54+ Sample Payment Agreements

What Is a Payment Agreement?

When we purchase goods from stores, supermarkets, or online shops, we usually get receipts. These receipts serve as an acknowledgment of our payments. A payment agreement is a receipt that comprises the specifics of a loan. It outlines the stipulations a loan agreement typically has. If you plan to borrow or lend money or apply for amortization, you will need a payment agreement. This agreement will organize all important information concerning payment and also the lender-borrower relationship. While payment agreements come in many forms, they all have one goal—to receive what is due for the service or product given. It can be an installment plan, personal payment arrangement, or business payment agreement.

Tips to Keep Track of Your Payment Plan

According to Statista, in 2019, Tennessee had a personal bankruptcy rate of 496.8 individuals per 100,000, and Alaska had 52.34 per 100,000. Bankruptcy happens when a borrower no longer has money to pay for his/her debts. Since we are talking about loans and payment, here are some tips to keep track of your payment plan. With these tips, a borrower will be able to pay off his debts consistently, and a lender will receive payments as agreed.

Be realistic. When computing your debts, be realistic. Don’t overestimate or underestimate. First, consider your earnings and expenses. Then, calculate the exact amount you can afford to pay your monthly debt. If possible, pay more so you can pay off your debt at an earlier time.Write your plan. A time will come when you will lose sight of your debts, especially when many events are happening around you. That is why writing your plan on paper will remind you of your commitments. You can simply write your debt, its deadline, and the amount of payment. Place the list where you can see it often. In this way, you will think of not wasting your money on unnecessary things.Keep an eye on your progress. Your balance will decrease every time you pay. Whether it is a small or large amount, it is still a big relief to lessen your debt. Keep an eye on your progress and motivate yourself to complete your payment plan. As time goes by, you will be surprised that you’ve finally paid your debt.Continue with your plan. Sometimes, our plans don’t go the way it should. There may be months where you have to pay additional and unanticipated payments. For example, you or a family member gets hospitalized. For that reason, you may not be able to pay more for your balance. Don’t give up, and continue with your plan. Time will come again where you will be able to pay more.Be accountable. Share your plan with some of the people you know. You can tell your mom, dad, brother, or sister so that you will feel more accountable for your settlements. Also, you can try joining people who are making blogs about debts and share your thoughts. Having something in common with someone will encourage you to keep track of your plan.Don’t go out of your budget. Know your monthly budget and divide your money for your expenses. You can’t pay off your debt without considering your budget. If you see yourself going out of your budget, you have to adjust your other expenses to pay off your remaining loan.Live within your means. Don’t go on loaning other things when you are still in debt on one thing. This can be a hindrance to your progress and may discourage you along the process. Live within your means and spend within your budget. If you have credit cards, hide it, or give it to someone who can temporarily keep it for you.Give yourself a break. The loaning process may take years to finish, so it’s good to give yourself a break. Payments and other commitments may drive you insane. Therefore, treat yourself once in a while, but be sure to spend your money on something worthwhile. As much as possible, don’t go over your budget.Remember your goal. Why did you apply for a loan? Is it for a house? Is it to secure your future? There are many practical reasons why people choose to get themselves into a loan. Remind yourself of your smart goal, especially when you feel unmotivated. Keeping your objectives in mind will help you go on with your plan.Look forward to the outcome. Imagine a life free from debt. You will have extra money to spend on other needed or desired things. Most importantly, you’ve learned how to manage your finances even better than before. For accomplishing such a thing, you deserve to celebrate.

How to Compose a Standard Payment Agreement

A written agreement is key to any business proceeding. A payment agreement is a proof that a lender and a borrower have come into terms. Additionally, it gives both parties similar thoughts on what to expect from each other while being bound to the contract. The following are steps on how to compose a payment agreement.

Step 1: Identify the Parties Involved

In the earlier section of the agreement, you must identify the legal and complete names of both the payer and the lender. Also, take note of the date the agreement effectuates. Without this section, the entire contract will be invalid.

Step 2: Specify Payment Terms for the Services Rendered

Specify the goods or services provided and the payment that is due. Give a clear description of what was rendered. Then, determine the payment schedule. Is it going to be on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis? Keep a list of the exact dates for payment. Moreover, set the method for payment, if it can be through cash, check, credit card, or even bank transfer. Add in policies and specify the additional charges in case fees are not being paid on time.

Step 3: Include Conditions for Termination

As we’ve mentioned earlier, not all plans continue as they should. In your contract, include conditions for termination. Write in detail how termination is to proceed along with a specific timeline. Commonly, the party who desires to terminate the contract has to send at least a 30-day prior notice. In addition to that, incorporate provisions for dispute resolution in case conflicts arise later on. Also, it is important to take note of the state laws that will govern your contract.

Step 4: Give Space for Signatures and Dates

In the last section of the agreement, give space for the parties involved to date and sign the contract. The signatures of both will finalize the agreement and make it come to fruition. Remember to make copies of the agreement and let them sign the original copies for keeping.

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FAQs

What is a demand letter?

According to Investopedia, a demand letter is a document one party forwards to another to request for payment. The person who receives the letter may have violated the contract. Attorneys usually write this document, but it is not legally binding. Individuals use it to remind the violating party of his/her payment duties. If the violator refuses to submit, then the sender may bring the issue to court. Note that in the United States, the state laws and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act lays out rules on how debt collection is to be performed.

What happens if you disregard a demand letter?

If you happen to receive a demand letter, ask help from your lawyer. Most people think that simply ignoring one will resolve the issue, but that is not the case—especially if the sender hired an attorney. Confront the issue immediately instead of allowing it to reach the court. Courts will not be in favor of those who disregard demand letters. You can negotiate with the sender and maybe ask for a lesser payment amount. It is better to deal with disputes as early as possible than wait for it to get worse.

How much do you pay an attorney for a demand letter?

A lawyer creating a demand letter may take at least 5 hours of his/her time. These hours may be spent in consultation, researching, drafting, reviewing, etc. A lawyer with so much experience may charge you $275 per hour. That is pretty expensive. Some lawyers may only charge for an hour. In other words, fees mainly depend on the law firm or the lawyer himself/herself.

What is a payment letter?

A payment letter is a paper that reminds a customer of his/her unpaid bills. Some may forget to pay their bills on time because of tight schedules. Any entity who has the right to receive payment can make this letter. Even if it is asking for delayed payments, it should still be written politely.

When is the right time to send an invoice to a customer?

An invoice is a file that records dealings between a seller and a buyer. It can be a sales invoice, receipt, or debit note. Businesses bill their customers through an invoice. Unless a customer is asked to pay ahead of time, an invoice is usually sent after a customer receives the goods or services.

If you own a lending business and you want it to generate profit, you must keep a payment agreement with you. Keeping one is like keeping your money in a bank. You will have the right to take your money when it is time. On the other hand, if you are a borrower, you must keep up with a payment agreement because it is a legally binding document. You may be borrowing money for a good reason. Therefore, think of a payment agreement as a driving factor for you to reach your goals.