one Texas A woman thinks she will outdo her ex. Unfortunately, since she co-signed a check for $10,000, fate had other plans. bike Borrow money from that individual and then the individual disappears. Now, years after the breakup, this woman, Anne, has been dealing with debt Collectors bought a bike she hadn’t seen in four or five years, and a man she didn’t know “alive or dead.”
A few weeks ago, she recounted her ordeal on The Ramsay Show, which offers advice on how to build wealth. “He hasn’t paid yet. I don’t care about my credit, but they keep calling,” she shared.
However, Anne heard bad news. Although Annie can’t be with her ex or use her bicycle, she still faces the dilemma of borrowing money. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), co-signers can be legally responsible if the primary borrower stops making payments. Additionally, it states that the lender does not have to find the counterparty first. They can contact the co-signer directly, in this case Anne.
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Since the bike could not be repossessed and the ex could not be found, the lender took the logical step and contacted the co-signer. The showrunners got some advice from Anne.
How to protect credit?
Host Jade Warshaw told Anne, “You have to save your money,” adding, “If you don’t pay it, your credit will be ruined.”
Joint loans appear on borrowers’ credit records, so late payments and defaults can affect both parties. Anne is now married and living on a tight budget, which has led her to return to work after retirement to make ends meet.
Warshaw added that Anne should sit down with her husband and go over their finances together so they have a clear picture and can plan ahead accordingly. At the same time, from CFPB, Experian and the Federal Trade Commission (Federal Trade Commission) explains how to protect credit in this situation.
- According to the CFPB, debt is inescapable, and if the primary borrower fails to pay, it’s best to treat the debt as your own and make prompt payments to avoid increased fees, penalties, and credit damage.
- The consumer watchdog advises that if a collector contacts someone, respond quickly. Ignoring a phone call or letter will only make the situation worse.
- Experian recommends paying close attention to your credit reports. This will give you an idea of ​​how to report a cosigner loan. Late payments, charge-offs, etc. are bound to significantly affect the credit scores of both parties.
- Under FTC regulations, repayment or settlement options can be negotiated with creditors. The agency notes that in some cases, particularly with older debts, creditors may not only be willing to negotiate but may also accept a lump-sum settlement for less than the entire amount owed. However, in this case, it’s best to get the deal in writing before money changes hands.
- It’s essential to have a complete home plan that includes non-negotiable rent so people know what expenses can be cut in the short term to pay down debt.
