Consumer Credit Act 1974

The Consumer Credit Act 1974 (1974 c. 39) was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that significantly reformed the law relating to consumer credit within the United Kingdom.

Prior to the Consumer Credit Act, legislation covering consumer credit was slapdash and focused on particular areas rather than consumer credit as a whole, such as moneylenders and hire-purchase agreements. Following the report of the Crowther Committee in 1971 it was decided that wide-ranging reform of consumer credit law was needed, and a bill to do this was introduced to Parliament. Despite its progress through Parliament being disrupted by a general election, the bill passed quickly through the legislative process thanks to support from both the government and the opposition, coming into law on 31 July 1974.

The Act introduces new protection for consumers and new regulation for bodies trading in consumer credit and related industries. Such traders must have full licenses from the Office of Fair Trading, which may be suspended or revoked in the event of irregularities. The Act also regulates what may be taken as security, limits the ways in which credit organisations can advertise and gives the county courts the ability to intercede in the case of unfair or unjust credit agreements. It also gives additional rights to the debtor, including certain limited rights to cancel concluded agreements. The Act was superseded by the Consumer Credit Act 2006, which significantly reformed the 1974 Act and made it largely irrelevant.

source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Credit_Act_1974

News : Some willing to seek advice, such as services offered by consumer credit counseling

source : debtconsolidationconnection.com
By Peggy Stillwell on Apr 20th, 2010

A recent survey shows that some consumers may not feel too educated when it comes to dealing with their finances, although they are willing to look for help.

According to the poll from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 34 percent of respondents would give themselves a grade of C, D or F regarding their understanding of personal finances. The percentage represents more than 77 million people who may be in line for some additional assistance.

"Although the survey did show some improvements in consumer behavior as it relates to personal finance, there are still serious deficiencies which impact consumers' ability to properly manage their money, particularly during an economic crisis," said NFCC spokeswoman Gail Cunningham. ...

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News : Military personnel may consider consumer credit counseling for debt help

source : debtconsolidationconnection.com
By Oscar Monfort on Apr 11th, 2010

The fear of growing debt may cause some consumers to shy away from dealing with the problem, an ill-advised strategy that will only make matters worse.

In a recent story from the American Forces Press Service published on the Department of Defense's website, the Pentagon's personal finance director noted that members of the military need to act as soon as possible in order to deal with bill problems.

"Financial problems aren't like a fine wine; they don't get better with age," Julian said. ...

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News : Debt consolidation, consumer credit counseling options for improving finances

source:debtconsolidationconnection.com
By Marvin Milner on Apr 21st, 2010

When facing a troubling debt situation and dwindling finances, people may consider options like debt consolidation or consumer credit counseling.

In a recent piece for her website, personal finance expert Liz Pulliam Weston showcased a letter from a reader whose credit dropped after a foreclosure. Furthermore, the reader faced a reduction in salary after finding a new job and was curious as to how consumers in such a situation can start rebuilding their credit.

Pulliam Weston noted one option for consumers is debt consolidation. Through debt consolidation, people may be able to lower the amount of interest they pay on credit cards, which can help them get out of debt faster. ...

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News : Government programs, debt consolidation may help pay down student loans

source : debtconsolidationconnection.com
By Peggy Stillwell on Apr 11th, 2010

Government programs do exist to help those in financial trouble put food on the table or pay for medical expenses.

However, as the effects of the last recession are still felt, more people may find they have to rely on the assistance provided by Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the latter more commonly known as food stamps.

According to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, SNAP saw a 32 percent increase in Georgia from December 2008 to the same month in 2009. During that time, Medicaid recipients also went up by 9 percent. But the paper noted the state is planning on reducing the number of workers who administer the program by 137 people.

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News : Consult with consumer credit counseling service before seeking debt settlement

source : debtconsolidationconnection.com
By Oscar Monfort on Mar 26th, 2010

A recent column suggested that people consult with a consumer credit counseling agency before they consider debt settlement.

In writing for the Detroit Free Press, Susan Tompor noted that a debt settlement could end up costing them while also hurting their credit score. Through debt settlement, lenders agree to take less money than is owed in order to square up an account.

"Regulators and others warn that if borrowers get involved with the wrong outfit, they could end up losing thousands of dollars, ruin their credit, and find themselves hounded and even sued by creditors and possibly forced into bankruptcy," Tompor said. ...

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Link to a forum : "Consumer Credit Counseling Service and DMP"

Opening date of this forum : Nov 13 2008
( 4 posts )

Opening post of this forum :

"How is somebody with debt and expenses over their monthly income suppose to save any money. Or even budgeting for that matter. If you only paying your necessary expenses and your Credit Cards and Car loans, and have nothing or less then nothing left over, what do you do? We have 2 cars because there is no reliable or safe public transportation that can take us to work and to and from the babysitter everyday. We have internet because of work ans school. Not for entertainment.
"Karla with a K" has written some really good things on this thread. And would love her advice.
I am paying ruffly 700 dollars a month to my unsecured debt. And 500 dollars a month to secured debt. I have an appointment with CCCS on Tuesday to hopefully enter their DMP program. DO you Karla or any other person familiar with CCCS, know if they recomend me to bring all my "debt" or just the unsecured one? I am not late on my secured debt ( carloans )and the interest is low ( around 5 % ) but the payments are very steep. I could really benefit from a reduction of 300 - 400 dollars a month in debt payments. Is that even possible with CCCS?
Thanks in advance.

And to all of you who is struggling everyday to get by to suport yourself and your family. There are many of us out there and you can always come here for support. I even would suggest citydata to give financial hardship its own forum."

see this forum

Link to a forum : "Consumer Credit Counseling etc."

Last post: Feb 23 2010
(more than 26 replies)

Opening post of this forum :
"Hi ,

I'm not saying I'm going to do this, but it never hurts to consider options. Does anyone know anything about debt consolidation, consumer credit counseling, bankruptcy, and similar such programs?

DR says they are a bad idea b/c they will destroy your credit. But, I'm starting to wonder if it might be the only realistic option for us. Ironically, one reason we were able to take on so much debt is because of our good credit. Somehow we always manage to make the minimum payments and make them on time. However, if we were to move I doubt if we could get another mortgage or even qualify for a rental property because our debt to income ratio is terrible with a capital T. And I know of others who have declared bankruptcy or done some type of debt consolidation and they survived and were better off in the long run.

If the farm sells the situation will change considerably but who knows when that will happen.

Given the poor economy I don't see our income going up significantly any time in the near future. At the rate we're going we will literally have this consumer debt for the rest of our lives.

Does anyone have any ideas? "

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Article : Missed rate increase opt-out? You have 3 choices

Todd Ossenfort | Posted: Friday, April 2, 2010

Q: I missed the opt-out letter from my bank credit card. I have a $10,000 balance, and my former APR was 9.24 percent, but it was increased to 29.99 percent. I’ve been a customer since 2000. I’ve called several times to ask that my APR be reduced and/or a payment plan, and they said no because my account is current. I pay online and simply missed the opt-out offer.

This is my next to last debt to pay off so, of course, that’s good. I have been using the debt snowball method, which has really accelerated my payoffs. Any suggestions on what to do from here?

The interest per month is around $240, and it’s killing me. Because of the debt snowball method, I can make the minimum payment but just hate to lose so much money each month. I have $2,000 from my tax refund to apply to the card, but just hate losing so much money in the interim.

I have a part-time business that also is helping me pay more than the minimum each month. They told me that, because my account is in excellent standing that they have no programs to offer me, but if I miss a payment or pay less than the minimum, then call back because they will be able to assist me. Of course this is ludicrous to me since all I need is for them to lower my APR back to 9.24 percent.

A: Great job on paying down your debt and reaching the point that you have only one account left to pay off. I understand your frustration and looking at it from just your side, it seems unfair. However, if you were the creditors, you would understand their point of view as well. They decided, for whatever reason, that you were an increased credit risk and needed to change your annual percentage rate (APR) to reflect that.

Your creditors wrote you a letter explaining this decision and gave you the option to close your account and opt out of the increase in your APR. When they did not receive word from you that you wished to opt out, they increased your APR and left your account open.

On the surface, it may seem odd that your credit card issuer will not lower your APR and allow you to pay out your balance at the old rate. The sticking point for your creditors is that they appear to perceive you to be an increased risk and your account remains open — meaning you can increase your balance with additional charges. Because of these things, the issuer believes it must charge you an increased APR to minimize risk.

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Link to a forum : "Advice on Debt Negotiation Service"

Last post: 10-30-2008

Opening post from this forum :
"I have recently signed up with a company called Debt Negotiation Services. I am set to make monthly payments for 48 months. Recently I've had a creditor call me and say that one of the accounts have "charged-off". I'm starting to have second thoughts about the service . I have read on CreditInfocenter.com that (most) of these companies are not worth using/trusting. Has anyone used this company or a similar one with any success?

Thanks for any help. "

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