Consolidate Debt with Consumer Credit Counseling

It is a fact that nobody likes to have debt, but it is also a fact that many if not all of us do have some debt.  When it gets to the point where it stresses you out and it becomes overwhelming, you need to take action to get yourself back on track.

The best place to turn is to consumer credit counseling. Most consumer credit counseling agencies are non profit, and they are there to help you.  They will work with your creditors and help you get back on track.  Often times they will consolidate your debt into one monthly payment at the fraction of the price.

This will allow you to pay off your debt faster and get back on track with your credit.  It won’t happen overnight, but it is the first step to getting you back on the right track.  It is a lot easier to remember one payment on time, than several others.

You will first need to collect statements and bills to everything you owe.  Take a look at home much debt you actually have.  It may be something you can manage yourself, or you may need the help of a consumer credit counseling agency. 

A consumer credit counseling agency will work with your lenders representing you.  They will try to work out a deal with your lenders to try and get you back on the right track.  You have to remember that it is going to take some time, and you will not see results overnight.

They will also help you get back on the right track for the future.  They can help you create a budget so that you know where your money is going.  They will help you plan for unexpected bills and emergency situations.  What you have to remember is that they are there to help you.

It can be a very stressful time in your life when you are in debt, but you need to know that there are options available to you when you are in need.  You need to take the first step of action and get help before you are overwhelmed in debt and do not know where to turn.  It could be a hard battle, but you can overcome your debt.

Written by awritermom
Professional Writer and Internet Marketer

Burnie discusses Geoff’s recent charges to the company credit card.
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Question by Jeremy F: Credit Counseling?
Im going to file Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, do I have to take credit counseling before I do?

Best answer:

Answer by heyteach
You bet:
“In addition, no individual may be a debtor under chapter 7 or any chapter of the Bankruptcy Code unless he or she has, within 180 days before filing, received credit counseling from an approved credit counseling agency either in an individual or group briefing. ”

http://www.uscourts.gov/bankruptcycourts/bankruptcybasics/chapter7.html#eligibility

Add your own answer in the comments!

Which credit counseling agenices are good?

There are many credit counseling agencies in existence, but only a few worth looking into if your in credit troubles.  Once you invest into one, it is very hard to go back, so careful research will give the answer on which is the right one for you that will not steal your money.  Here are a few tips to know if a credit counseling agency is good:

1)  Internet reviews!  Other than the website itself, what do people on the Internet say about the agency?  Is the credit counseling agency giving what they promise?  What do the people say about it?  Obviously, there will be one or two negative reviews, but for the most part, what is the overall opinion?  If the majority is good, then there is a good chance the credit counseling agency is decent.

2)  Ask around to people you know in a subtle way!  It probably would not be the best idea to go ask someone if there credit is bad and ask them what agency they went to.  Maybe a good way would be to ask if they have ever heard of credit counseling agencies and if they know any agencies’ reputation.  Some of your friends or family may have even tried one and can give you an honest review.  This will help in determining your choice for the credit counseling agency that you will use.

3)  Call them!  This does not mean call them and ask them if they are good.  Call them and decide how you feel their customer service is.  Customer service can tell a lot about a company and if you find them friendly and helpful, that is a plus.  However, if you find them quick and rude, you can scratch that agency off quick.

4)  Get a price quote!  If their price is outrageous, automatically disregard them.  A credit counseling agency should be very low priced and try to get you out of debt, not pile on the debt.  Find out the price and compare it to other agencies before deciding.

5)  Find out the length of the program!  If the program drags out for ten-fifteen years, then you don’t need it.  A good program may be five years at most and the program will be paid off.  A longer program means more money for them and this means they are looking to rip you off.

Credit counseling programs should be researched with a little skepticism and then a decision should be made around these facts.

Written by Eddie Arold
Missionary