Related Consumer Finance Programs - The following lists of companies and financial service providers offer services to assist you with handling your debts. Combine debt with a consolidation loan or use a credit counseling or debt relief program for help with lowering your payments and getting your credit card bills and other obligations under control.
- Debt Consolidation Settlement - If you have too many credit cards and other small debts and are unable to make your payments, this form of debt negotiation may be right for you.
- Consumer Debt Management - Too many debts and payments to be able to keep up? Compare different debt management services that may be able to help you get control of your bills.
- Personal Loan Rates - Need a smaller loan? Personal loan financing is most often unsecured. Meaning... your home or personal property is not used as collateral and the loan decision will typically be based upon your credit history and your ability to make the necessary payments. Also, this is often referred to as a signature loan.
Complain Effectively and Get Results
What if you have a problem with a financial institution but you're not sure about the best way to resolve the matter? Here are some tips for dealing with the situation and minimizing the frustrations.
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Stay cool, calm and professional. As hard as it may be, don't turn your problem into a personal dispute with a company employee. If you're upset, allow yourself to calm down before calling or putting pen to paper. You'll be much more effective in getting the institution to see your side of the problem, and you'll probably remember more details.
When writing a letter, include your name, address, phone number, account number, a description of your problem and how you'd like it resolved. Also, date and sign your letter. "Although it goes without saying, make sure your letter is legible," said Kincaid. "The FDIC often receives hand-written letters that are very difficult to read, and it's hard to assist someone if we can't determine the issues or the name of the consumer."
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Winter 2006-2007 |
Try to Fix the Problem Directly |
Get Information in Writing | |
FDIC Consumer News is published by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FDIC Consumer News is produced quarterly by the FDIC Office of Public Affairs in cooperation with other Divisions and Offices. It is intended to present information in a nontechnical way and is not intended to be a legal interpretation of FDIC or other government regulations and policies. Mention of a product, service or company does not constitute an endorsement.
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Last updated on 2/1/2007