If you’ve been in debt for quite some time now, you’ve probably done your research online, and you’ve come to find out that there are certain strategies or techniques that you can use in order to fight off your debt for good.  What many people don’t understand is that you don’t have to pay off your bill in full, and there are ways to negotiate.

When you’re trying to settle your debt, there are some techniques that you can follow in order to increase your chances or agreeing to a smaller settlement number.

Always play a nice person

Being mean isn’t going to get you anywhere.  In fact, anywhere you go in life, you’re going to find that the meaner you are, the further you’ll get from where you want to be.  When you call up, or talk with the debt collectors, let them know what you want in a nice tone.  The nicer you are, the closer you’ll get to what you want.  Tell them that you want to work on lowering interest rates, or a lump sum that both parties can agree upon.

Know what you want to ask

When you’re about to call up the creditors, make sure you know what you want to ask.  Even if it means that you have to write your questions down on paper, do it!  The more you’re prepared for the phone call, the more the creditor will know what you’ll want.  If you call up without any questions, or you’re unsure of what you even want, how will they know what you need?

Lenders don’t care about you

When lenders talk about customer service, etc, they don’t really care about your personal situation.  They really only want their money in the long term.  You signed up for what you’re getting yourself into.  If you go into the phone call knowing that they don’t care about your personal situation, the better off you’ll be.

Don’t make threats

Lenders don’t want to hear threats such as, “I’m going to declare bankruptcy.”, or “I’m not going ot pay.”  These aren’t going to work, and in fact, they only may make the situation worsen.  Try and be yourself when talking to someone on the phone, it’s only going to make things better.

When it comes time to negotiate with the credit card companies, or the lenders, just make sure that you follow some of these tips.  As long as you do this, your situation can only get better.