Credit Verus Debt

Secured and unsecured debt - what's the difference?

It's easy to just think that debt is just debt, but in reality, there are different types of loans, and it's important to know what which type you have.

You will need to understand the differences in order to be a good money manager, or, if the worse happens and you find yourself turning to credit or debt counseling, you'll need to understand how different types of debt can be handled. Let's take a look at two types of debt; secured and unsecured loans.

Secured debt is a loan that has something attached of value attached to it-this is called collateral. The most common examples are car loans and mortgages.

Collateral can be cash or the item (or items) that you borrowed in order to get. (For example, your car.)

With secured debt, if you fall behind on your payments, the collateral can be repossessed and the lender will sell it in order to collect the money that they are owed. But that doesn't always put you in the clear, in reality, even if the collateral has been repossessed or foreclosed on and sold, you may still remain liable for any balance remaining until the entire amount of the loan is paid off.

Additionally, with secured debt you cannot negotiate payments or any restructuring through credit counseling, and oftentimes you won't be able to discharge the debt by filing for bankruptcy.

On the other hand, unsecured debts act totally different. Most people associate unsecured debt with a credit card or a personal loan without collateral. But it can also be a commercial debt or a medical debt.

Essentially, this type of loan is structured around a good credit history and a personal promise to re-pay the loan. There is no collateral on this type of debt, and the creditor has no assurance ? other than your agreement to repay on pre-determined terms ? that they will get paid.

If you fall behind on one of these debts, a lender can send your account into collections and take legal action. More often, they will attempt to try and work out a reasonable debt settlement.

These debts and loans can be discharged, or restructured in bankruptcy or through credit counseling. The bankruptcy laws are changing.

Because of the lender's risk factor, you will generally pay a higher interest rate on these types of loans.

Most people have a mixture of both secured and unsecured debts, and both should be managed with the utmost care and concern. Many times, someone just starting to build their credit history will have to prove themselves with a few, small unsecured debt loans and re-payments in order to qualify to buy a home or a car (secured debt).

But overall, the most important thing is to treat each one as it is; a potential good mark that will improve your credit rating.

Article from http://www.nothing-but-info.com Greatest information place.



Credit Scoring: What You Dont Know Can Hurt You

You've probably heard the term credit scoring. You may have... Read More

Credit cards

If gold medals were awarded for marketing consistency, the credit... Read More

7 Compelling Reasons Why A Prepaid Debit Card May Be Just The Financial Tool You Need

Prepaid debit cards are great financial tools and may be... Read More

How to Improve Your Credit Rating

So you got into debt, had problems but you got... Read More

Credit Cards - A Blessing or a Curse?

Owning a credit card can be quite an advantage. Whether... Read More

ChexSystems: Alternative Options for People Whove Been Checking Accounts

Individual banks elect to become members of ChexSystems, and to... Read More

Big Brother Knows Whats in Your Credit Report - How About You?

Whether you are aware of it or not, credit bureaus... Read More

Credit Repair, How To

Credit repair, is in a word, vital to reestablishing your... Read More

Credit Repair Services vs. Do-It-Yourself Credit Repair

Millions of Americans suffer because of bad credit these days,... Read More

Your Guide On Choosing a Credit Card To Suit You

Reach into your wallet or purse, pull out a card,... Read More

All You Wanted to Know of Bad Credit

Martin Henderson is in a fix these days. Because of... Read More

Credit Traps Snag Consumers

Nearly 20 years ago I worked for a small consumer... Read More

Beat Credit Card Companies at Their Own Game!

Have you ever wondered how much money a credit card... Read More

The Exact Action To Take When You Find Errors In Your Credit Report

There are times when you may be turned down for... Read More

Common Credit Score Myths

A lot of credit score myths about fico score ratings... Read More

Credit Cards - The Top 3 Things You Need To Know

Today there are so many different credit cards available, student... Read More

Rewards Cards - Are They Right For You?

Rewards cards have become the latest rage in the credit... Read More

Credit Card Tips

Here are some useful credit card tips for you to... Read More

Credit Repair Scams

"Erase Bad Debt !""Remove Negative Items From Your Credit Report"You've... Read More

SuperCharged Secret 5, Credit Card Utopia

LIVING IN CREDIT CARD UTOPIALet's just take a brief moment... Read More

Collection Agency Secrets for Collecting on Bad Debt

Getting worried that one of your clients, customers or patients... Read More

A Debt Mentality

While working through my own debt situation, and helping others... Read More

Credit Counseling Basics

Credit counseling is an option you might want to consider... Read More

Your Credit Score

Credit scores: all lenders use credit scores to determine interest... Read More

Balance Transfers Can Help You Stop Putting Money Down The Drain!

As you probably know, interest rates are at all time... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: