Summary of Jean Chatzky's Money 911

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Debt settlement is the process of getting creditors to reduce the amount of money you owe them by settling the debt for a fraction of what it is worth. It is not recommended to use debt settlement to get rid of credit card debt. #2 The best way to find a good debt settlement company is to ask other debtors or friends for recommendations. Debt settlement companies charge a percentage of the amount they settle for you, usually around 15 percent. They’re not accountable to you if they can’t get you a better deal, so be careful. #3 Before signing up with a debt settlement company, you should make sure that it follows the guidelines given in this chapter. #4 You can negotiate with your credit card company to reduce the amount you owe, or to forgive the debt. You can call your creditor and make an offer, or write a check to them.