funds to a dedicated account managed by FDR. Once a considerable amount is accumulated, FDR negotiates with the creditors to settle the debt for less than what is owed.
Immediate Effects on Your Credit
Missed Payments and Late Fees
As mentioned earlier, when you enroll in the FDR program, you are required to stop making payments to your creditors. This implies that your accounts will become delinquent, leading to missed payment records on your credit report. Missed payments are a primary factor influencing your credit score, and multiple late payment entries can cause significant damage to your credit standing. Furthermore, these missed payments can lead to the accumulation of late fees and charges, increasing the total debt amount owed.
Collection Accounts
When your accounts become significantly delinquent, creditors might sell your debt to collection agencies. The transfer of your account to a collection agency is likely to be reported on your credit report, resulting in an additional dent in your credit score. Moreover, dealing with collection agencies can be a stressful and unpleasant experience for many individuals.
The Debt Settlement Process
As you progress through the FDR program, the primary goal remains to negotiate and settle your debts for less than the outstanding amount. While this may initially sound appealing, it is crucial to consider the implications on your credit report.
Negotiated Settlements and Your Credit Report
When FDR successfully negotiates a settlement with one of your creditors, the settled account will be updated on your credit report as “settled” or “paid as agreed.” However, it is important to note that a settled account is not viewed as favorably as a fully paid account by potential lenders. A settled account indicates that you did not fulfill the original terms of your agreement, which might raise concerns among future lenders about your ability to repay debts.
Tax Implications
Besides its impact on your credit report, settling your debt for less than what is owed might have tax ramifications. The IRS typically considers any forgiven debt above $600 as taxable income. This means that you may owe taxes on the difference between what you originally owed and the negotiated settlement amount, adding to your overall financial burden.
Rebuilding Your Credit After Freedom Debt Relief
While enrolling in FDR might adversely affect your credit score and report, it does not spell doom for your financial future. With commitment and diligence, you can embark on the journey of rebuilding your credit after completing the program.
- Monitor your credit report: Regularly checking and reviewing your credit report can help you identify any discrepancies or inaccuracies that might hamper your efforts to rebuild your credit. If you find any errors, be sure to dispute them with the respective credit bureau.
- Maintain timely payments: Your payment history carries the most weight in determining your credit score. Ensuring timely and consistent payments on your remaining accounts will reflect positively on your credit report and contribute significantly to rebuilding your credit standing.
- Use a secured credit card: A secured credit card is an excellent tool for individuals looking to rebuild their credit. By making regular purchases and paying off the balance each month, you can demonstrate responsible credit behavior and improve your credit score over time.
- Keep low credit utilization: Maintaining a low credit utilization ratio – the percentage of your available credit that you use – signals responsible credit management to potential lenders. Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30% to enhance your credit score.
In conclusion, while Freedom Debt Relief may provide temporary relief from overwhelming debt, it is crucial to weigh the potential harm it can cause to your credit health. Understanding the various aspects of the program and its implications on your credit report can help you make an informed decision about whether or not FDR is the right choice for your financial situation.