Sponsored Post : Somalia "Chorus Line"

Somalia "Naked Nomad" will be available on October 27,2009 on Amazon, Itunes, and other major retailers

Sponsored Post: Somalia "Hooyo"

Somalia "Naked Nomad" will be available on October 27,2009 on Amazon, Itunes, and other major retailers

Sponsored Post : Somalia "Streets Of Amerika"

Somalia "Naked Nomad" will be available on October 27,2009 on Amazon, Itunes, and other major retailers

How to handle a call from a debt collector

How to handle a call from a debt collector

Bill collectors have a job to do and many collectors perform this distasteful duty in a very professional manner. Debt collectors who act professionally, usually do so because they received training on how to collect debts without violating the FDCPA. In order to stay focused on their collection efforts (and not violate the FDCPA) many collection agencies and independent bill collectors use a dunning script.

Being aware of what a typical script looks like, can help you prepare answers to a debt collector's questions ahead of time and thus remain focused on protecting your rights!

Below are two sample scripts that, in my opinion, are a good way to handle debt collection calls.

Debt Collection Script #1 - You believe the debt to be invalid 

Collector: "Hello, is Bill Debtor there?" (Or is this Bill's wife)?

You: "Who is calling please?" (Do not let the use of your first name throw you off guard, always confirm who you are speaking with. Under the FDCPA, collectors must identify themselves and their company)

Collector: "This is Mr. Collector from ABC collections, the collection agency representing Way Past Due on your outstanding balance of $3,700. I need to know if you are able to take care of this past due bill at this time.

" You: "Hold on while I turn on my tape recorder." (After turning on recorder ask the caller to repeat his or her name, company and reason for calling.) Then say, "I do not believe I owe this debt. Send me the information on this debt according to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act so that I may review it."

Expect the collector to use questions or statements in an attempt to get you to admit the debt is yours. Do not answer these questions, stick to the answer outlined above and insist on the collector following the FDCPA by sending you the proper information - stay focused

Their script tells them to ignore your response and press on with asking you a bunch of questions. By refusing to take the "bait" you frustrate their efforts because your answer is not on their script. At this point, many collectors are unsure of what to say or do next so they resort to anger. Remain calm and be sure your recorder is on!

NOTE: Once you've verbally disputed a debt, there is only one legitimate question that you need to answer:

Collector: "Please verify your address?"

You: Go ahead and provide your correct address.

DO NOT answer any additional questions! If the collector insists on asking questions, terminate the call. Expect the collector to call right back. Turn on your recorder and answer the phone. Don't say anything except, "I am recording this call and, since I disputed this debt during your last call, this call from you violates the FDCPA and forces me to report your violation to my State Attorney General. Then, terminate the call again.

Mr. Dangerfield is an I.A.P.D.A Certified Debt Specialist whom has worked in the finance industry for over a decade. He manages www.beingbrokesuckstoday.com and is the author of "A Dangerfield Manifesto" and co-founder of SMG Holdings, the parent company of Squad Music Group, Dangerfield Artistic Entertainment SMG Publishing and Taboo Dangerfield Publishing
Follow me on twitter

Questions you should and shouldn't answer from a debt collector

 Beware of what you say to debt collectors!

If the collector owns the debt and you still wish to pay it, then you must decide on how much to pay. Just remember Junk Debt Buyers purchase old debts for pennies on the dollar.

Questions you can answer:

Do I have your address right at (street), (city) and (state) and (zip code)?

Is this (or what is) your daytime phone ___________?

Note: After answering this question, inform the caller that any future calls between (hours) and on (days) are inconvenient.

Where do you work?

What is the address and phone number of your employer.

Note: Collectors are allowed to call and verify employment BUT that is all! They are not allowed to discuss your information, nor are they entitled to any information about your income or any other personal information.

Questions you do NOT have to answer:

* Are you paid weekly or bi-weekly?

* How much is your take-home pay?

* Is your spouse working?

* If so where, how paid, amount, etc.)

* Do you have other sources of income: (child support, part-time work, in home day care and so forth)?

* Do you rent or own?

* How much per month? Is it current?

* How much is your car payment? Is it current?

* What are the make, model, and year of your car(s)?

* Where do you bank? (checking and savings, name of bank)

* Do you have any bank loans? How much do you owe? Are they current?

* Have you ever borrowed money from (parents, relatives, and friends) in the past? If so, how long ago? How much? Did you pay it back?

If you answered any of the above questions then expect the collector to put you on hold while he figures out the best suggestion for you to pay off the debt. Typically they will come back with, "If I could show you a way to pay this debt off, would you be willing to work with me?

Unless they suggest a payment plan that you can afford DO NOT agree to anything! They'll suggest borrowing from others, refinancing your home or car loan, or putting the debt on another credit card. Using these options means robbing Peter to pay Paul and, more than likely, will just push you deeper in debt.

Consider your answer carefully!! Counter offer with a payment agreement of your own (only suggest what you can truly afford) and ask about credit reporting information. You want to keep it off your credit reports so make this part of your payment agreement.

Collectors are trained to dun (collect or ask for payment) in the following priority...

* Balance in full;
* Settlement (in no more than two payments);
* Payments over 3 or more months, usually not to exceed 6 months;
* Good faith payment while you ask others for loan (parents, friends, bank etc.)

...and since they want the full amount as quick as possible, they will refuse just about anything you offer and try to force you to agree to their terms.

Unless you're extremely good at negotiating, never negotiate terms on the phone, you'll lose every time. Offer your terms once (maybe twice) and if they refuse to work with you, end the conversation!

WARNING! Be absolutely certain the Statute of Limitations (SoL) has not expired before agreeing to anything, but especially before making a token payment! In many states, a token payment or a written agreement to pay resets the SoL clock!

Collection agencies, bill collectors and junk debt buyers are trained to get payments in the following priority:

1. Auto Pay: involves withdrawals from your bank accounts via post-dated checks, automatic electronic withdrawals or similar methods.
2. Priority Mail
3. Certified Mail 

NOTE: Although collectors will insist on you paying by their preferred method, there is no law compelling you to pay by any of these methods! Pay by any method that does not provide information about your bank account to the collector. The best method is to pay by bank draft and send it via official mail.

WARNING! Never pay by post-dated check or an automatic withdrawal process. I've seen it happen too many times where the check is cashed early or more funds are withdrawn than authorized! This causes even more problems with returned checks and overdrawn charges!

Once they have a payment agreement, collectors usually end the call by saying:

"Please repeat the arrangement to be sure I've documented it correctly."

"What guarantee can you give me that you'll send the payment?"

"For what reason would you not send the payment?"

Hopefully you have been taking good notes or, even better, tape recording the call (inform the caller at the beginning of the call that you are taping the call) so you can also keep accurate records of what actions were agreed upon.

WARNING! Do NOT send any money until you have a signed payment agreement letter in your possession!

 Mr. Dangerfield is an I.A.P.D.A Certified Debt Specialist whom has worked in the finance industry for over a decade. He manages www.beingbrokesuckstoday.com and is the author of "A Dangerfield Manifesto" and co-founder of SMG Holdings, the parent company of Squad Music Group, Dangerfield Artistic Entertainment SMG Publishing and Taboo Dangerfield Publishing
Follow me on twitter

Collector Letters #2 Disputing Debts that You Believe are Still Invalid

 Part 2 of the collector letter series. Disputing Debts that You Believe are Still Invalid

Your Name
Home Address
Phone Number

Attention: {name of collector}
Name of Agency
Agency Address
Account Number: {account or reference number}
Dear Mr. /Ms.
This letter is to inform you that I still dispute this debt. After receiving your response to my original dispute letter, I contacted the original creditor who was unable to verify this account as mine.

In my opinion, you have failed to validate this debt. I must remind you that I originally disputed this debt within the 30-day dispute period outlined in the FDCPA and that I am now also responding in a timely manner to your attempt to validate this debt. Because I still consider this debt as "still in dispute" I do not expect to hear from you again except to provide information or documentation to clear up my reasons for disputing this debt.
I already advised you in my previous letter that I am fully aware of my rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act and that I will not hesitate to take all legal steps necessary to protect myself. Be advised that I am keeping accurate records of all correspondence including tape recording all phone calls.
 
Signature just above printed name
Your Printed Name





Mr. Dangerfield is an I.A.P.D.A Certified Debt Specialist whom has worked in the finance industry for over a decade. He manages www.beingbrokesuckstoday.com and is the author of "A Dangerfield Manifesto" and co-founder of SMG Holdings, the parent company of Squad Music Group, Dangerfield Artistic Entertainment SMG Publishing and Taboo Dangerfield Publishing
Follow me on twitter

Private schools and your children

What to look for in a private school for your children 

Many parents turn to private schools when it comes to the business of educating their children. While private schools may offer several advantages, often many positive aspects of a private school are not taken advantage of by parents and students. If you are planning on enrolling or have recently enrolled in a private school, consider the following points.




Speak Up-While some students will make their presence known no matter how large or small their classes  might be, others sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Shy, introverted children may not speak up when they need help or just have a question they'd like to ask simply because they are too intimidated to talk in front of a roomful of other students. Students who attend a private school, however, generally find that their class sizes are smaller and less imposing. Students should take advantage of this by asking questions and participating in class discussions as often as possible. Not only will this allow them to receive the extra help they might need, but it will also give them some practice in speaking before small groups of people...a skill they'll need once they enter college.




Teacher/Student Communication-Private schools typically offer students a more personal, hands-on approach to teaching. Teachers know their students quite well, but they may also be familiar with the families of their students, too.  Because class loads may be lighter, teachers may have more opportunity to speak with their students one-on-one, offering guidance and even counseling, if necessary. Students should take advantage of this fact by taking the time to talk to their teachers about their schoolwork and any other problems or issues that might arise.

Close Friendships-Another advantage of private schools involves the close friendships that can develop among students. Smaller graduating classes typically imply that the students form tighter bonds with each other. Those who attend private parochial schools may also find that they have much in common, including their religious beliefs. Those who do come from different backgrounds should still be able to find acceptance into their peer groups by taking advantage of the wide variety of extracurricular activities and becoming as involved as possible in their school.  Students should look for opportunities to reach out to other students, forming lasting friendships that can follow them into adulthood. Save up to 50% with Student Advantage

Curriculum Choices-Many students also benefit from broader curriculum  choices. Extracurricular activities, such as arts and drama, sporting events, and other areas are often a huge draw for those looking for specialized areas in education. Students need to peruse the course offerings of the school in which they are enrolled, and visit the sponsors of clubs and organizations to inquire about the activities that are offered. They should also talk with the coaches of any sporting events they might be interested in participating in. 




School Property and Grounds-Many parents and students immediately decided upon a certain school simply based on their first impressions. Schools which take pride in their surroundings, including buildings and grounds, often echo that pride throughout the hallways of their buildings as well. Students should look for ways to keep their school beautiful. They could join a garden club, volunteer on weekends, and offer to contribute their talents to improving both the school grounds and the neighboring community, for example by organizing a clean-up of a neighborhood park.




Security-At many private schools, students enjoy a sense of security that public schools may not always be able to offer. While of course, violence can occur virtually anywhere, private school faculties and staff are often more aware of their students' intellectual and emotional needs. Because of the tighter bond between the students and between students and teachers, students may feel that they can approach anyone on staff in regards to bullying and any other threats or problems. If a student finds himself in this situation, he should be able to tell his teachers, counselors or principals about what is happening.

Parent/Faculty Communication-Finally, because parents are paying tuition and other fees for their children to attend a private school, they should expect consistent contact and feedback concerning their children's education. Parents should feel that their needs are addressed. After all, they are spending a considerable amount of money on their child's education and they have a vested interest in the curriculum and the performance of their faculty and staff.

Mr. Dangerfield is an I.A.P.D.A Certified Debt Specialist whom has worked in the finance industry for over a decade. He manages www.beingbrokesuckstoday.com and is the author of "A Dangerfield Manifesto" and co-founder of SMG Holdings, the parent company of Squad Music Group, Dangerfield Artistic Entertainment SMG Publishing and Taboo Dangerfield Publishing
Follow me on twitter