Course Summary

Module Suitability - All Debt Relief Options

Assessing and advising the client on the best debt relief option for them.

• Introduction to Credit.
• Where Credit Reports are used.
• The nine point credit rating scale.
• Credit Bureau policies regarding bankruptcy.
• Myths of Credit.
• Contents of Credit Reports.

Module Understanding the Lending Process

• Credit underwriting guidelines
• Income
• Debt
• Credit
• Savings
• The 4 C's of lending
• Income to Debt Service Ratios
• How to Build a Credit History and Establish Credit.
• A detailed education on FICO and Vantage credit scores
• A detailed education on other debt re-payment strategies - the alternatives to a Debt Settlement Program
• Client Budget & Review
• Re-establishing Credit.
• Explanation of Credit Bureau Pay Habits Ratings
• Counseling the client on making a Financial Plan
  *Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials
• Client Saving and Investment counseling
• Establishing Credit History

Module Debt Collection and Collectors

• Defining the Collection Process.
• Questions and Answers regarding Debt Collection
• What can a client do about Bill Collectors ?
• Fast Facts on Debt Collectors.
• Collection / Collector Training information.
• Typical Initial Collector Telephone Call
• Debt Collection Practices Acts
• Priorities of the Collector
• Collection tactics
• Counseling the client on dealing with Creditors and Collectors
  *Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials

Module Credit Reports and Credit Repair

• Credit Repair (Correction)
• What is Credit Repair
• Inaccurate Credit Reports
• Credit Reporting Acts
• Steps Required to Restore Good Credit
• Reviewing Credit Report
• equesting Corrections
• Obtaining Credit Report
• Ranking Questionable Items on Report
• Sample Letters 1 - 5
• Counseling the client on Credit Reports
  *Debtor Client Counseling - Additional client education materials

Module Negotiation Process & Techniques

• General understanding of negotiation process.
• Negotiation techniques.
• The 4 secrets of Debt Negotiation.
• Debt validation and procedures
• Statute of Limitations - State by State
• Settlement of judgments
• Treatment of Business Debt Settlement.
• Creditor Lawsuits and the importance of filing an answer with the courts
• What to accomplish in each contact with the Creditor / Collector, building consensus and reaching the best possible settlement for the client.

The IAPDA Certified Debt Specialist (CDS) Program Also Includes

Module Ethical Conduct- A thorough discussion and education of Ethical Business Practices for Debt Settlement Professionals

• 6 Steps for Ethical Leadership
• Ethical Best Practices
• Putting Ethics Before Business
• Complete review and study of the IAPDA Code of Ethics

Module Assessing and advising the client on the best debt relief option for them.

• Financial Analysis of client's current financial situation - Suggested forms included
• Developing your client's monthly debt settlement plan.
• Debtor Client counseling and education on financial basics regarding debt and credit

Module Debtor Client Debt & Credit Counseling Module - Additional client education materials

• Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
• Fair Credit Reporting Act
• Equal Credit Opportunity Act
• Truth in Lending Act
• Credit Repair Organizations Act
• Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
• Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act
• Fair Credit Billing Act
• Service Members Civil Relief Act
• Telephone Consumer Protection Act

Module Member Resources Area - Industry & Legistlative information, News & Articles (updated regularly)

• American Fair Credit Council - (AFCC) - AFCC Uniform Program Disclosure Statement
• CFPB Supervisory and Examinations manual - Unfair, Deceptive or Abusive Acts and Practices (effective October 1, 2012)
• CFPB Final Rule governing persons providing consumer debt relief services - (effective August 2, 2013)
• FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment U.S. (effective October 27, 2010)

Module Condensed Summary

• Course Summary - A thorough review and summary of the course materials.

Also Included - Marketing & Expanding your business

• Getting Started
• Advertising, including sample ads.
• Public Court Records
• Direct Mail campaigns
• Referrals
• Example Fee Structures
• Suggested materials for communication with clients and creditors/collectors designed to launch you directly into negotiations with the creditors/collectors for the settlement of your actual client case accounts.
  Commonly used contracts, forms and letters Provided in both printable and editable formats.
• Source of Clients:
• Automobile Dealers
• Credit Grantors
• Purchasing Pre-Qualified Leads
• Cases to take on
• Example Scripts for Client Calls - to enhance full understanding of the course materials.
• Goal Setting - We provide a very detailed Goal Setting program for our members use, if they so desire. The program is designed to significantly increase individual business success.

Important Acts & Rules affecting Debt Settlement Service Providers

• Uniform Debt Management Services Act (UDMSA)
• The FTC Act (Section 5)
• FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment (effective October 27, 2010)
• FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule Amendment - Sales Compliance Overview
• Legal compliance and industry updates, articles & news

*New - Now also included - Consumer Credit Counseling & Debt Management Plans Know all consumer debt relief options and thoroughly understand Credit Counseling & Debt Management programs.Consumer Credit Counseling & Debt Management Plans training consists of two (2) comprehensive training modules.

Module Educating Your Client in Personal Finance

• Understanding Personal Financial Knowledge
• Budgeting, Money & Cash Flow Management
• Borrowing Money (loans)
• Life Insurance Considerations
• An Education in Retirement Planning

Module Educating Your Client regarding Credit Counseling and Debt Management Plans

• The Communication Process and Counseling
• Understand and Using Counseling Skills
• Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information
• Credit Reports
• Debt Recovery Steps
• Bankruptcy (mortgages, student loans, alimony, child support & reposessions)
• Understand and Using Listening Skills
• Understanding Problem Solving
• Understanding Credit Cards
• Consumer Rights - Guide to Consumer Laws
• Existing Strategies for Reducing Client Debt
• Debt Management Plans