How do I begin?
To begin on the path to financial freedom and improving credit worthiness, simply complete the online application or contact a counselor directly. To assist in expediting the enrollment process, have your most recent creditor statements available for quick and easy reference.

What happens after I have submitted my information?
A counselor will contact you to discuss the details of your proposed debt management program. Our professional, certified counselors will evaluate your financial state, assist in creating a spending plan, and discuss options for credit payment and improving credit worthiness.

How long does it take to pay off my debts?
Most clients are able to pay off their debt in 3 to 5 years through the debt management program. Our goal is to show you how to be debt free in five years or less.

How does your debt management program affect my credit report?
Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® does not send information to any credit-reporting agency. Most creditors "re-age" past-due accounts once you have made 3 consecutive payments, thus making your account current. Some creditors note on your credit report that you are paying through a debt management program and receiving bill paying help. Most creditors acknowledge that this is a responsible way of dealing with over-extended credit issues and use this statement simply to prevent you from getting any other unsecured debt while paying through your debt management program.

Do I have to be delinquent with my debts to be eligible for your program?
No. Our debt management program works with creditors regardless of your credit history.

Does Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® keep my information confidential?
Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® is committed to maintaining complete confidentiality. Your information will not be given out to anyone except those persons authorized by you to receive information on your behalf regarding your debt management. Of course, the creditors will be advised that you have contacted our firm to assist you, once you have enrolled in our program.

Why shouldn’t I just file for Bankruptcy?
You should only file for Bankruptcy as a last resort. If you have enough discretionary income to resolve your debt over time, it may be recommended that you participate in the debt management program in lieu of filing bankruptcy. Resolving your debt through the debt management program will have a more positive impact on your credit rating in the long run. Remember that a Bankruptcy will stay on your credit profile for up to 10 years. Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® will show you how to be debt free in five years or less.

How would I know if I am dealing with a reputable debt counseling firm?
Contact the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here.

Why will creditors lower interest rates, waive fees, and lower payments for Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® but not directly for me?
In some cases, you can negotiate with creditors on your own for bill paying help. In those instances, the concessions creditors make are usually only for short periods of time such as 3 to 6 months. Creditors are only interested in their own account and not the accounts you have with other creditors. Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® is able to negotiate for lower payments, lower interest rates, and waived late and over-limit fees for as long as it takes you to get our of debt as well as manage all of your unsecured debt. By enrolling in our program, you can have peace of mind that your creditors are being managed professionally while you receive the support and encouragement from a highly trained and skilled staff.

Can I make larger payments while on your program?
Yes, through our program you are welcome to send extra money at any time while utilizing Metropolitan Debt Solutions ® for bill paying help.

Would creditors prefer that I file for bankruptcy?
No. If you file for bankruptcy they will not receive the funds owed to them.

What is unsecured debt?
An unsecured debt generally arises out of a contract you enter into with a creditor enabling you to obtain goods or services on credit in exchange for your promise to pay that creditor back. The most common types of unsecured debt are credit cards and personal loans. If you fall behind on this type of debt, the only recourse the lender has is legal action. As a result, the interest rate charged on unsecured debts is generally higher than for secured debts.

What is secured debt?
A secured debt is a loan where the creditor retains a security interest in an item of real or personal property such as a house, or an automobile. If you fall behind on payments on this type of debt, the lender has the ability to repossess the property in order to mitigate their damages. It is important to remember that you could remain liable for any deficiency balance owing after the property has been repossessed and sold. Certain exceptions may apply and will depend on the exact nature of the security interest.

When does a secured debt become an unsecured debt?
A secured debt may become an unsecured debt in situations where the property securing the loan has already been repossessed and sold by the creditor. If the sale of the property does not cover the contractual obligation, a deficiency balance is owed. This deficiency balance then becomes an unsecured debt. Certain exceptions may apply and will depend on the exact nature of the security interest.