Frequently Asked Questions
CREDIT 101
A credit score is a number that summarizes the historical credit information on a credit report. The number reflects the likelihood that you will become delinquent on a loan or a credit obligation in the future.
Score factors or score factor codes are provided with a credit score to explain how items in your credit report influenced the score. These codes can help you understand which items had the greatest impact.
There are many different credit scoring systems with different scales, a “good” credit score depends on the scoring system used by your particular lender. However, you can get a very good idea of whether you have a “good” credit score by getting a credit score and report from Experian. If you have a “good” credit score from Experian, you likely will have a “good” credit score with your lender.
Credit scores use information from three key areas of your credit report: account information (such as credit cards, auto loans, student loans, mortgages and rent), public records (such as judgements or bankruptcies) and inquiries (requests by lenders to view your credit). Information such as race, gender, where you live and marital status are not used in credit scores.
Payment History
Amounts Owed
Length of Credit History
New Credit
Types of Credit in Use
Sure, your credit is your own, you just need to be aware that applying for new credit will add new inquiries to your credit report which will impact your credit score.
There isnt a specific time frame listed Creditors control the information they provide to the credit bureaus. Generally negative items will stay on your credit report for seven years, bankruptcies will stay for ten years, hard inquiries will stay for two years and some unpaid student loans can stay forever.
Paying your bills every month will build your credit history. If they are revolving or installment accounts, paying your bills every month will build your credit history.
DEBT RELIEF
Credit counseling helps you get your finances back in order if you’re struggling to repay debts. Our counselor can help you develop a budget and give you personalized advice for paying off your debts. If your finances are in a worse shape and you require further assistance, our counselor can help you enroll in a debt management plan or may steer you towards debt settlement or debt consolidation programs.
When you participate in a debt management plan (DMP), you stop paying your creditors directly. Instead, your monthly payments are sent to your credit counseling organization, which then pays each bill for you.
Debt consolidation allows you to combine several monthly payments into one. And like a DMP, it can also help you receive lower interest rates and fees.
But this is done very differently from a DMP and can have different consequences. By consolidating with a debt consolidation firm rather than a credit counseling agency, you typically turn unsecured debt — like credit card debt — into a secured debt — one backed by property like your home or car
Debt settlement directly reduces the amount of money you are required to pay your creditors
Bankruptcy is a type of financial assistance reserved for people with no other options. It helps people gain a fresh start by erasing their debts. But filing for bankruptcy does have lasting consequences.
As most lenders and creditors deem individuals with a bad credit risky thus making securing loan out of reach or more expensive but with our consolidation program, we give individuals a benefit of doubt offering a second chance to make amends with their finances. Visit our various loan options so you can have an idea of the various options you may have access to if you’re a looking to consolidate your debts with a bad credit.
During a debt consolidation program hard pulls will be carried out on your various accounts to have an idea of what to expect with your account and situation unfortunately these pulls will have a mild effect compared to bankruptcy. If you are already behind on your bills, your credit score will already be lower so the effects of our program may not be as severe. You have to decide if it’s better to resolve your debt now at a lower cost and then rebuild your credit
There is always a possibility that any creditor can sue you. However, lawsuits are expensive and creditors try to avoid them. We aim to complete the program as quickly and efficiently as possible to avoid any lawsuits.
Most forms of unsecured debt can be included in our Program.
Credit repairs can’t be accomplished at one go as credit damages are attain progressively similar situation applies to repairs by staying on our Program, you effectively restructure your debt causing your credit rating to progressively improve.
No. Debt Consolidation is not a loan; it is a debt relief program, which could involve loan. The main idea of debt consolidation is to either mitigate interest and principal debt co
The whole idea surrounding debt settlement is the bargaining of indebted amount reducing the indebted amount. It is considered a feasible debt relief option.
Your bankruptcy will be shown in your credit report for up to 10 years. It’s also a matter of public record. Any work or job that requires your background check might get affected. The effects of bankruptcy are unavoidable, but you can manage your finances even after debt settlement.
You can pay off all unsecured debts (medical bills, payday loans, credit cards, department store cards,) and specific secured debts contact a representative to know more about secured debts that can be settled with the program etc
Debt settlement requires less time, you can regain financial independence within a considerable amount of time.
You can avoid creditor harassment when you enroll in a settlement program, you will no longer have to deal with creditors directly.
You do not have to bother paying multiple creditors simultaneously and missing payments. Under the settlement program you are expected to only finance the settlement account.
The goal of every lender is to retrieve leant funds without risking much in terms of value or profit losses meaning creditors it profitable to settle debts rather than selling them off to collection agencies at a comparatively lower price.
The goal of every lender is to retrieve leant funds without risking much in terms of value or profit losses meaning creditors it profitable to settle debts rather than selling them off to collection agencies at a comparatively lower price.
Most consumer debt can be eliminated through a bankruptcy discharge. If you forget to include a debt in the filing of bankruptcy paperwork, it will not be recognized for a discharge. Giving creditors the opportunity to ignore the discharge of that particular debt.
There is no minimum amount of debt to qualify for bankruptcy. It is also important to keep in mind that there are limits on how many times you can discharge your debts in bankruptcy and a time spacing for which you can file for bankruptcy.
It is certainly possible for an individual to file for bankruptcy without a lawyer (or “pro se”). However, the rules and procedures governing the bankruptcy discharge process are extremely complex, and it can therefore be very beneficial to an attorney with experience in bankruptcy law our debt relief team comprises of vastly experienced lawyers who have handled numerous bankruptcy cases with numerous scenarios.
GENERAL INVESTMENT
An investment is a way of putting money away, with the hope that the amount will increase over time. For most people, investments are made in the stock market (buying shares in companies) but some of the other most common investments include:
Corporate Bonds
Investment Fund
Units Trusts or OEIC
Government bonds (gilts)
Property (commercial or residential
We believe that in order to truly provide financial peace of mind, we must do far more than manage investments. As part of our financial planning services, we work with clients in many areas, including:
Retirement planning
Tax planning
Insurance planning / risk management
Estate planning
Education planning
Banking advice
A share is the single smallest denomination of a company’s stock.
A stock (also known as equity) is a security that represents the ownership of a fraction of a corporation.
Yes, there are products that contain guarantees which are designed to provide peace of mind to first time investors but which also appeal to the more cautious, however they usually come with an additional cost.
Yes, you can have an income, either from the outset or left until a later date if income is not needed straight away, this is something we will clarify with you when deciding which is investment is most suitable.
An investment platform is an online service which provides access to funds from a wide range of Investment Managers, which means that you can pick various funds from various Investment Managers but you do not have to go to each one of them individually as they are bought by the Platform provider on your behalf.
Investing is riskier than saving. With savings, you have the security of earning steady returns – through interest payments – but with investments, you take a risk on whether you make a profit or loss. A person should only invest if they are prepared to take the risk that their investments could go down, as well as up, in value.
The stock market is where different company shares (very small percentages of ownership) are listed, sold and bought. Companies sell shares in a bid to boost funds available to invest, by offering investors the chance to back them financially. The shareholder then gains returns on the business profits (via dividend and changes in the share value) – but if the company makes losses, the shareholder potentially will as well.
There is no recommended figure, but it is a common misconception that you should always invest large sums of money. If you are new to investments, as a general rule, you should start by only investing what you can afford to lose.
Investors who consistently invest small sums can be just as successful than those who invest lump sums. These smaller investments can be gradually increased to larger sums over time.
The best investment for an individual depends on their personal finances and circumstances. Choosing the right product is a crucial part of creating a robust investment plan so it’s important that the investor seeks quality financial advice.
Absolutely yes. Clients are always welcome to call us; we are committed to being responsive. We also offer regular meetings because we want you to understand and be comfortable with your investments and overall financial plan. We are also happy to meet with you outside of our offices if necessary.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Retirement planning is the process of determining retirement income goals, and the actions and decisions necessary to achieve those goals
How can I save smarter and faster for retirement?
Avoiding emotional investing, following proven principles and adjusting your plan for the right reasons can help you reach your goals. Negative headlines and market volatility can make it tempting to change a well-designed investment plan. While selling off your portfolio may make you feel better, this decision could mean lost opportunity and not achieving your long-term investment goals.
Invest early
Invest regularly
Invest enough
Diversify
Have a plan
Adjust Your Plan as Needed
Your investment plan should be dynamic, not static. Here are three “levers” that can be adjusted over the years to meet your changing needs
You know that you should be saving for retirement, but you may not know how much that should be. If you are worried that you are not saving enough, or wish that you could have a little bit more money to spend each month, you may be looking at your retirement contributions and wondering if you should adjust them.
Retirement planning and savings can be a confusing process. It is important that you do not let your confusion stop you from planning for your future. Learn the basic steps you need to begin saving for retirement
Retirement planning is a large part of what we can do for you. We will work with you to assess your situation, discuss your retirement goals and prepare a thorough analysis to determine a realistic and appropriate retirement date.
How Much You Invest
Concerned about not having enough money to meet your goals? Consider adjusting how much you contribute on a regular basis. Even a small increase can have a significant impact long-term
How Long You Invest
You can extend or shorten your investing time horizon based on your needs. For example, postpone retirement or re-enter the workforce if you want more time to build your wealth.
How Much Risk You Have
This lever should be shifted carefully as your risk profile is core to your investment plan. The best way to do this is to review your portfolio regularly with you
Wealth Management
Wealth management usually refers to a suite of services that provides the opportunity to work with a financial professional. It usually includes working together on a broad plan to help grow and protect assets and it often includes the ability to take advantage of professional money management.
Wealth planning is a broad term that generally focuses on both growth and protection of assets, supported by planning around certain goals. It usually involves working with a financial professional, who takes the time to get to know you and your financial situation. This person can work with you to explore various aspects of your full financial picture, from retirement goals to guidance around estate planning needs, as well as specific investment strategies designed to help you reach your goals.
Wealth planning is a broad term that generally focuses on both growth and protection of assets, supported by planning around certain goals. It usually involves working with a financial professional, who takes the time to get to know you and your financial situation. This person can work with you to explore various aspects of your full financial picture, from retirement goals to guidance around estate planning needs, as well as specific investment strategies designed to help you reach your goals.
While the minimum investment required varies from investment firm to investment firm, wealth management is designed for clients whose financial situations warrant the personal attention of a financial professional.
They are being paid a commission based on the results produced with that incentivize we encourage the financial planners or brokers to constantly make trades and manage the client’s portfolio profitably
Absolutely yes. Clients are always welcome to call us; we are committed to being responsive. We also offer regular meetings because we want you to understand and be comfortable with your investments and overall financial plan. We are also happy to meet with you outside of our offices if necessary.
On the engagement of our service, you grant us the discretion to make investment decisions and trades on your behalf. As part of that process, we will communicate to you in a timely manner the thought process behind the trading decisions we have made.
INVESTIGATION
We provide a range of investigation services ranging from
Comprehensive due diligence across various sectors
Fraud & Forensics investigation
Identity theft
Skimming or Cash Larceny
Billing Schemes
Payroll and Expense Schemes
Check Tampering
Inventory and Other Assets
Fictitious Revenues
Concealed Liabilities
Timinig Differences
Improper Asset Valuation
Tax Issues
Asset tracing, including coordination of offshore counsel and forensic accountants
Risk consulting
Legal counsel
Advisory
Internet and eCommerce fraud
Trade secrets, including misappropriation of confidential information and data theft
White-collar crime, including anti-bribery, money laundering and extradition
Fill out and submit the online service request form.
The information you provide us will automatically be processed and within 24 hours you would receive a free consultation from one of our professionals with the aim of accessing your situation in depth to determine the best approach suited for the presented issue.
Here are some tips about telemarketing and Internet scams to help you determine whether something might be fraudulent. There is also special information about fraud against seniors and scams against businesses. if someone:
Makes an offer that sounds too good to be true;
Promises that you can win money, make money, or borrow money easily;
Asks for money to enter a contest, win a sweepstakes or lottery, or claim a prize;
Refuses to send you written information before you agree to buy or donate;
Refuses to give you a physical address;
Refuses to give you the details of the offer before you make any payment;
Requests your bank account or credit card number when you are not making a purchase with that account;
Uses scare tactics or pressure to act immediately;
Insists that you wire money or have a courier pick up your payment;
Refuses to stop calling after you’ve asked not to be called again;
Contacts you to ask for personal information the company already has.
Gives you a check or money order and asks you to send some of the money somewhere.
In a situation your claim is processed and proceeds through the legal system we can assist you file for restitution in addition to claiming the original amount paid alternatively If you paid with a credit card or the money was debited from your bank account, you may be able to dispute the charges or debit. Contact your credit card issuer or bank immediately. If the charge was on your telephone bill, contact the company that sent you the bill to find out how you can dispute the charge. Some online auction sites have insurance that covers at least a portion of the loss in auction transactions. Read the terms and conditions of the insurance carefully before you bid.
Depending on the amount of money you lost we can assist you by providing the needed guidance and legal support needed to be able to establish a claim for damages.
We do not have any discrimination toward clients or aspiring clients provided the individuals follow the standard operating procedure set for inhabitation of cases
We do not cover payments of debts the services we offer cover a vast amount of options and function debt settlement doesn’t happen to be one of them
Once the desired service is indicated The form completed and submitted providing all relevant information A verification process will be conducted to verify all the provided information and a review of your case once a resolution has been attaining a confirmation email will be issue followed by a consultation to ascertain the full extent and assessment of your situation needing assistance.
There are no specific time frames for resolution of situations individual cases differ situations result to a different approach and different time frames
In situations were no feasible solution can be provided to your situation after all available options have been considered you will be informed of the situation and be given a notice and a full refund of paid funds
As with any other type of investment, managed accounts carry some risk. The returns and portfolio value may fluctuate. Gains are not guaranteed, and monetary losses are possible. Dividends may be less (or more) than expected, and applicable rules and regulations may change, which can also affect value.
There is a minimum investment of $5,000 and advisory fees of 0.30%.
The money you deposit with Brighter Future Solutions is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to a total of £85,000 per customer. If you lose cash or securities from your account due to unauthorized activity, we’ll reimburse you for the cash or shares of securities you lost. We’re promising you this protection, which adds to the provisions that already govern your account, if unauthorized activity ever occurs and we determine it was through no fault of your own. Of course, unauthorized activity does not include actions or transactions undertaken by or at the request of you, your investment advisors or family members, or anyone else whom you have allowed access to your account or to your account information for any purpose, such as trading securities, making withdrawals and transfers.
Our investment professionals make trading decisions such as adding or removing an investment from your portfolio, the decisions are made in accordance with results from our team of research analysts and market strategists in accompanied by the information provide by you giving us an insight into your investment objective, time horizon, and risk tolerance, all of which factor into the portfolio we manage for you . For example, even if you indicate a willingness to take on a lot of risk, your stated investment objective or time frame may cause us to develop a portfolio with a lower level of risk as we evaluate your responses holistically.
In a situation where you intend to liquidate the assets in your portfolio you should give your account manager 7 working days heads up to put your account in order and ready your funds.
If you which to make a withdrawal in profits or proceeds from dividend paid out you will have you follow the make a withdrawal request verify the transaction and receive your funds or contact your account manager informing him of your intention to make a withdrawal and authorizing him to initiating the transaction on your behalf.