THE BITTERSWEET CHALLENGE: GAINING AMERICAN FINANCIAL FREEDOM

So many obstacles are a threat to American financial freedom, especially in the area of choosing what one can do with their own money. Nevertheless, all Americans feel a responsibility.
Americans feel responsible for their personal debt they have accumulated. One of the biggest perhaps would be that of careless government spending throughout history.
One thing that Americans now recognize is that the "charge now, pay later" philosophy that has run our nation is no longer working. Some would say that the debt of the average American ($25,000) would be evidence that the U.S. is charging too much.
Therefore, Americans are looking for new solutions now. One of the first steps-the only seemingly lasting step-to American financial freedom is lifestyle change.
Many Americans are recognizing the need to stop spending what they do not have. Furthermore, they also realize how much trouble they get into signing up free trials.
A variety of debt repayment solutions are available to contribute to American financial freedom. The simplest solution for Americans is to receive counseling from qualified professionals who will help them calculate monthly payback amounts.
Before they spend money on counselors, however, they might consider online debt repayment calculation tools. In order to use this type of tool usually the person's debt needs to be evaluated.
Some debt repayment sites provide useful automated self-evaluation tools for this purpose. Usually the information needed is to fill in amounts of all credit card, medical expense, and other balances owed in certain online form blanks.
Then, you will choose a period of time in which you think you could reasonably pay of your debts. For instance, some people choose a period of about three years. Other people may choose repayment terms of 5 or 10 years or more.
Creating a debt repayment plan helps make American financial freedom a reality. The reason why is it strictly defines a payment plan based on the debtors income.
However, another step may be taken for some people. Their interest percentages on some of their debt may be very high.
This is particularly true of credit card debt. Therefore, they may have to consider other options. These include consolidation, settlement, and forgiveness.
Consolidation is the act of combining debts together in order to pay a lower interest rate. Usually a consolidation loan is taken out to cover the cost of the debt.
After consolidation only one monthly payment is made, in the same way as a dept repayment plan. The biggest difference is the principle plus interest payment is required to be paid monthly.
Settling a debt usually happens with credit cards or other bills that are left unpaid for an extended period of time. When this happens, the creditor or collection agency will usually offer a settlement amount.
Settlement amounts are often half of what the original amount was supposed to be. However, a person does not always need to wait until a bill is delinquent to settle on a bill.
If a person or family is going through a financially difficult time they might be able to see help from a dept management counselor. This counselor will often help lower the amount of debt that is owed to certain credits.
The reduction amount of settlement is often up to 50 percent of the accumulated principle plus interest. In some cases, debts are even forgiven altogether. This is actually called debt forgiveness.
Of course, there are consequences to having debts settled or forgiven. It could hurt a person's credit score for a time. However, some people just want the feeling of being able to "start over".
Believe it or not, some people care more about not having outstanding bills than they do about having a clean credit. Besides, they know in time they will be able to rebuild their name.
Another way to gradually start over is to file bankruptcy. However, this is usually a last resort, as it is a very complicated procedure. Whenever possible this step should be avoided.


Brady Vaughn is a successful internet affiliate marketer and teacher of business and the Law of Attraction. Learn more about the projects he is currently working on at www.LegendaryProfits.com and www.pluginprofitsite.com/main-24317. Join him on Myspace and add him as a friend at www.myspace.com/perpetualcash .