In this video, Jacqueline introduces the online platform www.debts.nl. This is an initiative of Zuidweg & Partner and PLANgroep with the aim of helping entrepreneurs and private individuals with debts more quickly and effectively. The main problem at the moment is that people with problematic debts end up with debt counseling agencies much too late. From the observation of the first payment arrears, this takes an average of 1 to 3 years for entrepreneurs and no less than 5 to 7 years for private individuals. During this period, the damage for all parties involved will only increase.
Nowadays, creditors can predict early whether someone who is in arrears will or will no longer pay their bills. The objective of Schulden.nl is aimed at both creditors and debtors.
For creditors, Schulden.nl offers the possibility to refer a debtor directly to a helping body if they find that this debtor can no longer pay. Instead of using a debt collection agency or a bailiff, the creditor immediately contacts the debtor and advises him or her to register with Schulden.nl.
Schulden.nl offers quick and effective help for debtors. As a debtor you can register via the website or by telephone. Schulden.nl will contact the debtor for a telephone intake interview within two days. This takes into account the payment arrears, the amount of the debt and how many creditors there are. A personal intake interview will follow within two weeks. In this meeting, the debtor can explain his or her situation to the advisors of Schulden.nl. We will then go deeper into the cause of the debts and the possible solutions. If necessary, a transfer from a specialized party takes place. This can be a debt counselor, a voluntary organization that helps entrepreneurs with accounting, but also a social worker or psychological care.
The costs of the service Schulden.nl are borne by the joint creditors.