Debt can escalate quickly, especially when accounts move into collections or interest rates make balances difficult to manage. Are unpaid debts or accounts in collections keeping you from financial stability?

In this SmartFinance Academy webinar, Virginia Wright, HUD Certified Housing Counselor at the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OHLSA), will walk you through practical strategies for negotiating with creditors and collection agencies to reach better payment terms and reduce what you owe.

Moderated by Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg, this practical session provides a structured, real-world approach to negotiating debt, reducing financial strain, stabilizing your budget, and protecting your long-term credit position.

This session addresses strategies for medical and student loan debt, approaches for negotiating debt that hasn't yet reached collections, your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the financial and tax implications of debt forgiveness and how to recognize scams.

What you’ll learn:

• How to assess your current debt position and prioritize accounts strategically.
• Proven approaches for negotiating with collection agencies and original creditors.
• Strategies to address high-interest debt, restructure payments, or unaffordable credit card payments.
• Understand the financial implications of debt forgiveness, including potential tax consequences.
• Steps to protect yourself from scams and predatory practices during the negotiation process.

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